Recommendation Apps & Software

The Most Effective Weight Loss Apps and Gadgets

For Whom/What:

steadily losing weight

Budget:

free unless the premium is really worth it

Requirements:

doesn't restrict too much calories

doesn't affect my energy and productivity too much

nudges you when you forget to log or meet daily goals

Extra Details:

It's about time I lose the stubborn postpartum weight. I'm 10 pounds heavier than my pre-pregnancy weight, and it's been a year, so I feel like I'm physically and emotionally ready. I don't want to drastically decrease calories or embark on an extra strenuous workout regimen because I'd be too burned out. Are there any effective weight loss apps you found useful? Are there any fitness gadgets/tools that helped you achieve your goals?

MyFitnessPal

Oldie but goodie if you just want a simple way to track food without necessarily doing aggressive calorie cuts. You can set a modest deficit and focus more on awareness rather than restriction.

Juiicy Chris
1 week ago

Walking Pad (Under-desk Treadmill) – Game-changer if you're home with a little one or just stuck indoors often. Even slow walking while answering emails adds up.

When I was in the same boat, about 8-10 lbs over my pre-baby weight and mentally done with feeling stuck, I decided to try a Walking Pad on a whim. I didn’t have the bandwidth for "official" workouts every day — you know, like getting into workout clothes, finding a full 45-minute block, hoping the baby wouldn't wake up — all of it felt like too much.

So I got this under-desk treadmill and literally started walking at 2mph while watching Netflix during naps or while answering emails. At first, it felt silly — like, could this slow walking even do anything? But after a few weeks of consistently getting in 5,000–8,000 steps without leaving the house, it was like magic.

The best part? It didn't feel like "working out" at all. There was no dripping sweat, no pushing through exhaustion. I paired it with moderate strength training once or twice a week (mostly dumbbells at home) and some mindful eating (not perfect, just more intentional). The scale started moving gently, but more importantly, I just felt better. Less sluggish, less bloated, more like me again.

It honestly helped me bridge the gap from postpartum survival mode to “I can actually do this without burning out.”  

A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill
Brand: Walking Pad
Kris Kalev
1 week ago

First off — you are absolutely not alone. A lot of moms hit that "okay, now I'm ready" milestone around the one-year mark. It’s so smart that you want to approach it sustainably without burning yourself out. Postpartum bodies are different, and what worked pre-baby might not feel the same now.

As for the app I used, Noom – It's more about mindful eating and psychology than counting every calorie. The lessons help you retrain your habits gently, and you can still enjoy life without feeling deprived.

And as for the gadget that made a real difference for me, it was a smart watch. Get one if you don't already have one - personally I'd go with the Apple Watch if you have an iPhone. You can't beat the compatibility. I found that just passively tracking steps, heart rate, and activity kept me accountable without it feeling like "work." Closing those little rings feels oddly satisfying.