Free Ways to Keep Track of My Weight Loss

Health experts often recommend that anyone on a weight loss regimen keep a record of their food intake, exercise and progress. Research indicates that people who do this are more likely to not only lose weight but also to maintain their weight loss. Thanks to technologies old and new, individuals can keep track of lost pounds without losing pennies.

Documents

• People who prefer to keep a written record of their weight loss can do so in various ways. Using pen and paper, or even a private weight loss journal, is one method. A personal or wall calendar, perhaps with a nutrition and fitness- inspired design, can also be used to record progress. Computer users might keep track with electronic writing programs or spreadsheets that lend well to storing numerical data. There are also websites with free custom templates available for download, which allow individuals to enter their weight in the appropriate fields.

Scales

• Using scales with internal memory systems is another option to keep track of weight loss for free. While these scales are often costly and typically more expensive than those that only measure weight, once purchased, they track progress economically and effortlessly. According to the Good Housekeeping website, some of these scales can keep weight measures for multiple users, others can store and compare several weeks of data and some even come with free workout DVDs. For those who fear losing their information due to a malfunction, some scales can also connect to other electronic devices, like computers and cellphones, where the data can be backed up.

Websites

• Many health websites offer weight loss tracking and similar services for a fee, but there are numerous free ones. They include well-known sites whose information is consistently reviewed and often written by doctors. Other sites are maintained by entrepreneurs, sometimes with or without the help of qualified health professionals. Members of free social networking sites and blogs might also have the option to add free weight tracking applications to their pages.

Mobile Devices

• Free weight tracking applications are also available for mobile devices like cellphones and digital tablets. These are great for logging and checking progress on the go. Users can check in regularly, review progress charts, share their data with other users and include diary entries as well as caloric intake. Some mobile applications also offer users the ability to synchronize and save their data in other virtual locations.

Visuals

• Tracking weight loss with visual representation can be the most effortless yet creative and awe-inspiring method. Individuals who own a still or video camera of any kind can take photos or footage of their bodies on a regular basis. Over time, they will have a documentary of their weight loss journey that is much more exciting to watch than a scale.