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Community Corner

Smart Phones and Weight Loss

I've lost 10 pounds and I didn't step into a gym. And I want to tell you how!

Just a short while ago, I shared with you how I was still struggling to . 

I’m happy to report that since then, I’ve lost an additional 10 pounds! 

So, how did I do it?  The gym?  No.  A diet?  Nope.  Diet pills?  No way. 

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I’m more than happy to share with you my big, secret weapon for my weight loss.

Get ready for it:

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My iPhone.

Yes, that’s correct – my iPhone has helped me shed a few pounds.  And, if you have a smart phone, or a computer (if you’re reading this, chances are you do!) then you, too, can lose weight with a few clicks of a mouse or swipes of your finger.

Just to be clear - the gym, exercise accompanied by a sensible diet are not being discouraged here.  I still agree that this is a tried and true way to lose weight. 

However, studies are also confirming that keeping track of what you eat can be key to successful and permanent weight loss.  Here’s an article on Web MD I found about some tips for food journaling. Even TV’s “toughest trainer” Jillian Michaels tells you why she is a huge supporter of keeping a food diary. 

I’ve confirmed what those experts and studies are showing since I’ve used a few apps on my iPhone called Lose it! and another called Fooducate.

Lose It! works by entering some basic information and the amount of weight to lose per week (anything over 2 pounds per week is not considered healthy) and then it’s easy to log and monitor my food intake, calories, exercise and even specific nutrients. 

Fooducate is an app (available on both android and iPhone)that allows you to scan the barcode of a food product with the camera on your phone and it provides you with a rating for the product – A+ is a great choice while a C- you may wish to select something else to eat or drink. 

While the simple task of logging what I eat is obviously not the key to weight loss, the attention it brings to what I’m consuming and the choices I make is. 

If I have eaten a healthy breakfast and lunch, this application allows me to see that in order to stay on track for my weight loss I can only consume a certain amount more of calories.  I therefore have to make the right choices to stay within that calorie goal.  This is helpful when later in the day if I’m faced with a temptation such as a cookie – I’ve learned that it’s best to reach for an apple or a handful of whole grain crackers instead. 

Why is it that this has helped me lose weight?  Because I think I found what works for me, personally.

What if you are the type of person who needs a specific diet to follow?  Do you do better with a support group?  Do you like structure or having the foods pre-selected for you? 

If those are more your style, then there are other programs out there to consider– both online and in person – and they are:

  • Weight Watchers
  • SparkPeople
  • eDiets

I've known many friends who swear by Weight Watchers.  I personally used SparkPeople to lose weight a few years back for my wedding!  eDiets has meal delivery and online solutions.

For a list of some other apps to download, go here. If you have an android phone, go here for a top ten list of recommended health apps.

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