best calorie-counting software (not online)

Librarygirl · 03-01-2009, 10:27 AM

I know there are lots of old posts about calorie-counting databases and software, but most seem to focus on the online services, so I'll ask again:

What I'm looking for is a desktop version that would work for my dad (he's 70, and currently has an excel spreadsheet setup that he made himself and a little paperback book of foods/calorie counts). For some reason he resists using an online calorie counter, so Mom and I are looking for some desktop software that would be just a step up from the laborious manual way he counts now. He has a pc, not a mac, and he is comfortable with the computer (uses quicken and excel, etc) but he wouldn't like something that seems 'expensive' or 'fancy'. He is obese and diabetic and needs to count both calories and macros carefully.

Incidentally I wanted to mention I'm pretty proud of my dad, who has just now started some moderate weightlifting, is continuing with daily walks and is taking better care of himself now than ever before in his life.

Thanks for your insights.

tkinsley · 03-01-2009, 11:10 AM

Diet Power is extremely easy to use... and it's only on desktop. There's a 14 day free trial so he can play with it and see what he thinks.

Librarygirl · 03-02-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkinsley

Diet Power is extremely easy to use... and it's only on desktop. There's a 14 day free trial so he can play with it and see what he thinks.

It's Tina, right? That looks like a good possibility. Thanks!

Anyone else?

UConnJulie · 03-02-2009, 11:40 AM

Tina turned me on to Diet Organizer ... really easy to use, but doesn't have as extensive of a database as Diet Power (which I also have), so you have to add them, which is also easy to do.

http://www.dietorganizer.com/

LisaS · 03-02-2009, 01:48 PM

Julie - you're off NutribaseEZ now? What appeals more to you with the new software?

PopcornSally · 03-02-2009, 04:20 PM

I have been using Nutribase Jr. for several years. I think it only runs on Windows XP, not Vista. I run it on a virtual Windows XP machine on my Mac. It allows you to put in your own food items, track weight, exercise, choose from a large database of foods, etc. I like it and it was not very expensive. I may have to check out the other one mentioned above.

tkinsley · 03-05-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Librarygirl

It's Tina, right? That looks like a good possibility. Thanks!

Anyone else?

Yup, that's me. You're welcome. I think DP is one of the easiest programs to use for the computer NON-savvy.

I love Diet Organizer, but it has a couple of quirks. DP is easier but has less functionality, but not in any way that should be relevant to your dad.

UConnJulie · 03-12-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaS

Julie - you're off NutribaseEZ now? What appeals more to you with the new software?

I was bored ...

Dietorganizer is more like a spreadsheet ... NB irritated me with some of the reports and such and DO is easier from that standpoint (for me).

LisaS · 03-13-2009, 12:00 PM

I downloaded the DO trial and tried it last night - I think I agree with you - I like the data entry for foods at least. Thanks for the tip.

UConnJulie · 03-13-2009, 12:40 PM

Thank Tina!!

tkinsley · 03-17-2009, 05:11 PM

De nada. Glad all my random fitness shyte purchases can benefit others!

LisaS · 03-17-2009, 05:17 PM

thanks Tina!

misstenacity · 03-18-2009, 03:05 PM

Totally free, java-based nutrition software written for/by the Calorie Restriction crowd but it has really detailed nutrients, decent reports....

...just not the fancy stuff like calendars and pie charts like fitday.

Still, a good option if your alternative is a spreadsheet:
http://spaz.ca/cronometer/

rubbie · 04-02-2009, 01:58 AM

Hi there,
I`ve just read the posts here. I`ve been using the Qwave system which is also very easy-to-use application. You`ll be able to calculate calories consumed and track details on over 70 nutrients. You can also create a set of meal templates for your most common meals. Hope it`ll be helpful.
All the best

Espi · 04-02-2009, 03:48 AM

Am also in for a new calorie tracking program.
While my current one is not all that bad, viz. it lists most vitamins, minerals , it doesn't specify fats other that total vs saturated fats and most of all, tends to crash every once in a while.. so have lost 3-4 yrs worth of specific food data

There is 1 must it HAS to be in grams. ounces are totally and entirely OFF limits.
it should also work with Vista. That's probably why it crashed so often in XP , it's a dinosaur DOS-based program that's at least 10 yrs old.