Researchers at Clemson University have been working for several years on the relationship between the number of bites you take and caloric intake. They designed and have run extensive studies with a bite-counting wristband that they now sell as a separate business.
The Bite Counter is a watch that also counts bites based on pattern recognition of wrist movements. The Bite Counter comes with PC software for configuring the device and connects via a micro USB port, so it’s a little old school because there’s no smartphone app.
Two buttons on the watch switch back and forth between telling the time, counting bites, and accessing estimated caloric intake. The calorie count is based on how you configure the device (there’s a manual that walks you through the steps) and how many bites you actually take.
According to the designers, it doesn’t matter whether you are picking up food, using a utensil, or taking a sip of a drink, the pattern recognition algorithm will count them each as a bite. So once users figure out how many bites will work to maintain a healthy weight for their height and gender, all they then have to do is wear the wristband and mind their bites.
- comfortable watch
- tracks wrist motion to count bites and estimate calories
- provides real-time feedback on amount consumed
- stores long-term log
- includes pedometer for daily step counting
- simple, easy-to-use tool for weight loss/maintenance
- helps with portion control and sustained self-monitoring
- feedback during eating, as opposed to end of day
- long term observation of eating activity for personal health or research
http://www.icountbites.com/