Overall health is more than just calorie counting. Crash diets can lead to results that don’t necessarily stick around for the long run. And I know I’m not the only one who has saved up calories, while on a calorie-counting diet, foregoing fruits and vegetables for a beer or two after work, right? Well as I’ve learned, that method will get you nowhere fast on the road to health and wellness. Obtaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle starts and ends with educating yourself on making the right choices to fuel your body. Here are some apps to help you on your journey to foodie wellness.
Cook This, Not That! 350 Calorie Meals
Love to eat and hate to diet? Check out the Cook This, Not That! app ($4.99), which helps transform your favorite fatty concoctions into healthy, satisfying meals. This healthy recipe app includes recommendations to redo all your full-fat favorites like pizza, pasta, appetizers, burgers and more. This app is perfect for folks trying to transition into a new healthier lifestyle without going on a crash and burn diet.
Meal Snap – Calorie Counting Magic
The name of this app says it all. Snap a photo of your meal and the app magically figures out what you are eating along with an estimated calorie count. I wouldn’t recommend solely relying on the Meal Snap – Calorie Counting Magic app ($0.99) for measuring your dietary needs but it is pretty fun for calorie counters on-the-go.
Fiber Tracker
Let’s face it, fiber isn’t sexy but it is necessary. It helps you feel fuller longer and regulates your daily bathroom breaks. To make it easier to keep track of your fiber needs, Kellogg’s brings you the free Fiber Tracker app to make sure you are getting the recommended roughly 25 grams daily. This fiber-filled app helps you plan meals, peruse recipes and create shopping lists. And remember, it’s always best to ease into an increased fiber intake.
Smart Pantry
If you are all about vitamins and minerals, the Smart Pantry app ($1.99) might just be for you. This nutrition app helps you alter your daily diet to ensure you are meeting your vitamin and mineral needs and therefore, keeping your energy at maximum levels. This clever app also helps you find recipes that fit your nutritional needs and tastes. It’s an interactive way to improve your overall health through tracking what you put into your mouth.
Honest Label
The free Honest Label app helps you make sense of all those crazy ingredients listed on the labels of your favorite foods by a simple scan. Customization helps you spot ingredients you are looking for and ones you want to ensure you don’t get. Definitely check out this app if you have food sensitivities and the like.
21-Day Vegan Kickstart
Have you been toying with the idea of eliminating meat and animal products from your diet? The free 21-Day Vegan Kickstart app is the perfect place to start your journey. Easy to navigate, this healthy app outlines 21 days of meals, recipes and nutrition information so you can kick your meat and dairy addictions efficiently.
Related: Five fine iPhone apps to spice up your fall cuisine
