How to use Technology for Healthier Dieting

Technology is a powerful tool for your diet. It can provide support, answer questions, and track progress. A new diet can benefit greatly from technology resources.

Try these ways to use technology to your advantage with your diet:

1.      Create an online blog or website. Blogs and websites can be virtual food diaries.

·        Instead of a paper version, consider an online blog or website to keep track of your diet goals.

·        Blogs and websites can be shared with others to inspire them to try a healthier diet.

·        It’s easy to update a virtual diary with technology. Writing from a phone, tablet, or computer will keep you accountable.

2.      Use online diet support groups. Instead of attending meetings at a community center or library, consider online support groups. They’re available all day, and you can wear your favorite pajamas or bathrobe.

·        Virtual support groups offer help ranging from diet tips to restaurant recommendations.

·        Online support groups protect your anonymity. User names can be different from real names, and addresses aren’t required.

3.      Photograph your food and post it online. Studies show that taking pictures of your food makes you focus more on dieting goals. Food choices become more important if they’re attached to a required photo. Dieters prefer to show the world their kale salad and sweet potatoes instead of the brownies with sprinkles.

4.      Use social media. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks can keep you accountable and on track with your diet.

·        Posting your diet goals on social media and sharing them with friends is an easy way to track progress. Additionally, your friends can help you stay focused and avoid temptations.

·        Social media can help you connect with others starting healthier diets.

·        It’s easy to share recipes, photos, and diet plans on social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other networks can also be a source of ideas.

5.      Use fitness watches and bracelets to track diet goals. The Jawbone, FuelBand, Fitbit and other fitness trackers can help your diet. They track calories and activity levels, so you’re always aware of progress.

6.      Get a smart scale. It’s time to upgrade the bathroom scale. New versions can keep track of body mass, body fat, and previous weigh-ins.

·        Smart scales can sync with phones and computers, so data can be downloaded.

·        New scales can convert the data to simple charts and graphs. They can be shared on social media or added to blogs. 

7.      Set diet reminders on a phone. A smartphone can help diet progress with notifications and reminders.

·        Notifications can range from reminders to eat to grocery shopping tips.

8.      Play video games. It’s time for the kids to share the video game controllers. Instead of chasing a monster, you can try fitness games designed specifically to lose weight.

9.      Use online food guides. Knowing the nutritional information for all the food you consume is essential for staying on a healthier diet. Online food guides can help you keep track of calories, vitamins, minerals, fats, and other data.

·        Online tools can reduce the time you spend thinking about food, so you can plan better goals.

·        Apps can help you keep track of nutrients and make better grocery shopping decisions.

·        Online guides can be downloaded to multiple devices and checked throughout the day. They can be consulted in a store, restaurant, or home. Instead of hunting for information in a book, it’s easier to enter a brand name or scan a bar code to get the same data.

Technology can be your ally during diet changes. It can help you stay focused on goals while providing important sources of support.