But there are some handy tools out there that can help monitor your calorie intake right at your desk, so when you’re tempted to scarf down a second birthday cupcake, you’ll know exactly what it’s going to cost you. Pick one depending on your goal and price range (or persuade your boss to let you expense it—how are you supposed to get any work done if you can’t fit in your seat?) and discover a more mindful eater!
The Goal: To lose weight
The Tool: MyFoodDiary.com
This comprehensive website includes a database of over 50,000 foods and their corresponding nutritional information (including nutrients, vitamins, and minerals). Log the foods you eat and the calories you burn with exercise throughout the day. The site will chart it all and tell you the remaining calories you can have in order to reach your goal weight. Other unique features include a support forum and the ability to track your diet from your mobile device. Now you’ve got no excuse! ($9/month)
The Goal: To have a healthier lifestyle
The Tool: Fitbit Tracker
This lipstick-size device clips onto your shirt or your pants pocket (or even your bra if you’re trying to be discreet about your battle with the bulge). Using a motion sensor, it tracks your activity, the number of steps taken and calories burned, even how long it takes you to fall asleep and how many times you wake up during the night. Simply walk near its base-charging station and it will auto-sync your data to the Fitbit website (compatible with both Macs and PCs). Though the device is optimized for walking, running, and general daily activity, you can log more intense physical exercise manually so the calories burned can be included in your daily totals. The website also includes an inventory of over 50,000 foods so you can keep track of your caloric intake. ($99; fitbit.com)
The Goal: To be more conscious of your calorie intake
The Tool: iGoogle Calorie Calculator
This simplistic but handy tool appears right on your iGoogle home screen for easy access. (If you’re new to iGoogle, log on to your Gmail account, create an iGoogle desktop, and download the Calorie Calculator widget.) Though the inventory of foods is limited, you can select similar alternatives to get a basic idea of whether you’re staying within the recommended 2,000 calories per day (or if your muffin top is on its way to becoming a spare tire). (Free; igoogle.com)
The Goal: To make healthier food choices
The Tool: Eat This, Not That
All of the unbelievable food swaps revealed in the popular book Eat This Not That are
now available in a searchable online database. Have a habit of ordering
in for lunch? Find out what the fattiest selections are from your go-to
restaurant. Could your "healthy" sushi role actually be a hidden
danger? Sift through the Menu Decoder so you can make better choices.
Other site features include grocery comparisons, "top swaps," and "Best
& Worst" food lists. ($9.95/6 months, menshealth.com)
The Goal: To get in shape
The Tool: MioPINK Motiva Wristwatch
Designed for fitness enthusiasts, this watch measures the intensity of your workouts by tracking your heart rate and calories burned while exercising. Its built-in weight management tool allows you to set daily caloric targets, enter calories consumed, and receive alerts when you’ve exceeded your intake goal. Though it won’t automatically update your info to the website, you can manually chart your progress and get tips from trainers on the Personal Trainer Message Board. Plus, 10% of the proceeds go to Susan G. Koman Foundation Cure, so you can feel healthier and charitable at the same time! ($100, miowatch.com)
