I really like the idea of technology improving our lives. Unfortunately, it seems almost by default that consumer-level technology – 3G mobile phones, and mobile apps in particular – is viewed as not much more than superficial gadgetry that dazzles briefly but really does little to enrich our lives.

To boot, the shelf life of so many tech products is minuscule. So whatever benefits are promised are really not much more than fleeting distractions. It is no wonder so many people view mobile apps – the little download-able programs that are added to a mobile phone’s operating system – as disposable and frivolous. It doesn’t help that the app market is well saturated with just tons of pulp and novelty junk either. Yet app development and downloads continue to grow exponentially.

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Real Life

Well, guess what: I really think some apps are fantastic and can become a positive part of our lives. Call me a nerd, but I actually used an app to change my life – something I was not able to do in “real life” for lack of a better description.  I have many apps on my iPhone. Most are productivity, social media and business types. However, the app I am referring to here is more a lifestyle app called Lose It. Lose It  helps you track your daily food intake, and map your calories to weekly goal designed to encourage weight loss. The app remembers your meals, and has huge database of brand name products, retail fast food chains and supermarkets to choose from.

Lose It! also tracks exercises fill out your calorie balance sheet

Ever counted calories? Its just tedious. This app makes counting your meal calories a snap. In fact because it remembers your most frequent meal choices, keeping track (and staying on track) is as easy as 2 or three taps of your finger. Of course the app does not provide motivation. You do have to want to keep track. But if you are committed to losing weight, Lose It makes it far easier.

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Eight Lbs.

In my case I used the app to lose eight lbs in about four weeks. What is key for me here is I do not think I would have been able to pull this off in “real life.” And yes you also have to have the inclination to use your mobile phone every day. But as so many of us are tethered to our phones, this should be a natural fit for many us. And if you’re looking to lose a few or a lot of weight, check out Lose It.

You may just be surprised to find that Tim Horton’s muffin is 440 calories. (Ouch!)

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