Raise your hand if you’re on some sort of diet or healthy eating regimen now that the holidays are over, like I am. It seems like everyone I know is trying to shed the extra bloat from too many cookies and egg nog.
While types of diet vary, one thing remains constant: barcodes can help!
Here are some of the popular programs that I’ve come across that use barcode technology to help people achieve their “New Year, New Me” goals:
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Sugar Detox.
Generally I try to restrict my sugar intake and every so often, I like to cut sugar completely from my diet. This type of diet helps to prevent obesity, diabetes, teeth damage and more. Recently, the Change4Life campaign, based in England, launched an awesome new app called Sugar Smart. This free phone app is designed to help parents watch children’s sugar intake, but it would be great for adults too! It displays how much sugar is in a product by simply scanning the product’s barcode. Can someone pleeeaase develop an app like this for America??
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Weight Watchers.
This program has been around for years and those who join lose weight by tracking what they eat according to Weight Watchers PointsPlus® system. The program has a mobile app available to help recruits track their food, weight, and activities while on-the-go, but what’s more is that the App allows participants to use the barcode scanner on their phone at home, at the grocery store…or anywhere! All you have to do is scan the UPC barcode on a food item that you have consumed (or plan to consume) and the point value is quickly calculated and added to your daily total. Easy peasy.
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Calorie Counter PRO MyNetDiary.
If you’re looking for a simple app that logs caloric intake and tracks your progress, this Calorie Counter PRO App by MyNetDiary is for you. Its database includes nearly a million foods, so when you whip out your phone to scan a barcode, chances are you’ll be met with success. The only downside is that this is a paid app, but if something like this motivates you, I think the $3.99 fee would be worth it.
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Fooducate.
I recently downloaded this free app to help me monitor my food intake and overall health. The Fooducate app encourages eating “real food” instead of processed food and provides food grades based on product ingredients. Its barcode scanning feature encourages nutrition and helps users to create healthy grocery lists. I’m hoping I’ll be happy with this app!
There are definitely more barcode-related apps out there for dietary purposes. In fact, I’d like to hear from you if there’s a good one out there that I’ve overlooked – share with us on Twitter!
But let’s face it. For any type of weight loss plan to be effective, one must keep track of diet and exercise…and when it comes to tracking, barcodes are the way to go!
About the Author:
Carmella Giancursio is L-Tron’s Public Relations Specialist & Content Editor. When she’s not working, spending time with her husband, or taking care of her 3 young kids, she can be found in the kitchen, channeling her Italian heritage! Email info@L-Tron.com with questions, or call us at (800) 830-9523.