Quick guide... to digital dieting

Most of us know that deciding to go on a diet isn't the hard part - it's trying to stick to it that causes all the problems! Here are a few ways that you can use the world of technology to help you through the rough patches.

Apps. There are mobile phone and tablet apps for everything these days, including dieting. Plenty of them help you count calories and monitor your weight loss but fitness apps can also be helpful to plan cycling and running routes, or even tailor a workout for you.

Heart rate monitor. These are nothing particularly new but they have come along in recent years and it's possible to get some seriously technical kit, if you really like your stats. Even the basic models will help you monitor your progress and give you an idea of how hard you're working and how many calories you're burning - essential for any strict diet regime!

Scales. It may sound obvious but if your goal is weight-oriented, it's important that you monitor your progress precisely. And don't forget to always do it at the same time of day, wearing the same clothes each time.

Spreadsheet. Again, not particularly new in the world of technology but a good old spreadsheet can be invaluable when planning and trying to stick to a new diet. It can also be a great motivator if you've hit a bit of a slump a few months in, giving you a view right back to the beginning and showing exactly how far you've come.

Date: 31/07/2012