If you're trying to lose weight, the foods you eat will make or break the success of your weight loss plan. Exercise helps you to build muscle and change your body composition, but weight loss happens primarily in the kitchen. So, if you are counting calories, how do you know how many calories are in the foods that you choose?
There are a few tools that can help you figure that out. Choose the method that is easiest for you to use. Remember that a great weight loss tool for your friend, might not be the best option for you.
Tools to Count Calories
- Calorie counting online. Some people who sit at a computer all day may find that online tools work best for them. CalorieCount.com provides a great site where you can search through a database of foods and log your diet intake. Another source is the new USDA ChooseMyPlate.org site that has an updated look.
- Calorie counting mobile apps. If you are a dieter on the go, or if you tend to eat out more often, you may need a way to count calories from your phone or mobile device. CalorieCount.com has apps as well as their online site. MyFitnessPal is another popular app that provides calorie counts for foods.
- Calorie counting food diary. For many people, the best way to count calories is with an old fashioned food diary. It doesn't need a wi-fi connection, the battery never runs low, and your entry won't be interrupted by a power outage. If you choose this option log your foods into a small notepad that you can easily toss in your purse or briefcase. Use the nutritional labels off the foods you eat to calculate daily fat, carbohydrate and protein values for the day.
Looking for more weight loss tips? Subscribe to my newsletter, friend me on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter!
Photo source: Duboix/Morguefile
No comments:
Post a Comment