Month: December 2016

Resolution #2: Run more often!

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Since we talked about weight loss apps in the last blog of the series, it makes sense to review apps from another common, related resolution: running. Some might try simply to start running, while others want to run more often, or a specific distance.

There are good reasons to run for exercise. A recent study suggested that running may help your brain make connections possibly because running requires more than putting one foot in front of the other, but rather, planning the terrain, pace, etc. Running is helpful for mental health, and losing weight. Running helps build toughness and resilience. If you join a running group, running can help you make social connections- I’ve found that runners tend to be a friendly group of people!

Apps are especially nice for running, because they can help you track distance, time, route, but also suggest running programs. There are different apps for different types of runners as well.

One I’ve always liked is the Nike + Run Club app (free, www.nike.com), because it adds a competitive component to my running, but also has nice integration with music, and had the ability for friends to cheer you on with “likes” during your run. It was also one of the few I found that measured treadmill running accurately. However, the new version of this may not be as accurate, based on the recent reviews. If you have the new Nike + apple watch, it might be a no-brainer anyway, but I would consider a different app until the reviews improve. Also, it does not integrate with some of the most popular calorie counters, like myfitnesspal, which is why I stopped using it.

Another running tracker is Endomondo (www.endomondo.com, basic app free, premium app costs extra). This one is very popular, and I guarantee you at least one friend is on this app. In order to set a specific goal, you have to have a premium app. I used this one for some time, and was unhappy with the accuracy. It integrates with most calorie trackers, though, and has an apple watch app. It also tracks a lot of different activities, not just running.

Do you have trouble getting started? Maybe you can make running more fun by “gamifying” it. The concept is that you combine the points and achievements of a game with a habit- something that I’ve been seeing more often. The most popular of these is Zombies, Run! (free app, more for premium version, www.zombiesrungame.com). I’ve tried these, and thought they were fun, but I’m a little wimpy and afraid of Zombies, anyway- no “the Walking Dead” for me! They are worth a try if you’re a gamer, and having trouble getting out, or need some extra fun and incentive.

If you’re running a 5k, there are several apps that will help you track “couch to 5k.” The classic one is “ Couch to 5K running app” -catchy, eh? It costs $1.99 (www.active.com) but is part of the active.com website, where you can also look for and sign up for your 5K race, and use their extensive fitness calculators.

Many of the running apps have running programs, including 5K, marathons and everything in between, built into the program. My favorite running app, and the one I use now, is Runkeeper (free, but extra for premium plans, www.runkeeper.com). I’ve been quite happy with it, and here’s why:

  • It’s very accurate, even in the out of the way, rural place that I am writing this from, with little to no cell phone reception.
  • It has an Apple Watch app, and integrates with my calorie tracker.
  • The running plans are designed by famous running coaches, like Jeff Galloway
  • It is easy to use.
  • As I run, I earn bonuses- I just got a 20% off coupon running gear!

There are so many running apps- which one do you use?

The weekly wrap up: December 30, 2016

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Some interesting articles to read:

1. Running helped the brain make new connections in this study and possibly with focus, as well: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/14/well/move/running-as-the-thinking-persons-sport.html?contentCollection=smarter-living&hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
3. A great primer on meditation, with practice sessions! http://www.nytimes.com/well/guides/how-to-meditate
If you missed it, here’s the blogs from this week from silicon|sutra:
4. Resolution #1: lose weight

Resolution #1: Lose weight!

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In the first blog of this series, we talked about writing better resolutions, which are specific, measurable, timed, and have a “why.” In the second blog of the series, we talked about ways to be more accountable in your goals, and general goal tracking apps. The remaining blogs of the series will review apps for specific goals.

I think the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. Not surprisingly, the iTunes store is flooded with calorie trackers! I’d like to narrow it down.

  1. Fitbit (www.fitbit.com): free app. If you have a fitbit, this is a no-brainer. The app has evolved a lot since I bought my Fitbit One a few years ago, with it’s oh-so-stylish belt clip. It tracks activity, sleep, food, hydration…Most people who use this app seem to love it since the upgrades, but there were a few complaints about being buggy. I used it when I had a fitbit and was very pleased with it. I also used the desktop version with no problems.
  2. Weight Watchers (www.weightwatchers.com): app free, requires subscription. This is probably the program I recommend the most often as a physician since it has good science behind it, as well as the meeting accountability. However, I’ve used just the online version ($3.84 per week) and felt that it was no different than any other tracker- it’s the meeting that makes the difference. Since I used this last, they have a one on one coaching program, that’s around $10 per week with the app that I probably would do instead. I have to be up front- I found the points confusing, and felt irritated with “I have four points left- what can I eat with four points” because I’m so used to eating in terms of calories and the points system was not intuitive for me. There is an apple watch version.
  3. Lose it! (www.loseit.com): app free, $4.99 for premium that adds more content, meal planning and better integration for health problems like diabetes. This is the classic app, the one that you read articles about “I lost 10 lbs using an app.” They’ve kept improving it since then, with great tools to help you lose weight. However, the integration with other apps isn’t as good as some other apps (for instance, I use FitStar for my workouts, and it doesn’t integrate with this app, so I would have to manually input my workout into Lose it!). On the other hand, adding meals is a pleasure, and it suggests calorie targets for each meal. As you input meals, it adjusts the targets- for instance, if you exceed your target for lunch, it reduces lunch and dinner accordingly. Brilliant. It has groups built into the app. There is also an apple watch version. Syncs with with the fitbit and the Nike Run Club (an app I really like that doesn’t sync to that many calorie counters).
  4. Calorie Counter and Fitness Tracker by myFitnessPal (myfitnesspal.com): free app, premium content $9.99 which includes no ads, ability to change macronutrients, etc. Has there ever been a worse name change from MyFitnessPal (short, catchy) to this long, drawn out name? I’ve been using this app, partly because it integrates with so many other apps and my apple watch. It also syncs to the fitbit, but not the Nike Run Club. Has a nice community dash board for encouragement from friends, and challenges. The online version is good, too, if you want to input food from your laptop.

My choice: If you’re willing to spend the money and go to meetings, I’d choose Weight Watchers. If you have a fitbit, the fitbit app is worth using since you can track sleep in that app, but as far as I know, not other apps. However, you can use the fitbit with all of the other trackers here, and if sleep is not important to track for you, I like all of the other food trackers better. I think in the end, it comes down to what apps you are using for exercise, and whether the calorie counter is compatible. I’m impressed enough with Lose It! to consider switching, and inputting my fit star calories separately, but I also have a community built up in myFitnessPal.

What apps are you using?

Hit your goals!

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In the first blog of this series, we talked about writing better resolutions, which are specific, measurable, timed, and have a “why.” You can find that blog here.

Now that you have a set of resolutions, how do we troubleshoot flagging resolutions? I think the more accountability, the better.

  • Review your goals DAILY. Another  way is to set up an accountability system. Post them where you can see them.
  • Another person can help keep you accountable- find a friend to workout with, for instance.
  • Similar to this would be to find a group to meet with, like Weight Watchers meetings if you’re trying to lose weight, or a book club if you’re trying to read more. Even a Facebook group can help, but you have to find some way to get yourself to post weekly, at least, in the group. Starting a smaller group with friends who will check in on each other might work well if you’re concerned about blowing off the check-in.
  • I set timers in todoist, which remind me to check into my fitness program, and check in with a group that I keep up with. The act of checking off the boxes is rewarding in itself for me, and this helps the habit become self-perpetuating.
  • Stickk (www.stickk.com) is a different way to keep to your goals, and uses proven methods to help. You choose a goal, put up an agreed amount of money to be given to charity (and you can pick a cause you don’t agree with, so if you quit, you’re giving money to a group you really don’t like!), find a “referee” and start working on your goal! This would be a goal tracker and motivator all in one.

What apps are there for goal setting? A ton! The best one is the one you’ll stick with. Among the most popular:

  1. Strides (www.stridesapp.com): Free app for basic, $4.99 for premium version. This is the one I use on my iPhone, and really like it. I think it is simple to set up, and simple to use. You set your goals, and then click “yes” or “no” daily. It tracks your progress, and can prompt you to keep up with your goal. There is also an apple watch app. I have the free version and have not needed the premium yet.
  2. Today (https://neybox.com/today/): free app, $4.99 for premium version. Beautiful to look at, similar to Strides but no apple watch app as of this writing.
  3. Streaks (http://streaksapp.com): $3.99. Simple, chic layout. Same concept as the other two habit trackers above.
  4. Any task tracker: Do you need a habit tracker? I use one for ease and to see the consecutive days I have performed the habit, but really, I could use todoist if I were not interested in seeing consecutive days.

What task tracker do you use? What resolutions are you planning to make?

The New Year’s Resolution series

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This is the first of a series on New Year’s Resolutions. My intention is to start with making more effective New Year’s Resolutions, troubleshoot why they might not have worked in the past, and how we can get better at tracking and achieving them. Then, I’m hoping to do blogs on common resolutions themselves (lose weight, run, get out of debt, etc), and the apps and techniques which could help.

Why write about New Year’s Resolutions? This is the time when everyone has a clean slate, and is thinking about making changes anyway. The best reason for me is that I believe in the power we all have to change our lives in a thoughtful way. As a psychiatrist, it is such an incredible privilege to help patients help themselves in changing their lives!

Let’s talk about what makes a good resolution.

  • A resolution is written down, and you review it frequently.
  • You have multiple important reasons for wanting to achieve these resolutions, and you’ve written those down as well.
  • The resolution is measurable and well-defined.
  • You have a way of monitoring the resolution.
  • You know the next step.
  • You don’t have too many resolutions you can’t really keep track of more than 2 or 3 at a time. That’s not to say you don’t have more, but you’re concentrating on only a few at the time.
  • How will you be accountable for your goal?

Here’s an example. Instead of “lose weight,” I will choose a target carefully. Here’s where the well-defined part comes in: do I really want to lose weight, or be more fit, or both? Might I better define this as “fit in my size eight Lucky Jeans” or some fitness goal? What is a healthy, obtainable weight, and does my goal align with this in the first place?

Starting resolution: I will lose weight.

Optimized resolution: I will lose 10 lbs by April 1, 2017.

1.   Why: because I want to look my best, demonstrate a healthy lifestyle for my kids, and         not get diabetes.

2.   Measure: Using the Lose It! app, weighing myself one time per week. I will participate in an online group for weight loss and post my progress weekly.

3.   How: Logging foods with a 500 kcal deficit daily, exercise three times per week, reducing junky carbs and eating 5 servings of vegetables daily.

4.   Next Step: Download Lose it! App.

You can see why this would be a more powerful resolution. For more resources for goal setting, I like Michael Hyatt’s website, the Asian Efficiency Website, and the 7 Habits for Highly Effective People  by Stephen Covey is very helpful!

Please join me next time for tips on troubleshooting goals, and what apps to use to track your new resolutions!