Lose it! App

[chrisleakfan4life]

Found a pretty nice App for the Iphone(im guessing there is one on droid as well).

You can put in all your info(height, weight, age etc) as well as your goal weight and how many pounds per week you want to lose and it gives your your daily calorie limit and what date you can reach your goal. It will also track your calories and all that stuff.

The cool thing about it is, if you want to add calories it has the ability to scan bar codes and take all the nutritional information off the bar code.

I just tried it with a protein shake and it was spot on.

Anyway its a free app and very useful for those who want to lose weight.

[exiledgator]

MyFitnessPal is another that is pretty good. Whatever one is used, I think they're great.

Calorie counting is tedious, but a sure fired way to shed the pounds and these apps make it as easy as possible, IMO.

[kkg8r]

I have been using Daily Burn (I used LoseIt for a while as well) and it is the ONLY thing that helps me lose weight. If I'm not putting it in my tracker, I lose sight of how much I eat. I have a Withings scale that sends my weight via WiFi to the Daily Burn Tracker. It's great. The thing I really liked about LoseIt was the "friend" portion. Having mini-challenges with friends is a great motivator.

[exiledgator]

I just downloaded LoseIt! to compare to MyFitnessPal.

Functionality is pretty equal with both sharing the same major features. UIs are different - a matter of preference of course.

****However, there is one HUGE difference. When setting identical weight loss goals on the two apps, there is a 400+ calories/day difference. *****

MFP does have an added step of asking your activity level that LoseIt doesn't ask.

I just want to share in case there are casual readers that might not have a good idea of approximate caloric needs. These apps are great, but it could be worth double checking your caloric needs before committing to their daily limits.

[Dreamliner]

A client of mine is using MFP. I told her to dispense with the activity level option. Americans are notorious for doing two things:

(1) underestimating calories consumed and

(2) overestimating calories burned through activity.

I do like MFP because it tells you how many calories you have left. I think this is a cool function because it's all about calorie budgeting. Treat your caloric allowance like you do your checking account. Overdraft fees are outrageous. Avoid them at all costs.

[exiledgator]

A client of mine is using MFP. I told her to dispense with the activity level option. Americans are notorious for doing two things:

(1) underestimating calories consumed and

(2) overestimating calories burned through activity.

I do like MFP because it tells you how many calories you have left. I think this is a cool function because it's all about calorie budgeting. Treat your caloric allowance like you do your checking account. Overdraft fees are outrageous. Avoid them at all costs.

Excellent perspective. Activity level or not, I've found both these apps to overstate how many calories I can consume and lose weight at my desired pace.

I'd suggest determining BMR independently and doing the math one's self rather than trusting the app to appropriately set goals.

They track and motivate like a champ, but beware.

[Dreamliner]

Excellent perspective. Activity level or not, I've found both these apps to overstate how many calories I can consume and lose weight at my desired pace.

I'd suggest determining BMR independently and doing the math one's self rather than trusting the app to appropriately set goals.

They track and motivate like a champ, but beware.

We're definitely on the same page. For clients of mine who count calories, I advice that they find three BMR calculators and then take the lowest number. I then advise them to subtract from that number, to establish calorie deficit, and consider calories burned through activity a bonus.

And I go one better than that. I tell them to be prepared for the possibility that there calculations may STILL be too conservative. So, if they're not losing weight after 2-3 weeks, I simply tell them, "Guess what ? This simply means that you're going to have to eat less than you are now."

Throughout is the underlying message that, essentially we've been lied to. We don't need to be eating nearly as much as we've been led to believe. Therefore, the adjustment must be made to eating less food. Then, having established how little food they need to realize their weight-loss goals, the only thing left to do is to learn to enjoy the comparatively little food they are allowed to eat.

[G8RBrave]

Ive found the Livestrong app to be pretty awesome as well.

[chrisleakfan4life]

I have both on my phone

[chrisleakfan4life]

A client of mine is using MFP. I told her to dispense with the activity level option. Americans are notorious for doing two things:

(1) underestimating calories consumed and

(2) overestimating calories burned through activity.

I do like MFP because it tells you how many calories you have left. I think this is a cool function because it's all about calorie budgeting. Treat your caloric allowance like you do your checking account. Overdraft fees are outrageous. Avoid them at all costs.

I think their calorie limit is too high for me, i tend to stick with around 1500 calories.

Right now I'm sticking with frozen foods, mostly the healthy stuff. I am terrible at portioning and counting calories and those are the easiest ways for me to track the calories i am taking in.

When i first lost weight, from 255 down to 215 i was eating Lean Cuisines and drinking Vitamin Water Zero.

I try to stick with the healthy choice/ lean cuisine type of foods that are already portioned out for you.

I know some of you believe in "non processed foods" but I'm not worried about that right now.

My basic diet is burn more calories than i take in, i.e. don't try and burn calories through workout but by creating a deficit every day.

I do try and watch the sodium counts, carb counts etc and i also try to throw in some healthier foods like charbroiled chicken and salads. However whenever i exercise i don't worry about any calories i burn and i don't fact those into my daily deficit because i doubt i burn very much.

I won't lie, the past couple of years really haven't gone well for me and i have gotten off track on my diet many times.

Right now im just sticking with what i know worked for me before and i watch the biggest loser daily on Netflix and Hulu as motivation and a reminder of what i need to do every day.

[chrisleakfan4life]

I have this Gator shirt that i bought last year that i have been wanting to wear for a long time and that is one of my goals right now.

Im also trying to slim down in time for football season and i want to get a picture of the "new me" at the A&M game in September if we end up going to that game.

[Dreamliner]

I think their calorie limit is too high for me, i tend to stick with around 1500 calories.

Right now I'm sticking with frozen foods, mostly the healthy stuff. I am terrible at portioning and counting calories and those are the easiest ways for me to track the calories i am taking in.

When i first lost weight, from 255 down to 215 i was eating Lean Cuisines and drinking Vitamin Water Zero.

I try to stick with the healthy choice/ lean cuisine type of foods that are already portioned out for you.

I know some of you believe in "non processed foods" but I'm not worried about that right now.

My basic diet is burn more calories than i take in, i.e. don't try and burn calories through workout but by creating a deficit every day.

I do try and watch the sodium counts, carb counts etc and i also try to throw in some healthier foods like charbroiled chicken and salads. However whenever i exercise i don't worry about any calories i burn and i don't fact those into my daily deficit because i doubt i burn very much.

I won't lie, the past couple of years really haven't gone well for me and i have gotten off track on my diet many times.

Right now im just sticking with what i know worked for me before and i watch the biggest loser daily on Netflix and Hulu as motivation and a reminder of what i need to do every day.

Chris, again I want to tell you that, in my opinion, you've chosen an altogether sensible approach. I believe we obsess too much over 'healthy foods.'

In my view, the unhealthiest aspect BY FAR, of the American diet is that it ... wait for it - contains too many calories!

Whatever your strategy for containing calories ... keep doing it!

[LeafUF]

Dont be so hard on yourself, just be consistent. Find ways to make yourself accountable to your goals. I think the big thing is you know what you need to do and just need to do it, not for a few days or a few weeks but until you are where you want to be.

So do whatever works, you have mentioned it numerous times what has worked in the past. Just do that.

[Dreamliner]

Further thoughts:

(1) You're in a happy place. Through experimentation - and some rigor - you've determined how much food you're allowed to eat in order to realize your weight-loss goals in a timely manner.

(2) I consider this a happy place because I know people who are currently stressed-out because they haven't yet found their sweet-spot.

(3) This is also a happy place because, having determined how much food you get to eat ... all you need to do now is learn how to enjoy it! Seriously, this is what you get. You don't get anymore. So, learn how to enjoy what you get. S-l-o-w down and savor!

Condition yourself now for a lifetime of prudent eating. And the sooner you reach your target weight, the sooner you can relax (but just a little bit) and explore the joys of flexible eating.

[BossaGator]

Just started using this app. Doc wants me under 220 by mid May. I weighed in at 234 at my Dr. appt. a couple weeks ago, down to 228 yesterday. I have the problem that most of the food I buy is fresh/bulk and I'm not always in a position to measure, so I tend to estimate sometimes. But I always estimate conservatively (e.g., err on the side of assuming I ate more rather than less) and generally don't factor in the extensive walking I do every day or all of my dedicated exercise.

So far, no collapses or fainting spells. I do feel hungry frequently, but that's nothing that a little discipline can't deal with.

[Dreamliner]

Just started using this app. Doc wants me under 220 by mid May. I weighed in at 234 at my Dr. appt. a couple weeks ago, down to 228 yesterday. I have the problem that most of the food I buy is fresh/bulk and I'm not always in a position to measure, so I tend to estimate sometimes. But I always estimate conservatively (e.g., err on the side of assuming I ate more rather than less) and generally don't factor in the extensive walking I do every day or all of my dedicated exercise.

So far, no collapses or fainting spells. I do feel hungry frequently, but that's nothing that a little discipline can't deal with.

Just out of curiosity, why does your doc want you to lose weight ? He's not threatening to put you on Lipitor, is he ?

[LeafUF]

Hey Chris, as a fellow gamer I think you would like fitocracy. Lots of motivation on there and might help you get more into the workouts. If you want an invite let me know.

[BossaGator]

Just out of curiosity, why does your doc want you to lose weight ? He's not threatening to put you on Lipitor, is he ?

As a matter of fact, it did come up. Cholesterol was the main issue, but she didn't like where I fell on some gov't metric of how much you should weigh based on how tall you are. Figured I'd at least give it a shot and see how I feel about dropping the weight. I'm already in very good health otherwise.

[LeafUF]

When a doctor tells an active muscular individual to lose weight without considering more factors than the BMI I say just blow it off. No idea what your stats are but I just think doctors dont see the entire picture all the time.

[Dreamliner]

Yeah, when I read "gov't" my left eyelid started twitching. :wink:

[LeafUF]

From the implant im sure.

[Dreamliner]

As a matter of fact, it did come up. Cholesterol was the main issue, but she didn't like where I fell on some gov't metric of how much you should weigh based on how tall you are. Figured I'd at least give it a shot and see how I feel about dropping the weight. I'm already in very good health otherwise.

On the one hand, I can't think of a more useless indicator than BMI. On the other hand, if you feel like you're a tad overweight, then losing a few certainly can't hurt and might be beneficial for its own sake.

[Gator_Tom66]

Cool app. Thanks for the heads up.

Rum & Coke = 369 calories!!
Crap - I'm screwed :laugh:

[BossaGator]

I'm similarly very skeptical. Having an unusual build I have always rolled my eyes at those kind of measures. But while I am active and healthy, I wouldn't mind looking better in my swimsuit*, so figured I'd see how it goes. And it's also a bit of a challenge, which I enjoy, especially when it relates to something physical.

But based on the nightmarish stories I hear about statins she's likely going to have to forcibly feed them to me if she wants me to take them at this age. My cholesterol isn't even "high" at this point - I think she thinks she's being precautionary, which is OK.

*by "swimsuit" I mean naked.

[chrisleakfan4life]

Hey Chris, as a fellow gamer I think you would like fitocracy. Lots of motivation on there and might help you get more into the workouts. If you want an invite let me know.

Thanks man, i would be interested but what is it exactly, some type of message board?


Right now i try and watch an episode of The Biggest Loser daily, to keep myself motivated as well as to learn some things.

[LeafUF]

Thanks man, i would be interested but what is it exactly, some type of message board?


Right now i try and watch an episode of The Biggest Loser daily, to keep myself motivated as well as to learn some things.

http://www.fitocracy.com/home/

Check it out, its got a bit too much going on in my opinion but there are definitely forums to check out, there is a social aspect where you can follow people and post random stuff like twitter. People can follow you and comment on your workouts. Also when you log your workouts they give you points for your accomplishments and there are quests and a leveling system. I have just started to really like it in the last week or so and come home from my workouts and cant wait to log my stats.

[96Gatorcise]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Zt74JsdLQPE#!


Interesting vid on cholesterol

[Dreamliner]

Am I to assume that any of these apps still leave you at the mercy of estimating food amount ?

[BossaGator]

Am I to assume that any of these apps still leave you at the mercy of estimating food amount ?

LoseIt has a handy bar code scanner that will automatically down/upload the calories per serving, but yes, you still have to estimate your amount. And it's particularly problematic for those (like me) who buy fresh or bulk and tend to eat out at non-chain or local restaurants (as lots of big chains have their calorie info in the app). The best solution I have come up with so far is just to make sure I err on the side of overestimating my portion size and underestimating my exercise level.

[LeafUF]

Even the chain information is not quite exact since as was mentioned in another thread they make those calculations using very specific measurements. However, line cooks are not required to be as exact when creating each dish.

So no matter what its all still a guess. Granted a good guess and tracking is much better than not doing it at all. If you at least have an idea of how much you are eating I would imagine people will eat less.

[Dreamliner]

So, here is why I have to be prepared to tell even those clients of mine who are counting calories, "Guess what ? You need to eat less food than you're eating now!"

A ward study on calorie estimation was recently done at Bellevue Hospital in NYC. Participants estimated they were consuming, on average, 1,081 calories a day. In reality, they were consuming ... 2,182 calories a day!

They were getting TWICE as many calories a day as they thought!

This is why I tend to recommend less variety, not more variety, same (looking) meals over and over again, until weight is lost, THEN begin to introduce more flexibility.

[Dreamliner]

Even the chain information is not quite exact since as was mentioned in another thread they make those calculations using very specific measurements. However, line cooks are not required to be as exact when creating each dish.

So no matter what its all still a guess. Granted a good guess and tracking is much better than not doing it at all. If you at least have an idea of how much you are eating I would imagine people will eat less.

A 'good guess' can serve as a reference point. It's a place to start.

[LeafUF]

So, here is why I have to be prepared to tell even those clients of mine who are counting calories, "Guess what ? You need to eat less food than you're eating now!"

A ward study on calorie estimation was recently done at Bellevue Hospital in NYC. Participants estimated they were consuming, on average, 1,081 calories a day. In reality, they were consuming ... 2,182 calories a day!

They were getting TWICE as many calories a day as they thought!

This is why I tend to recommend less variety, not more variety, same (looking) meals over and over again, until weight is lost, THEN begin to introduce more flexibility.

Not shocked by that at all. I think until people actually track their meals for a while and add up the calories they have no idea how much they eat. But once you have done it for a while I think you get a much better idea and though you will never be 100% accurate I bet you will be a lot closer than half your intake.

[Dreamliner]

Not shocked by that at all. I think until people actually track their meals for a while and add up the calories they have no idea how much they eat. But once you have done it for a while I think you get a much better idea and though you will never be 100% accurate I bet you will be a lot closer than half your intake.

No doubt. Further, some people just need to wean themselves off of self-deception. I don't mean to suggest that they're evil, only that they are typically in denial about how (comparatively) little food they get to eat in order to accomplish their goals.

[chrisleakfan4life]

So, here is why I have to be prepared to tell even those clients of mine who are counting calories, "Guess what ? You need to eat less food than you're eating now!"

A ward study on calorie estimation was recently done at Bellevue Hospital in NYC. Participants estimated they were consuming, on average, 1,081 calories a day. In reality, they were consuming ... 2,182 calories a day!

They were getting TWICE as many calories a day as they thought!

This is why I tend to recommend less variety, not more variety, same (looking) meals over and over again, until weight is lost, THEN begin to introduce more flexibility.

That's why im trying to stick to my "Lean Cuisine Diet" till i get closer to my goal, im assuming their calorie listings are accurate and they have enough variety so that i don't get "bored" as it were.

[Dreamliner]

Packaged food rocks for losing weight! So do lots of fast-food restaurants.

[chrisleakfan4life]

Packaged food rocks for losing weight! So do lots of fast-food restaurants.

Rocks or rots? Since you mentioned fast food i am conflicted :grin:

[Dreamliner]

Rocks or rots? Since you mentioned fast food i am conflicted :grin:

Hell no! It's processed so it won't rot! Chemicals rock too! See my 'Word Association' thread.

[chrisleakfan4life]

Hell no! It's processed so it won't rot! Chemicals rock too! See my 'Word Association' thread.


Well ill be doing it my way even if it doesn't meet your approval :grin:

[Dreamliner]

Perhaps not surprisingly, a woman I know who's using myfitnesspal has failed to lose any weight, I mean ANY weight. Yes, it tells her the calories in a given portion. But it leaves her at the mercy of estimating portion size.

[exiledgator]

Perhaps not surprisingly, a woman I know who's using myfitnesspal has failed to lose any weight, I mean ANY weight. Yes, it tells her the calories in a given portion. But it leaves her at the mercy of estimating portion size.

In the end, these apps are like any other diet tool/scheme/technique: They're only as productive as the user is willing to make them.

If she's gonna lie to herself and the app, then why should she expect positive results? If she's willing to be honest about her intake, then these apps are immensely powerful tools, IMO.

[Gator_Tom66]

Perhaps not surprisingly, a woman I know who's using myfitnesspal has failed to lose any weight, I mean ANY weight. Yes, it tells her the calories in a given portion. But it leaves her at the mercy of estimating portion size.

I like mfp better than lose it, but with either garbage in equals garbage out.

[exiledgator]

I like mfp better than lose it, but with either garbage in equals garbage out.

Me, too. I've used both now (MFP for about 3 months total / LI! for about a month total) and I much prefer MFP.

[Dreamliner]

I suppose people can and do lie about food intake. But I'm rather inclined to believe that most people just suck at it. A recent ward study included participants who claimed to be eating next to nothing and who were complaining about not losing weight.

They estimated their daily caloric intake at 1,082 calories. Their actual intake:

2,081 calores.

[exiledgator]

Fair enough. I think that they're "sucking at it" is really just lying to themselves at some level.

When one enters food into these apps whether that be by scanning a bar code or searching for the item in the apps database, there are serving sizes attached to it. The sizes are right there:

Jiff Peanut Butter
Calories per serving: 280
Serving size: 2 tbls

^^ I'm making these #s up, but I think the point is clear. If they choose to look at 2 cups of Coco-Puffs and call it 2/3 of a cup, then they're either incredibly stupid (a real possibility) or choosing to lie to themselves at some level.

For me, I'd measure out 2/3 of a cup of cereal then pour it in a bowl. See what it looks like. Then I'd do it again the next time I had cereal. After that, I'd know how much to pour from the box into the bowl.

That's why I like these. They're free and they take the estimating away from the honest dieter. There's nothing we can do about the dishonest ones. ;)

[Dreamliner]

I like the approach. It's akin to taking a snapshot of your meal. Whether calorie-counting or measuring, the nice thing is that you shouldn't have to do it forever, especially if you don't crave endless variety. I myself tend to eat the same 5 or six meals over and over again. I don't think in terms of "How many calories do I get to have ?" anymore. Rather, I think in terms of "This is the amount of food I can eat without gaining weight."

[Gator_Tom66]

Fair enough. I think that they're "sucking at it" is really just lying to themselves at some level.

When one enters food into these apps whether that be by scanning a bar code or searching for the item in the apps database, there are serving sizes attached to it. The sizes are right there:

Jiff Peanut Butter
Calories per serving: 280
Serving size: 2 tbls

^^ I'm making these #s up, but I think the point is clear. If they choose to look at 2 cups of Coco-Puffs and call it 2/3 of a cup, then they're either incredibly stupid (a real possibility) or choosing to lie to themselves at some level.

For me, I'd measure out 2/3 of a cup of cereal then pour it in a bowl. See what it looks like. Then I'd do it again the next time I had cereal. After that, I'd know how much to pour from the box into the bowl.

That's why I like these. They're free and they take the estimating away from the honest dieter. There's nothing we can do about the dishonest ones. ;)


Totally agree.

[exiledgator]

I like the approach. It's akin to taking a snapshot of your meal. Whether calorie-counting or measuring, the nice thing is that you shouldn't have to do it forever, especially if you don't crave endless variety. I myself tend to eat the same 5 or six meals over and over again. I don't think in terms of "How many calories do I get to have ?" anymore. Rather, I think in terms of "This is the amount of food I can eat without gaining weight."

Exactly. I've gotten some friends into them and I tell them the same thing: Just do it at least 5 days a week for 6 weeks. After that you'll have accomplished two things:

1.) you'll have lost 6-10 pounds
2.) you'll forever know how much you're supposed to eat.

'Cause you're right. Most of us eat the same foods over and over - so one could likely learn what proportions to eat after just ~2 weeks. But it's fun to make that weight loss graph go down. :)

[BossaGator]

I'm down to 221 lbs, 1 lb over my target for mid-May. LoseIt stopped working on my phone weeks ago - I can't tell why - so thanks for nothing, LoseIt.

[LeafUF]

Doesnt sound like you need it if you are two months ahead of schedule.

[Dreamliner]

Sounds like LoseIt lost it.

[BossaGator]

Doesnt sound like you need it if you are two months ahead of schedule.

Yeah, honestly I think I've been more conservative than necessary with my diet given my activity level. All these calorie counting apps are probably very useful, but I got pretty annoyed when I had logged all my intake meticulously for several days and the app just inexplicably crapped out. So I guess while its probably a useful app, the others get my vote by default.

[LeafUF]

Yeah, honestly I think I've been more conservative than necessary with my diet given my activity level. All these calorie counting apps are probably very useful, but I got pretty annoyed when I had logged all my intake meticulously for several days and the app just inexplicably crapped out. So I guess while its probably a useful app, the others get my vote by default.

My sister just got pissed at whatever online tool she was using to track her meals because they just out of the blue removed ounces. She spent a lot of time entering meals and stuff and now will have to redo everything so I am sure she would understand your frustration.

I dont use an app but I do track with fitday, the thing is it takes a lot of set up to get it to where its useful as most of the things I eat are not accurate in there. Plus I am also at a place where I pretty much know where I am every day without having to track everything now.

After some trial and error you will probably figure it out too.