7 Healthcast: Digital Dieting

Gretchen Barron, Digital Dieter: "I do everything online, I'm one of those people who met my husband online dating, you know, just everything."

Now Gretchen Barron of Stoughton is using the web to shed some pounds-

Gretchen Barron, Digital Dieter: "Its fun to go in and realize i've met my goal and it provides me a report at the end of the week and it tells you if you've met your exercise goals and food goals."

Sites like Calorie King, Daily Plate, and Spark People are helping online dieters. They offer ways to track calories, set goals and give support and advice. Dietitians recommend sites that are physician based-

Stephanie Bu, Dietician:

"Some of the sites out there actually have physicians and dieticians as part of their staff, and they provide feedback so there are some very good tools to use there, but also making sure that they have realistic expectations as to what the results will be."

Gretchen says she even uses the sites when dining out-

Gretchen Barron, Digital Dieter:

"Its a no brainer, you just enter your information, I do it on my smart phone, so if Iam in a restaurant it looks like I am doing email, but really i am entering my daily food into my log."

And not only can you battle the bulge online, many of the sites also provide exercise videos and recipes. Most of the sites are free...but doctors suggest as with any exercise or diet regimen, to see your doctor first.

Frances Rivera, 7News.

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