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?
Product #1: Lose It!
The first app to consider is the aptly named Lose It! It’s available for both iPhones and Androids.
This app allows you to enter your current weight, your weight goal and your timeline, and then creates a calorie budget that will allow you to meet your goal. You enter the foods you eat and the exercise you do in order to determine the amount of calories in and out. Here’s what the budget sheet looks like:
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.
Product #2: MyFitnessPal
A similar product, the MyFitnessPal app, received 4.8 out of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers.
This product also creates a calorie budget for you and helps you track progress toward your goal. Here’s a view of the MyFitnessPal budget sheet:
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.
The Verdict
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.
