nosh magazine (issue 2) | Page 15

nosh magazine WHETTING YOUR APP-ETITE Nutrition expert Gloria Cabrera shares her favourite nutrition and weight loss apps. pplications (or “apps”) run on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, and are available for free or a fee. There’s an app for almost anything (e.g. apps to learn a new language or even to reorganise your life!). For those who are health-conscious there are apps for weight loss, recipes, food and fitness. But with so many apps out there, how do you identify a good one? Let’s take a look at a few of the great ones. A Apps for Weight Loss If you’re after an app to help support weight loss attempts, then you’re in luck – because there are hundreds of them out there! But here are two really great ones: App Cost Available on What makes it a great app MyFitnessPal Free iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows Incorporates both diet and exercise. Has an extensive database of over 3 million foods and 350 exercises. Simply record your weight, goals, exercise regime and insert your daily food intake. It then provides you with daily calorie and nutrient targets, and let’s you know if you are meeting them. EasyDietDiary Free iPhone, iPad, iPod touch Incorporates both diet and exercise but you need to input your kilo joule target. It features an Australian database with over 50 000 foods and over 400 exercise activities. Record your daily food intake and exercise to see if you are meeting your kilojoule and nutrient targets. Food Apps There are countless food apps including those for menu planning and for people on special diets. Here are two that should be devoured: App Cost Available on Menu Planner $3.79 iPhone, iPad, iPod touch Helps you easily create meal plans and track nutritional information, manages your recipes and imports new ones from popular recipe web sites. This app can also keep track of what you have in your pantry (and how many), and integrates it all into your shopping list. GS1 GoScan Free iPhone, iPad, iPod touch This app is great for those with dietary restrictions. Set up your profile indicating which foods you are allergic to or avoid, then scan the barcode of products and it indicates if ingredients you avoid are contained and provides information about the product, including nutrition. If you have an app that helps others make healthier dietary and lifestyle choices, email the details to [email protected] What makes it a great app Gloria Cabrera, APD Learn more about Gloria: website | profile Gloria is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who loves food, nutrition, cooking, fitness, helping others benefit their health and learning. Gloria works in private practise seeing clients for weight loss, pre and post weight loss surgery, and chronic health conditions. www.n4foodandhealth.com 15