Make This App For Me, Google? Somebody? Please.

What happened to this Google IM2 Calories app that was being hyped back in 2015? Is it too hard to develop an app that would let me wave my phone over any food and get an accurate calorie count based on portion size and type of food? Or is there not enough interest?

I had such high hopes for the Google calorie app but there’s not been a peep about it since 2015. And, of course, I understand that this is a complex problem but c’mon I was counting on Google to come through for me.

In the meantime, I’ve read so much conflicting information about whether people actually change their eating behavior based on nutrition labels and calorie information.

Surprisingly (for me), study after study indicates that even after seeing calorie information listed at restaurants or on food labeling, people are NOT changing their eating behavior.

But, while “most” people may not alter their behavior, I know I have.

Here are some recent changes I made based on seeing the calorie count.

  • I was so tempted to get the new Talenti Gelato Layers ice cream. But after tracking it down at Whole Foods and checking the calories, it went right back into the refrigerated case (320 calories for 2/3 cup!!).
  • Meanwhile, breakfast at Starbucks while traveling is no longer part of my routine once I saw that coffee and a slice of Starbucks pumpkin bread comes in at a whopping 410 calories! Nope. Not having that again – ever!
  • Finally, a quick take-out lunch at by Chloe? Happily selected the Spicy Thai Salad. Delicious and only 450 calories.

Now I’m working on having Ludlow House let me see the calorie count for their insanely tempting (and free) candy bar. Every time I work there for a 4 or 5 day stretch, my weight fluctuates and I know it has to do with my lack of willpower around that candy. Ugh.

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