I have been using the calorie counter app. I really like it because it already has a huge data base and I have not had to enter any items manually as I have had to do on past websites. It syncs with FatSecret.com
I use Myfitnesspal.com and really like it. I have tried several and have found the calorie counts on this site are pretty accurate. No matter which site you choose double check the calories. A lot of the information on these sites comes from individuals putting the information in themselves. And they can be way off. I can also adjust my calories burned to be more inline with the tools I use such as the calories burned according to the 310XT which is always lower than what is recommended by the site or Kjoules from my Joule.
I don't even attempt to "count" calories - it's impossible. I have a PhD in nutritional biochem and I've counseled people for 20 years and accurate calorie counting can't be done very accurately - even by professional nutritionists and dietitians (and good studies show this).
That said, "tracking" your food intake - whether online or on a smartphone or in a simple notebook - is a GREAT way to give you a perspective on what you're eating (and what needs changing). Whatever approach you choose to follow, the most effective tool will be the one that is most convenient and easy to use for you.
For about the last 10 years, I've been using a super-simple method that I call the Helping Hand - it works for elite athletes and coach potatoes - and it roughly compares to dietary analysis of individual meals (approx 400-600 calories per "meal').
This Helping Hand approach was the focus of my newsletter this past Wednesday - and you can read the details of how to follow it on my blog at these 2 links:
Comments
www.myfooddiary.com
both online and smartphone app...used it for years
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1851/2
I use Myfitnesspal.com and really like it. I have tried several and have found the calorie counts on this site are pretty accurate. No matter which site you choose double check the calories. A lot of the information on these sites comes from individuals putting the information in themselves. And they can be way off. I can also adjust my calories burned to be more inline with the tools I use such as the calories burned according to the 310XT which is always lower than what is recommended by the site or Kjoules from my Joule.
That said, "tracking" your food intake - whether online or on a smartphone or in a simple notebook - is a GREAT way to give you a perspective on what you're eating (and what needs changing). Whatever approach you choose to follow, the most effective tool will be the one that is most convenient and easy to use for you.
For about the last 10 years, I've been using a super-simple method that I call the Helping Hand - it works for elite athletes and coach potatoes - and it roughly compares to dietary analysis of individual meals (approx 400-600 calories per "meal').
This Helping Hand approach was the focus of my newsletter this past Wednesday - and you can read the details of how to follow it on my blog at these 2 links:
http://web.me.com/smtalbott/Dr_Shawn_Talbott/Blog/Entries/2011/1/18_Helping_Hand_Meals.html
http://web.me.com/smtalbott/Dr_Shawn_Talbott/Blog/Entries/2011/2/23_Weight_Loss_Wednesday_4_(Nutrition).html
Hope it helps...
Shawn