Search Weight Loss Topics: |
I actually lost weight this holiday season thanks to this handy app – Tom’s Guide
The year 2021 was difficult for my health. I had moved away from New York during the start of the pandemic as a means of distancing myself from the most popualted city in the U.S. It also meant I wasn't near my neighborhood gym, which I often frequented, nor was I walking miles a day for lunch.
I moved to suburban Houston, a city built around cars and highways, where sidewalks suddenly end and grocery stores require a three-mile drive. Suddenly, my life was a lot more sedentary. Afternoon jogs turned into weekly ambles, which then became monthly guilt-ridden limp-legged wheeze-fests. It didn't help that Governor Greg Abbott deliberately went out of his way to rescind local mask mandates, helping coronavirus particles spread through the community all the faster. He recently did the same for vaccine mandates as well.
Local gyms did away with mask mandates just as quickly. It seems that the gym clientele in Houston prefer listening to vaccine skeptic and horse dewormer aficionado Joe Rogan over immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci. This meant that going to the gym, even when masked, presented risk as runners huffed and puffed on treadmills a few feet away.
In the nearly two years since leaving New York, I had packed on an additional twenty pounds. T-shirts became tight and my pants didn't require a belt to stay up. After a decadent Friendsgiving, filled with fried chicken, green bean casserole and pie, I knew something had to change.
Since getting vaccinated, I did slowly start making my way back to the gym. I remained masked but opted to go late at night when traffic was low. Even then, pounds weren't shedding as quickly as I would have liked. Clearly, I was doing something wrong.
I remembered using calorie counting app FatSecret back in New York when I was on a major cut, but was hesitant to redownload it on my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. The app (available on iOS, Apple Watch and Android) wasn't what scared me: it's a good app, but deep down I knew that by tracking all my food metrics, I could visually see why I needed to change my diet entirely. Like going to the dentist, there was some uncomfortable handwringing around that prospect, so I put it off.
At the end of November, I did redownload FatSecret. I pulled out the digital food scale and started meticulously counting every calorie.
Unlike other fitness and calorie counting apps, such as MyFitnessPal or LoseIt, FatSecret is completely free. There's no monthly subscription cost and it still delivers a solid overall feature set, even if the app looks plainer by comparison. It tells me my daily and weekly calorie intake and also breaks down my macronutrient consumption.
I'm personally aiming to eat around 1,500 calories a day, putting me into a calorie deficit as my body will naturally burn around 2,000.
The thing I like about FatSecret is its enormous library. Like LoseIt, it allows community members to upload calorie metrics of various foods. I've uploaded some items myself, such as the chicken gyro (minus the white sauce), found all throughout New York's various street carts. While most calorie counting apps will have the basics, such as grilled chicken, or a litany of pre-packaged food products, I've found FatSecret's library to be the most robust. Being Pakistani, it's harder to calorie count some of my family's more traditional foods. But, more often than not, FatSecret has items like chana masala or baingan bharta, giving me a reprieve from the standard chicken and broccoli.
While some may argue that the nutritional information on home cooked foods could never be entirely accurate, at the very least it gives some measure. It's better to track an approximation over nothing at all.
While it's impossible to fully know, I believe that FatSecret's large food library has to do with the app being free. It likely brings in more users, as there's a lower barrier to entry. Plus it's not limited to its apps, as it's also possible to access FatSecret via a web browser.
Since starting in late November, I've lost seven pounds. That was largely with dieting, as the Omicron variant has pushed me away from the gym. Given my current trajectory, I estimate that by March or April I should be back to my pre-pandemic weight. Honestly, I wish I had started sooner.
For those that have set New Year's resolutions to lose weight in 2022, I feel that 80% of the battle is having a controlled diet. Whether it be FatSecret or the various other calorie counting apps out there, knowing exactly what and how much is being consumed makes a massive difference.
And if any FatSecret developers are reading this, a Wear OS app for my Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 would be greatly appreciated.
Today's best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 deals
Read more:
I actually lost weight this holiday season thanks to this handy app - Tom's Guide
- How to lose weight quickly, safely and easily [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Naturally and Quickly- 21 Days to Fast Freedom [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2011]
- Total Wellbeing Diet - How to lose weight quickly fast [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly - 3 Tips for Massive Results [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly I Tips for Plan a Diet Solution [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly - Weight Loss Tips For Women Over 40 [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- Free Tips On How To Lose Weight Quickly [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly: High Intensity Exercise and Its Post-Workout Effect [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly and Easy [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- How to lose Weight Quickly with Hot Babes, [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Like 30 lbs In 4 week! [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly - Using The Lunch Box Diet [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2011]
- Zone Diet Menu Plan - How to lose weight quickly [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Build Muscle Quickly with Bodyweight Exercises! [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly With This Breakfast Recipe [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly - Walk To Your Fitness [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Quickly with Great Weightloss [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2011]
- HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT QUICKLY - LOSE 20 Lbs. IN 4 WEEKS [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast and Easy Motivational Weight Loss Speaker Food Addiction Weight Loss Tips [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- 300 Rep - Lose Weight Fast - Fat Burning Home Workout [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Beginner Home Workout #1 - Lose Weight Fast [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- My 56 Day Juice Fast Summary - How I Lost Weight Every Day! [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Exercise Program Week 5 [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- My Weight Loss Journey - How I lost Six Stone - Lose weight fast and easy? [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- 30-Minute Weight Loss Circuit Workout [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast and easy [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Awesome Weight Loss Tip [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Top 10 Weight Loss Mistakes, How to Lose Weight [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast Program Reveal [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- weight loss tips - How To Lose Weight Fast.mp4 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- how to lose weight fast - burn fat easily [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast:-ExerciseTV One week effective --6 pack abs peak training [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly - 3 Tips For Massive Results [Lose Weight Fast] [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Weight Loss - How To Lose Weight Fast.mp4 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Diets To Lose Weight Fast - Effective Weight Loss [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How To Lose Baby Weight FAST! [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- How to Lose 10 Pounds Fast! [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- My 170 Pound Weight Loss Journey and Diet - Lose Weight Fast! - Sierra Goodman [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Lose Weight FAST - Burn Fat - Low Impact Home Interval Workout [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Quick weight loss workout to help YOU Lose 15 pounds fast [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- How I lost 100% of my excess body fat! [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight as FAST as you can Handle! [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- The China Study 02 of 14 ( Vegan Vegetarian Health Benefits / Lose Weight ) - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Build Muscle Fast! lose pounds! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Burn Belly Fat - 7 Minute Home Workout - Hammer Says Lose Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Lose Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Weight Fast Loss | Help To Lose Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- How To Get Skinny [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Advanced Stair Workout With Kim Lyons - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Build Muscle Fast! fast muscle gain ! - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- FAT LOSS LIFESTYLE'S: HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST: NUTRITION - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- Atkins Diet Recipes Low Carb Roasted Eggplant Lasagna how to lose weight fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- How To Lose Belly Fat Quickly - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Chiseled Chair Challenge - Lose Weight Fast with this Full Body Workout - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- The China Study 03 of 14 ( Vegan Vegetarian Health Benefits / Lose Weight ) - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Lose Weight Really Fast, Get Started Today - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast and How to lose Belly Fat - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Lose 10 lbs in 5 seconds! - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Ways to lose weight fast - Start losing weight today! - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- how to lose weight fast for teenagers - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2011]
- Ways To Lose Weight On Your Face - How To Get A Chiselled Face!.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- Ways to Lose Weight Fast - Beware Of Weight Loss Myths !.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- Lose weight fast.Diet Solution Program - Why Diets Keep You Fat And Prevent Weight Loss! - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- Exercises to Lose Weight Fast #1: Squats Workout - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast and Easy - WOMAN - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Shocking Weight Loss Transformation! - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- Atkins Diet Recipes Low Carb Teriyaki Wings How To Lose Weight Safe And Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Rapid Weight Loss ( How to Lose Weight Fast ) - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Weight Loss Pills - Alli Diet Pills Reviewed - Appetite Suppressant - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast now! - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast, and tone your legs today - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Quickly For Teenagers By Ervin Ruhe Jr - Video [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight | Tips On (How To Lose Weight) - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- How to lose weight quickly and easy - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2011]
- My Diet Tips - Eat This and Lose Weight Fast [Proof 100%] - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2011]
- How To Lose Your Belly Fat - Video [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - How To Reduce Body Fat - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight: Quick Weight-Loss Workout to Lose 15 Pounds Fast - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- (How to lose weight fast) Transformation Month 3 - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2011]
- HoneyCups How To: Lose Weight Fast! - Video [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2011]