Weight-Loss Software > Food Diary Template

Which Food Diary Template Is Best?

By Terry Dunkle, DietPower Editor-In-Chief*

By "food diary template" we mean a website or a software program that lets you keep a diary on your computer and make a printout if you wish. The simplest templates merely tally the calories in your meals. Others do a lot more. Here are five features to examine when shopping for a template:

Top Food Diary Template Download a Free Trial

Food Database

A good food diary template will offer at least 20,000 foods in its database. Watch out for templates that pad their numbers by counting duplicates under different names—"pancakes" and "flapjacks," for example. Avoid online templates that let users contribute foods, as this practice produces a lot of errors and duplication. Make sure the database covers not only calories, but at least a dozen other nutrients.

Exercise Database

Similarly, your template should let you log your exercise in order to earn extra calories. It should cover at least 500 kinds of physical activity, including not only sports, but also exercise equipment, occupational activities, and leisure pursuits. Besides logging the activity's identity, it should let you record its intensity or speed. In addition, it should take your current body weight into account when calculating the number of calories you expend.

Printouts

Your food diary template should offer many different options in printouts. If you are seeing a dietitian, ask him or her precisely what printouts are needed, and make sure the template provides them.

Intelligence

Besides recording your foods and keeping track of your calories and nutrients, an exceptional template can "learn" your needs and preferences. DietPower®, for example, automatically tweaks your calorie budget each day to match your metabolism and guarantee reaching your goal on a schedule. In addition, it can recommend foods you like that are best for your nutrient balance. Other programs may perform similarly "intelligent" services.

Guarantees

Don't buy a food diary template that doesn't offer a money-back guarantee or a free trial. In addition, make sure it offers free phone and email support after the sale.

 

---

*Terry Dunkle is a 30-year veteran medical journalist and consumer advocate who serves as CEO and chief editor at DietPower, Inc., a leading maker of nutrition and weight-loss software.

To comment on this page, click here.

            SPAM POLICY: DietPower doesn't send emails to people who haven't requested them, nor do we share email adresses with third parties. If you
            suspect that someone has subscribed you to our mailing list fraudulently, email us at webmaster@dietpower.com.