The potential dangers (and benefits) of using a food app
I’m often asked by people if I would recommend using an app to track food intake.
And I must admit that I find it very difficult to give a definitive “yes” or “no” answer, because there are many variables and it can be a real minefield.
Ultimately, my decision would really depend on that particular person’s history with eating behaviours and previous medical diagnoses.
Using an app to track food intake could work wonderfully for one person, but could be incredibly damaging for another.
I would NOT recommend a person use an app to track their food intake if:
- They have a history of an eating disorder and tendency towards obsession with calorie counting
- They have a history of orthorexia
- They have an unhealthy relationship with food – to the point where the using an app would make this worse
- They simply despite tracking their food and wouldn’t do it anyway!
I MAY recommend a person use an app to track their food intake if:
- They have no previous history of eating disorders or disordered eating patterns
- The process of tracking their food actually helps with educating themselves on the energy value of food – without judging their own eating habits in the process
- The use of a food intake app would help them understand what makes their body feel happy and satisfied
- It helps that person identify where they need more support from a dietitian e.g. meal ideas and variety, improving energy levels, improving sleep quality etc.
- The person has diabetes and they understand why their blood glucose levels react in a certain way after eating certain foods
Providing it’s appropriate for me to use an app to track my food intake, is there one you’d recommend?
If you meet the criteria above, and do NOT have a history of eating disorders of disordered eating patterns I would recommend Australian-based app Easy Diet Diary. I’m afraid this is only available on iPhones at this stage!
I find that for people with a history of disordered eating there are other ways which are better (and far less damaging) to improve eating habits and behaviours.
I often work with psychologists to come up with the best options in this case. Psychologists are equipped with skills and knowledge using scientifically based techniques to assist with behaviour change and building skills to manage certain life situations.
As a dietitian working with these patients, I can help to identify food triggers that may perpetuate any unhelpful eating behaviours and decisions around food and poor body image
If you’d like to get some advice on developing or maintaining positive eating habits, don’t hesitate to book in with me for a consult. My team works all over Perth!
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