If past years are any indication, losing weight is probably the most popular New Year's resolution. To improve our (collective) chances of success this time around, we can utilize the power of technology to make our goals a reality. Two popular apps aim to help, but which is the better-designed product?
The first app to consider is the aptly named Lose It! It's available for both iPhones and Androids.
You can even use this app when you are not internet connected, a major advantage if you are relying on WiFi. Lose It! got an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers and it is super easy to use. You can also add new foods and new exercises to their database, as well as set up new recipes for complicated foods. Logged it, you can back up your data, share your data with friends and tie in with your Fitbit.
A similar product, the MyFitnessPal app, received 4.8 out of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers.
Both apps allow you to scan the barcodes of packaged foods to input calories, and both have a database of other foods you can search to get approximate calorie counts. According to Salon.com writer Andrew Leonard, who tried both apps, the MyFitnessPal database is more extensive and flexible. It has more extensive set of features and functionality. However, the app does require internet connection to work.
If internet connection is an issue, Lose It! is the clear winner for working around this problem, but for users with consistent internet access, MyFitnessPal looks like a slighly better choice. The more extensive food database is an advantage, and the budget sheets on this app are easier on the eyes.
Both products are well-reviewed, so download your favorite and start calorie budgeting. You have nothing to lose but unwanted pounds!
Originally published January 2013 and updated January 2015.
DUO: Vehicle Name Stands for Doesn't Use Oil, but Does It Exist?