Diet free apps- do they exist? What’s the best option? What is the best diet app? Even though I encouraged a diet free new year, let’s face it, some of you still probably ended up going on a diet. Maybe it’s been “working” a couple weeks in or maybe you already abandoned it because it was too hard or restrictive. Or maybe you are coming across this post months later and want to know what to do if your diet app is not working for you- well you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive into some of the diet free app options that are currently available and dietitian recommended.
Diet Apps
Obviously first and foremost I don’t recommend any diets because as we know, DIETS DON’T WORK. That being said I highly recommend working with a Registered Dietitian for any nutrition guidance over an app. I know that working with a dietitian may not be affordable or accessible for everyone so many people turn to the internet and ultimately, they also turn to apps.
The most popular diet apps include:
MyFitnessPal, Chronometer, Fooducate, and Noom. (Yes Noom is a DIET app, not an anti diet or intuitive eating app as much as they want to be!). Diet apps are advertised as a way to track progress, set guidelines, and encourage accountability. You can log and track food, macronutrients, water, etc.
Do Diet apps work?
Diets apps, just like a diet, encourage weight loss. The apps also, like a diet, do not guarantee weight loss, including long term weight loss. Intentional weight loss should not be a health focus- we know from research that focusing on healthy behaviors like balanced eating, exercise, environment, education, self care and more are real targets to promote health.
Do Anti-diet or non-diet apps exist?
In short, yes. There are definitely non diet dietitian approved apps to focus on nutrition. While some might include logging or journaling food that isn’t to focus on minimizing calories (for eating disordered related apps it’s quite the opposite!)
Nourishly
Nourishly is a more clinically focused app for providers such as dietitians to be able to partner with their clients. Tracking includes more than just food it also tracks hunger and fullness, stress levels, sleep, meals, digestive problems and symptoms, patients uncover surprising personal insights. You can also send photos and secure messages since it is HIPAA compliant.
Ate
Ate has coined itself the mindful food journal. The app is not calorie focused and includes health coaches that have a mindful, intuitive, and body-positive approach to health. It’s quick, easy, and visual.
Eating Disorder Specific Apps
Recovery Record and Recovery Warriors are two of the most commonly used eating disorder recovery focused apps. Recovery Record is under the same umbrella as Nourishly and works in the same way. The Rise Up Recovery Warrior app is also similar in that it connects clinicians and patients and focuses on more than just food.
Am I Hungry?
The Am I Hungry app is a mindful based approach to eating and operates as a “coach” for guiding uses. It is touted as a tool for making more mindful decisions so you are in charge of every decision without having to resort to rules and restrictions. It’s developed by MD Michelle May who has written several books on the subject matter.
Wellory
Wellory is a newer app I don’t have much experience with but the app call itself “like a therapist for a relationship with your food.” The coaches do have some nutrition degree requirements but not all are Registered Dietitians. The focus is on building healthy habits vs calorie counting.
Other
There are several food and mood tracking apps or journals available but this is a basic app to simply track emotions around food. I think this is a great place to start for the chronic dieter or calorie counter looking to make changes. There are also meal planning apps available that might be helpful for someone trying to get in the kitchen and try new recipes but need a little guidance.
Final Thoughts on the Best Diet Free Apps
In this technology driven world apps can be a great way to have a little nutrition support however they can not be considered a replacement for working with a Registered Dietitian. If you are going to use apps to make changes consider trying one of the options I shared or an intuitive eating focused app. Avoid clean eating and other calorie focused apps (and yes, this includes Noom.)
Questions? Comments?? Considerations??
If you’re looking for additional support- book a coaching call with me here!
