Filed under: Software, iPhone, App Store
First Look: Edibles
If you're a loser and you're happy, it probably means that you are a successful dieter.Being a middle-aged computer geek means that I have been gaining weight (no, I'm not as "hefty" as Steve Wozniak). I am a member of the WeightWatchers Online program, but it's frustrating that I haven't been able to track my Points® with my iPhone. Well, the brilliant minds at Random Ideas, LLC have just released Edibles (link opens iTunes), which works with just about any diet program to help you watch what's going into your mouth.
As a food journal, Edibles allows you to track whatever value your diet uses. For the Atkins diet, you'll be tracking carbs. On WeightWatchers, you have a certain number of Points® that you can ingest on a daily basis. If you exercise, Edibles deducts carbs, calories, or points so you can see the benefit of your workout.
Edibles tracks on a daily and weekly basis, just as most of the major diet plans do. The app is available for US$5.99 in the App Store now, and is sure to be a hit with anybody who is fighting the battle of the bulge.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dennis Metzcher said 8:14PM on 8-16-2008
It doesn't calculate points, according to the app's description on the App Store page. There is another app (Kathy Counter) that does the same thing as Edibles, but it also calculates the points for you, and does just about everything else, too, except track your weekly weight. For Weight Watchers, I think Kathy Counter looks like a better option.
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mentalsticks said 8:01AM on 8-17-2008
... which seems to fit in with tuaw's strategy of reviewing a totally random selection of iphone apps -- that's doesn't seem to be based on the program's qualities or features, but solely on serendipity.
Chris said 3:42PM on 8-16-2008
Since when is "Points" a registered trade mark?
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Steven Sande said 9:23PM on 8-17-2008
Since whenever someone at WeightWatchers decided to get it trademarked... Ridiculous, isn't it? :-)
TUAW Steve
Olligarski said 3:52PM on 8-16-2008
PointALator (iTunes) is an alternative!
But let me tell you won't lose anything but cash through Weight Watchers. Try googling LCHF (low carb high fat) and I promise this diet will let you drop as many pounds as you wish. Fast, easy and without counting calories or eating boring food.
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Olligarski said 3:54PM on 8-16-2008
The missing link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=286059887&mt=8
cashmonee said 4:01PM on 8-16-2008
Not saying it is for everyone, but my wife lost over 40lbs. using weightwatchers. A friend of mine's sister also lost significant weight. From what I can see, those who actually follow the routine and stick with it lose weight. Those that don't generally don't or gain it back. Also, you can have whatever you want as long as it fits into your points allotment.
As for low carb/high fat diets, they do work fast, but the second you veer from them, you gain weight back fast. Also, you invite a host of other issues with a high fat diet.
On a side note, this app may finally allow me to get the iPhone 3G and pass the old phone to my wife!
puhsitch said 6:08PM on 8-16-2008
Weight Watchers seems to promote general healthy eating, which is good for the long term, and you don't need to give money to follow the plan. Low carb/high fat looks more like an unbalanced short-term gimmick.
BestPick said 4:44PM on 8-16-2008
The best pick for WW is Kathy Counter at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=287931963&mt=8
For point watchers it rocks!
Calculator, Bookmarks, History, Exercise tracking!
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tman said 3:36AM on 8-18-2008
"Being a middle-aged computer geek means that I have been gaining weight"
I think we have a problem with cause-and-effect logic here :-)
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anon said 8:55AM on 8-17-2008
Ya gotta admit that geeks are pretty binary with respect to their body shape -- we're either a skinny 1 or, y'know, a O.
Justin said 10:49AM on 8-17-2008
I've purchased both apps and have been using Edibles for my daily tracking. I've also left a review for that app.
Basically, apps of this type are going to come down to personal preference on the app/UI design because they're all eventually going to offer similar features. I expect that we're going to end up with tons of WW trackers in the App Store, but right now we're seeing the first generations and seeing developers flesh out their offerings.
Edibles feels better to me, even without an included Points calculator, because it uses the standard iPhone UI instead of the UI that Kathy Counter implements. Some may prefer Kathy Counter, some may not care. For me, Edibles has been the winner, and I'll stick with it because it has an interface I like. The rest of the features will come along later.
Now if iBank will just get their app in the Store my iPhone-based life would be complete. :)
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Arthur said 2:37PM on 8-18-2008
I'm a middle aged computer geek and sit in front of my screen about 10 hours a day but go to the gym every day, ride my bike to work, and haven't eaten McDonalds in about 10 years. Coke only with the Captain or Jack. I think if you just replaced geek with American you might have had something there lol! I was born and raised in the US and grew up without much parental guidance and I have a healthy conscience. Why can't everyone else? All generalizations aside, I think if we start accepting our laziness and gluttony in the general media, as you just did, it'll become normal and everyone will accept it. The fat gene will be more predominant for future generations. Something needs to be done and you aren't helping. I see fat people...
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Becki said 9:41PM on 11-01-2008
If you use WeightWatchers eTools, which is included with a lot of the programs or is available separately for ~$13/month (which is what I use), there is an online mobile phone website, mobile.weightwatchers.com, that allows you to track food and exercise points just like the full website. I highly recommend it.
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Beth said 9:30PM on 11-04-2008
Does anyone know the formula to put in the calculator for weight watchers??
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