Review of Apps, Gadgets & Tools for Diet & Exercise
If you weigh more than you'd like, there probably wasn't "one thing" that got you where you are today. More than likely, a variety of influences ganged up to ultimately overwhelm your best intentions and willpower. That's why many dieters turn to the new technological innovations that have come on the market to give them that added extra "edge" in their efforts to lose weight. There are countless smartphone apps and sundry gadgets to choose from -- so many, in fact, that the sheer volume and variety can be overwhelming. In the course of the Dole Nutrition Institute team's monitoring of health and fitness trends, we came across a few that we found worth trying. Here's our take on them:
Fitbit: This two-inch clip-on device uses a 3-D motion sensor (like the one in Nintendo Wii) to log steps, calories, activity levels, and even sleep quality. A home base connected to your computer relays information from your Fitbit to your program profile online, where you can also enter weight, food, blood pressure, body fat and other stats. The sensor won't pick up everything: You could be pedaling a stationary bike, but if the device is attached to your t-shirt, you'll "read" as if you're sitting. You can compensate for that (and for non-compatible activities like swimming) by entering activity online ($99, fitbit.com).
