These days, you can use technology to do more than just check your Facebook page or play Angry Birds. Apps have been developed that focus specifically on diet and exercise, two key components to keeping you healthy. With just a little bit of motivation, you can learn more about what you’re eating before you take that first bite or get in shape by tracking all of your daily activity. Not only can these apps help you lose weight or firm up, they can also help you improve your overall health, leading to a longer, more happy and productive life. (And who doesn’t want that?)
1. Fooducate
If you’ve ever stood in front of a box of cookies wondering just how bad they are for you, then you’ll want to check out Fooducate. Created by dietitians and concerned parents, this app pulls up important yet “digestible” information when you scan a product’s barcode. It won’t just give it a grade and tell you the calories per serving, it will highlight both the good and bad traits of that particular food. Best part? Fooducate will offer better options so you know that you’re making healthier choices.
2. Runkeeper
Ready to put on those running shoes and hit the pavement? Don’t forget your smartphone. Use RunKeeper to track your fitness activity including your distance, time, pace, calories and heart rate. Curious to see how you’re pacing? This app will provide audio cues of your time and distance. Because RunKeeper works with your GPS, you can even see the path you’re traveling on a map. After you’re done running, check out all your stats on RunKeeper’s website. If you’re so inclined, you can even share this info by posting these activities to Facebook and Twitter.
3. Nike Training Club
Want a trainer but don’t have the time, money or energy to devote towards one? Check out Nike Training Club, an app that’s as close as you can come to having your own personal trainer. Nike’s created over 60 custom-built workouts for you to tap into including full body 30 or 45 minute full-body workouts, for all skill levels and targeted, professional athlete workouts that last 15 minutes. All you have to do it pick one of their routines, choose your music and go. You can count on audio guidance to even keep you on track and stay motivated. If you’re so inclined, you can also access step-by-step instructions and videos to make sure you’re doing your drills right. Track your workout history and progress, and then, just like Runkeeper, you can share your workout and reward status on Facebook or Twitter.
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