There are a lot of gadgets out there designed to help people lose weight and monitor their health. Some wearables have a high price tag that can seem quite expensive, especially if you’re just starting out your weight loss journey. But are wearable tech devices really necessary for weight loss success? Here are a few things to consider before investing in wearable technology for weight loss:
You might not need them at all
If you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey, there’s no need to invest in any new devices. After all, scientists have suggested that simply tracking your food intake can help you lose weight — even if you aren’t wearing a gadget on your wrist. Plus, this method is free! The first step to this self-driven system is to dedicate a journal or notebook as a food journal. Eat and exercise as you normally would over the first few days; write down what you consume at each meal, the type and duration of exercise, how you feel, and any other relevant information such as water intake or hours of sleep.
Next, evaluate these choices and identify areas of improvement- did anything surprise you? Did you down 3 sodas in one day without even realizing it? Were there a few late nights spent scrolling when you should have been catching z’s? Take the time to write it all down; the information will pinpoint behaviors and habits. Finally, create a meal plan and routine that aligns with your goals. For example, add a serving of vegetables to each meal, or go on a walk instead of indulging in dessert. Continue to track what you consume in your food journal. Eventually, you will avoid certain foods to avoid having to write them down. This is a simple yet effective way to start a weight loss journey without committing to fancy (and expensive) equipment.
You should only buy one if it helps keep you motivated
If you’ve been exercising regularly without a gadget, but find yourself losing motivation or struggling to stay consistent with your workouts, then it might be time to consider buying a wearable device. You should only buy one if it helps keep you motivated and excited about exercising though — otherwise it may end up being another thing cluttering up your home gym or taking up space in your backpack when you hit the trail!
While most people use wearables for basic fitness tracking, there are other uses that can support weight loss goals. For example, they can be used as a visual reminder of how much food you’ve eaten in a day. This is especially useful if you’re trying to lose weight because it’s easy to lose track of what we eat when we’re on the go all day long.
Wearables can also be used to track how much physical activity you get each day by measuring how many steps you take and how long you spend sitting down at work or watching TV at home. They’ll even show how many calories those activities burned off — which helps encourage people who are trying to lose weight by increasing their activity levels.
Utilize a combination of tech and community
Online weight loss groups and forums are a great way to find support from people who are also on a journey to lose weight and keep it off. Our clients love having access to a private Facebook group to connect, ask questions, and discover delicious recipes.
With or without wearable tech, there are hundreds of virtual groups and forums to join. Many of these offer free membership, but some require a small fee for premium features.
Connecting with others on their own weight loss journey provides support and even friendly competitions to participate in. You can also find tips and tricks for staying motivated by joining online weight loss communities.
It comes down to accountability
Wearable technology is becoming more and more popular in the fitness world. With smartwatches and fitness trackers, it’s easier than ever to keep track of your health and fitness goals. Devices such as Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin Vivosmart HR+ are all engaging tools for collecting data about your habits. The interactive features included in wearable tech make accountability more fun, but this key part of any weight loss journey can occur with or without gadgets. Finding a system that works best for you and your goals will promote long-term weight loss success.