It seems as we get older it gets more difficult to find time to take care of ourselves. Of course we're supposed to "make time" but between babies, kids, appointments, and work (whether its at home or outside of it) we all know there isn't always much time left to stretch.
It often becomes easier to just let things be. It also becomes easier to justify poor health habits and poor body image, but there's one thing we have to remember: we're the role models for our families. Whether our goal is to be "bikini ready" or just healthy getting there can be a challenge.
I've fallen into this unhealthy pattern too many times to count. Having kids was supposed to be the thing that snapped me into a more healthful way of living, but instead the constant go-go-go and perpetually exhaustive nature of motherhood meant that my health fell well behind my kids, my husband, my work and everything else. After a few failed attempts at diets and "lifestyle changes" I decided to turn to the love of my life: my smart phone. I'm only at the beginning of my journey, but so far I'm very happy with the changes I'm seeing and how easy it is to make them work.
Here are a few fit-friendly apps to help get you into shape and stay there!
by MyFitnessPal Inc. (Free) iPhone / Web / Android
With myfitnesspal you are able to track every single calorie you put into your body every day. You can set a goal and it will tell you exactly what you need to eat (calorie-wise) to hit that goal. Every day, week or whenever you feel like it you can weigh yourself to track your progress and keep yourself on track.
Why I 
it: This app holds me accountable for everything I eat, how much I exercise and really puts the stats in front of my face every day. It's so easy to justify treats here and there until you're shoving cheeseburgers in your face all the live-long day but with this app I see exactly what that is doing to my body every time. I lost 4 lbs my first week using it! *pats self on back*
by Gormaya, LLC ($0.99) iPhone
If you suffer from a food allergy, are trying to cut out sugar or just want some great tips for great food ideas and substitutions then this app is perfect for you! It's literally chock-full of amazing ideas for substitutions and remedies for many ailments.
Why I it: Since I've been trying to cut calories in a healthy way, sometimes I need to make substitutions with old favourite recipes that just aren't as healthy as they could be. This app is PERFECT for someone who isn't as imaginative in the kitchen as they'd like to be. I think it'd come in super handy for folks with allergies, too!
by Azumio Inc. (Free) iPhone
Argus is a beautifully designed app that at its very base is a pedometer, but so much more. Forget buying expensive tech-accessories to track your steps, pace and range, this handy app can do that just by being held! The app has a great honeycomb design with different pod-style areas that help you track and easily see your progress.
Why I it: The designer in me wants to marry this app! It’s so gorgeous to look at and easy to use! Plus it has a ton of options and customizations to make it suit my preferences. I love knowing exactly how many steps I’m taking just walking around the office every day, it makes me feel like even if I can’t make time to do a workout I am still up and moving more than I thought!
by Bytesize Systems Pty Ltd (Free + InApp Purchases) iPhone/iPod
Finding time to work out can be daunting with little ones running around and/or a busy work schedule. Hopping off to the gym or out for a run is practically impossible for many. The 7 Minutes app is a beautiful, easy to understand and use, app that has a range of low-to-high intensity quick burst workouts designed to get your blood pumping, if only for a short time.
Why I it: They’re really starting to hit it out of the park with these well-designed, well-functioning apps lately, and this one is no exception! Although there are only a few free workouts to try in the beginning, getting it together for seven minutes is a lot easier than finding a babysitter or waiting until hubs gets home to hit the gym, that’s for sure!
by Codigo Pte Ltd. & Health Promotion Board (Free) iPhone/iPad/iPod
Although this app isn’t as cleanly designed as the others, I really like that I have a one-touch way to find some great ideas for healthy meals (and smaller budgets!) Now that I’m trying to do a better job of feeding my family (and myself) I have a hard time coming up with recipes that isn’t cheesy or fried. Healthy Chef has given me some cool ideas for a quick, healthy dinner!
Why I it: Being able to find recipes based on budget when you’re trying to eat healthy isn’t easy! It’s annoying, but in the beginning making healthy choices can be a lot more expensive than those old processed, packaged foods we get used to. I also like the ability to get a calorie count, so I can plug it into myfitnesspal easily!
---
I know most of these apps are for iPhone, since that’s what I have that’s what I know, but I would love to hear about your similar apps for Android and Windows Phones, if you’ve got them to share!
Let me know if you start using any of these apps for yourself in the comments! I’d love to hear about your progress! — Thanks for reading and sharing!
At YMC, we are huge believers that you can use technology to take care of yourself. Training for a run? Here are three great apps to help get you motivated.
Printer-friendly version