Wellness

[okaywitheasypay]

Anyone use Alexa to count calories. I have checked thru Amazon for free apps but haven't seen much enthusiasm in the reviews of most. 

I just need to lose about 5+ lbs. for my happiness and a looser waist line on clothes. I haven't got lockdown 15 lbs. --but I do have about 3 extra which is going the wrong way for me

I was thinking of trying the 5:2 diet plan (checked out a library book on it ) you keep calories to 500 2 days per week then normally the others. I have just asked Alexa the calorie counts and gotten what sounds correct but some ---???? 

My failure with calorie counting is usually the boredom and tediousness of it . I got to thinking perhaps the Alexa  could eliminate some of this --looking up in a book or using a device. 

Is there anyone that uses Alexa or knows of a free download for it ?

[Mimi 1883]

@okaywitheasypay  Try Google: Can Alexa count calories for you. Information comes up that may be of help if no one here knows.

[Mz iMac]

Instead of using Amazon, use the Alexa.app Settings on your iOS device and/or computer.  On the Home page scroll down to Skills.

In the search field, type in the skill you want to try and/or use.  Once you find one that is interesting make sure you read the reviews.

WARNING:  There are thousands of skills.  Lucky for you, there are only 754 for the skill you want. 

[willdob3]

@okaywitheasypay 

I know this probably isn’t what you want to hear but I feel compelled to say it anyway... I strongly recommend NOT counting calories. There is no way to accurately determine the calories in a serving of this food or that and our bodies do not use all foods we consume in the same manner. We really don’t “burn calories.” 

I counted calories for years and it was hard to stop but knowing that science 100% backs up what I mentioned above really put a nail in the coffin of my calorie counting days.

Why not simply try doing a OMAD fast (one meal a day) twice per week without counting calories? Prepare a satisfying meal, healthy whole foods, of course. You should see results that way. I use intermittent fasting every day and don’t ever give a thought to calories. 

And, when you think about it, we should be able to rely on our bodies to tell us how much we need to eat. Trusting my body was hard to do but it has paid off. 

[TVLand]

I couldn't find one on Alexa.......

maybe someone else will have suggestions for Alexa...

But I did download an app on my phone called....MyFitnessPal...there is a free version and one called Premium...which you pay for....it gives more of a breakdown of the food besides just calories...

[okaywitheasypay]

Thanks to all for replies. 

Sometimes I find the easiest solution is right before me. I surfed around apps and used some suggestions . I do not mind writing my daily 2:5 calorie meals down on real paper but HATE looking each item up. I know from the past that if I do that 7 days a week I give up. I kept just asking Alexa counts for items that are not printed on the packaging and they have been close and accurate enough. Of course it is all in how one words the ? with her.

I hesitated whether to pose this in Electronics or Wellness. Because of reading the books and watching You Tube I was settled on the 5:2 plan as a doable plan for me. There are many good examples in the above.

I find I can easily skip breakfast most days anyway since retirement and I do not need early energy. I am not in love with plain coffee but can survive 2 mornings per week. 2 days at 500 calories seem doable for me currently . The best hint is to bulk up veggies and fruits . (always good advice. ) I have already seen the scale going the right direction .

I haven't gotten to a point where I have to widen the doorways , Just my waistbands were getting uncomfortable. I think it is from not doing as much as when I could go a few more places (pre-covid) I know from my past I have a  comfortable weight and an oh-oh -get a grip weight --start paying attention.

TY