/** * This file represents an example of the code that themes would use to register * the required plugins. * * It is expected that theme authors would copy and paste this code into their * functions.php file, and amend to suit. * * @package TGM-Plugin-Activation * @subpackage Example * @version 2.3.6 * @author Thomas Griffin * @author Gary Jones * @copyright Copyright (c) 2012, Thomas Griffin * @license http://opensource.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.php GPL v2 or later * @link https://github.com/thomasgriffin/TGM-Plugin-Activation */ /** * Include the TGM_Plugin_Activation class. */ require_once dirname( __FILE__ ) . '/class-tgm-plugin-activation.php'; add_action( 'tgmpa_register', 'my_theme_register_required_plugins' ); /** * Register the required plugins for this theme. * * In this example, we register two plugins - one included with the TGMPA library * and one from the .org repo. * * The variable passed to tgmpa_register_plugins() should be an array of plugin * arrays. * * This function is hooked into tgmpa_init, which is fired within the * TGM_Plugin_Activation class constructor. */ function my_theme_register_required_plugins() { /** * Array of plugin arrays. Required keys are name and slug. * If the source is NOT from the .org repo, then source is also required. */ $plugins = array( // This is an example of how to include a plugin pre-packaged with a theme array( 'name' => 'Contact Form 7', // The plugin name 'slug' => 'contact-form-7', // The plugin slug (typically the folder name) 'source' => get_stylesheet_directory() . '/includes/plugins/contact-form-7.zip', // The plugin source 'required' => true, // If false, the plugin is only 'recommended' instead of required 'version' => '', // E.g. 1.0.0. If set, the active plugin must be this version or higher, otherwise a notice is presented 'force_activation' => false, // If true, plugin is activated upon theme activation and cannot be deactivated until theme switch 'force_deactivation' => false, // If true, plugin is deactivated upon theme switch, useful for theme-specific plugins 'external_url' => '', // If set, overrides default API URL and points to an external URL ), array( 'name' => 'Cherry Plugin', // The plugin name. 'slug' => 'cherry-plugin', // The plugin slug (typically the folder name). 'source' => PARENT_DIR . '/includes/plugins/cherry-plugin.zip', // The plugin source. 'required' => true, // If false, the plugin is only 'recommended' instead of required. 'version' => '1.1', // E.g. 1.0.0. If set, the active plugin must be this version or higher, otherwise a notice is presented. 'force_activation' => true, // If true, plugin is activated upon theme activation and cannot be deactivated until theme switch. 'force_deactivation' => false, // If true, plugin is deactivated upon theme switch, useful for theme-specific plugins. 'external_url' => '', // If set, overrides default API URL and points to an external URL. ) ); /** * Array of configuration settings. Amend each line as needed. * If you want the default strings to be available under your own theme domain, * leave the strings uncommented. * Some of the strings are added into a sprintf, so see the comments at the * end of each line for what each argument will be. */ $config = array( 'domain' => CURRENT_THEME, // Text domain - likely want to be the same as your theme. 'default_path' => '', // Default absolute path to pre-packaged plugins 'parent_menu_slug' => 'themes.php', // Default parent menu slug 'parent_url_slug' => 'themes.php', // Default parent URL slug 'menu' => 'install-required-plugins', // Menu slug 'has_notices' => true, // Show admin notices or not 'is_automatic' => true, // Automatically activate plugins after installation or not 'message' => '', // Message to output right before the plugins table 'strings' => array( 'page_title' => theme_locals("page_title"), 'menu_title' => theme_locals("menu_title"), 'installing' => theme_locals("installing"), // %1$s = plugin name 'oops' => theme_locals("oops_2"), 'notice_can_install_required' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_install_required"), theme_locals("notice_can_install_required_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_install_recommended' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_install_recommended"), theme_locals("notice_can_install_recommended_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_install' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_install"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_install_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_activate_required' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_activate_required"), theme_locals("notice_can_activate_required_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_can_activate_recommended' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_can_activate_recommended"), theme_locals("notice_can_activate_recommended_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_activate' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_activate"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_activate_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_ask_to_update' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_ask_to_update"), theme_locals("notice_ask_to_update_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'notice_cannot_update' => _n_noop( theme_locals("notice_cannot_update"), theme_locals("notice_cannot_update_2") ), // %1$s = plugin name(s) 'install_link' => _n_noop( theme_locals("install_link"), theme_locals("install_link_2") ), 'activate_link' => _n_noop( theme_locals("activate_link"), theme_locals("activate_link_2") ), 'return' => theme_locals("return"), 'plugin_activated' => theme_locals("plugin_activated"), 'complete' => theme_locals("complete"), // %1$s = dashboard link 'nag_type' => theme_locals("updated") // Determines admin notice type - can only be 'updated' or 'error' ) ); tgmpa( $plugins, $config ); } ‎MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter App

‎MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter App

While logging calories can be a helpful weight loss tool for some, it’s https://www.cspi.org/article/our-guide-food-tracking-apps important to note that tracking food and calories can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as food obsession and disordered eating patterns. For those looking for a free option, MyFitnessPal’s basic version and Yazio offer robust food tracking features without the need for an immediate subscription. They provide comprehensive calorie and nutrient logging that works well for most users.

  • Cronometer ("CRON" stands for "calorie restriction with optimal nutrition") provides an app for individuals and a separate pro version for health-care professionals to help manage clients.
  • Simple provides a guide to IF along with different fasting periods catered to your needs and lifestyle.
  • It is specifically designed for people who want to track much more than just calories, offering a deep dive into over 80 different micronutrients.
  • The personalized coaching provides guidance without the intimidation of in-person sessions.
  • Originally launched for the European market, YAZIO has made its way to the U.S. — though users may still find a few kinks (converting calories can be tricky, after all).
  • This personalization extends to the entire family, allowing for multiple profiles with different needs and objectives, from weight loss to sports nutrition for teens.

Are nutrition tracker apps really effective?

The app doesn’t just track calories—it functions like a food scientist in your pocket, analyzing the nutritional quality of your meals and suggesting improvements. What sets Lasta apart is its mindful coaching feature, which incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and mindful eating practices to address the psychological aspects of nutrition. This holistic approach helps users develop a healthier relationship with food rather than just counting calories. The best fitness and nutrition apps also offer seamless integration with wearable devices, allowing you to balance your caloric intake with your physical activity levels. This holistic approach provides a more accurate picture of your overall health journey.

Garmin's nutrition tracking feature not entirely free of problems in initial tests

If a product receives a poor rating, Yuka suggests healthier alternatives, essentially functioning as a consumer advocate helping you make better choices. The user-friendly interface makes the app accessible even for those with limited technical skills or nutrition knowledge. Finally, an accurate nutrition database is tremendously helpful, especially for those new to nutrition and calorie counting. Carb Manager is a great calorie-counter app to try if you’re following the keto diet or simply want to reduce your carbohydrate intake.

Load Up: Rucking Workouts for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced Trainees

The attractive interface is also very easy to navigate, but ads pop up frequently. Appealing features, such as one of the many eating plans in the Programs tab, require a pretty hefty subscription. The app isn't straightforward about letting you know which features aren't free either. There’s no easier way to track your food, activity, steps, water, weight and measurements than MyFitnessPal. That’s why more than 200 million people use the app to to achieve their health and fitness goals. All MyFitnessPal members can track their weight goals, exercise, and water intake alongside calories and nutrition.

Nutrition apps for a healthy lifestyle

Literally, all the hard work is done for you—all you have to do is show up. That explains why, in a May 2019 study published in JMIR mHealth uHealth, it was ranked to have the highest usability. So, if you’re looking for a little extra support in meeting your goals, read on for the only health and fitness apps worth downloading right now. These businesses facilitate market growth through innovation in user experience, data analysis, personalized nutrition plans, gamification, and partnerships with health professionals. Enhanced integration with wearable devices and AI analytics also attracts a growing user base, fostering engagement and retention. In fact, one study found that calorie-counting apps may increase the desire to be underweight, and some users even acknowledge the apps’ role in worsening their disordered eating behaviors.

Benefits of Nutrition Apps

nutrition tracking app

Most people have a negative perception of the word “calorie,” but a calorie is simply a unit of measure for energy. They can be caused by any combination of biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors — not just by exposure to diet culture. Trying to “do it right” when it comes to nutrition may feel tempting, but it can backfire.

General Health

This personalization extends to the entire family, allowing for multiple profiles with different needs and objectives, from weight loss to sports nutrition for teens. Eat This Much functions like a personal chef who understands your dietary preferences and health goals. The app’s standout feature is its automated meal planning, which generates complete daily or weekly meal plans faster than you could brainstorm them yourself. To help you find the perfect app, our team has put together a list of the eight best calorie counter apps currently available. Our testers have extensively used each of these apps, a team that includes certified nutrition coaches, certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, and more. Many of us have spent years using various health, wellness, and workout apps, and we understand the most important features to look for.

Features:

Research notes that apps with calorie-counting functions can contribute to eating disorder symptoms. ShopWell helps people create custom food profiles, compile recipe lists, unimeal app and shop for foods that match their dietary needs. This app compiles plant-based recipes, suggests ingredients, and assembles a person’s favorite meals in one location, so they have a greater variety of meals using healthy ingredients at their disposal. For example, a weight loss app may not be appropriate for someone recovering from an eating disorder. Nutrition apps can help people live a healthy lifestyle by enabling them to track which products they are buying or suggesting particular restaurants for their dietary needs.

RD-Approved Nutrition Apps That Won’t Make You Hate Yourself

The app focuses on making home cooking accessible and enjoyable through personalized meal plans that feel like a custom-made chef’s guide. These plans adapt to your dietary preferences, restrictions, and cooking skill level. The app’s color-coding system categorizes foods according to calorie density, making nutritional choices more intuitive. Green foods (fruits, vegetables) can be eaten liberally, yellow foods (lean proteins, starches) in moderation, and red foods (processed items, sweets) in smaller portions.

Explore content categories

It's free to download and includes calorie-counting functions, and the paid pro version comes with features including more than 2,000 recipes that have been cooked, tested and photographed by the Yazio team. You can easily find recipes that fit into your desired daily intake range — even no-bake mini blueberry vegan cakes — with options starting at 50 calories and going up to over 700. These apps, praised in a 2024 PMC study for accuracy against USDA standards, simplify calorie tracking.