Jamie Morton: Weight-loss app helps keep dieters on track

Those suffering from constant cravings can set a reminder to help them get through it with motivational photos, goals and a food cravings stop watch. Photo / Getty Images

If you've ever tried losing weight, you'll know one of the biggest challenges is sticking to your new diet amid the chaos of modern life.

That's what makes My Diet Coach so handy - if you're keen to track your progress, count calories and keep motivated, you only have to reach for your smartphone.

The app is the brainchild of Israeli computer programmer Anat Levy, who, while on maternity leave, came up with the concept while thinking of ways to shed the weight she'd put on during pregnancy.

She told tech blog GeekTime: "I felt like grabbing a snack from the refrigerator, and I said to myself, 'If only I had a genie who could appear and say, no don't do it, remember the consequences'."

After realising counting calories was only a part of maintaining a diet challenge, she searched the Android Market for diet app solutions that would help her get through mental and emotional difficulties.

She discovered if she wanted an app that would provide motivation, planning and track her progress, she would have to develop it herself.

Having now been downloaded millions of times, the app provides tips to easily break through diet difficulties like emotional eating and food cravings, and helps users stay motivated with a set of reminders.

Those suffering from constant cravings can set a reminder to help them get through it with motivational photos, goals and a food cravings stop watch.

The more recently-launched paid version, My Diet Coach Pro, features motivational tips for every type of challenge, extensive weight-loss reminders, a diary where users can add diet and exercise plans, a meal and exercise journal, weight records and charts, calorie counters and calculators.

Both versions are available for iPhone and Android. Jamie Morton