The Diet That Actually Works --- how apps are changing the way we eat

So your resolution fell through (again). You told yourself, I'll do it this time. I'll be fit and healthy. You went on Amazon, ordered a yoga mat and some loose-fitting clothes. A juicer too—you’ll start a cleanse. In six months, you'll be free-climbing mountains... But somewhere along the line, something happened—family obligations, workload, general demotivation—and you stopped.

It makes sense; you're a full-time mom, after all. Months have passed, and your child needs less attention, but you still find it difficult to find the time and motivation to 1) develop and 2) maintain a fitness plan. Your friends might swear by commercial diets: Atkins, Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. But diet is only one-third of the problem.

The key to success is to E.N.D. your habits.

EXERCISE

The hard truth is that an expensive "crash" diet plan will fail eventually if you don't supplement with exercise.

NUTRITION

I'm guilty of unconscious binge eating. I'll finish off an Oreo box while watching Netflix. The sugar high junk food provides ends with its crash. Then you're lethargic and sleepy.  This is why people gain weight.

DIET

When I say diet, I don't mean the diet section in Hy-Vee or Price Chopper, where Slim4Life and Snack Wells live. Diet is meant to describe the act of controlling what you put into your body and how to utilize its nutritional benefits in fitness.

Ladies, if you're ready to make a change, consider a diet app!

This isn't a gimmick. These apps actually work. You just need to let them work for you (not work against them). When you white lie to your dietician at weigh-in, you're cheating yourself and wasting your money. Think of an app as a tiny, non-judging personal assistant. Below are three of the most effective health and diet-related apps I've come across.

MyFitnessPal (preferred!)

Compatibility: Android, iOS

Features: Calorie counting, exercise tracking, hydration reminders, community support forums, food diary with barcode scanner

Cost: Free (*with upgrades for purchase)

Health (Mayo Clinic approved)

Compatibility: iOS only

Features: Advanced monitoring system (blood pressure, respiratory rate, step-counter, sleep analysis, mindfulness breaks), comprehensive food diary, medical records storage (for doctor visits) and medical ID emergency notification alert

Cost: Free

Sworkit

Compatibility: Android, iOS

Features: Strictly fitness-focused, provides 170+ video-instructed, equipment-free exercises to perform at home (like strength training and yoga)

Cost: Free (*with upgrades for purchase)

If you're ready to make some major life improvements, then consider doing research on health and diet apps. They are definitely worth using.

C. Alex Merrill is a freelance writer and habitual traveler from the Lawrence-area. Weekend free-time is dedicated to family, Moo Shu takeout, and the calamitous booms of Doctor Who chase music. 

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.