by David Clemen

Created on: May 29, 2010   Last Updated: May 31, 2010

To find an easy calorie counter that’s both powerful and easy to use, look for these characteristics:

1. It’s Electronic

Don’t bother with a book. Find a calorie counter that installs on your computer.

2. It’s Quick

An easy calorie counter will log all of your foods and tally their calories in five minutes a day. If it takes any longer, most people won’t use it.

No Web-based tool that I know of meets this criterion. You’ll do better with one that installs on your hard drive.

3. It Lets You Add Your Own Foods

Although a typical calorie counter lists 20,000 foods, even the largest will lack some of those you eat. Make sure you can add foods by keying in nutrition facts from labels.

4. It Remembers Your Favorites

Most people get 80 percent of their calories from the same 150 to 200 foods eaten repeatedly. Your counter should automatically place previously logged foods at the head of your search results.

5. It Tracks Exercise

Your calorie counter should award you extra calories for exercise.

6. It’s Intelligent

Besides counting at lightning speed, an easy calorie counter will calculate a calorie budget guaranteed to take you to your goal weight on a deadline. It should base the budget on your personal metabolism, monitored by comparing your weight change with your net calorie intake. It should also factor your exercise calories to your body weight and performance speed.

7. It Counts More Than Calories

Your calorie counter should also report your intake of fat, carbs, protein, calcium, and other nutrients important in heart disease, cancer, diabetes, birth defects, and such. Look for a counter that covers at least 20 nutrients.

8. It Offers Round-the-Clock Help

Having trouble logging your midnight snack? Make sure you can phone a human who speaks good English and uses your calorie counter himself. (This is rare. In fact, we think DietPower is the only company that offers it.)

9. It Gives You a Free Trial

Look for a test drive lasting at least a week – with no strings attached. (If the seller wants your credit-card number first, run away.)

10. It’s Guaranteed

A truly easy calorie counter will offer a money-back warranty. (Read the fine print. Some companies make you jump through hoops or pay “re-stocking fees” before they fork over.) If they don't offer a hassle free money-back guarantee they probably don't believe in their own product.

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