The Best Apps for Losing Weight

So you've made your New Year's Resolution. This is the year you will finally lose those pounds that have been haunting you forever.

Luckily, technology is here to help you reach your goals.

If you have a smartphone, there are several apps to keep you accountable, motivated, and on track. Here are some of the best:

1. Weight Watchers (Free to download, requires subscription to access full app)

I have done Weight Watchers in the past, and now subscribe online only, using the app to keep me on track. (Or at least, I'll be back to using the app, since the holiday hiatus is over...) If you're not a subscriber, you can still access articles, recipes, and cheat sheets...if you are a paid subscriber, you can use the app to calculate points, track points and exercise, look up restaurants and foods, and even use a barcode scanner while you grocery shop to help you buy healthier goodies. There's a lot of personal responsibility involved with Weight Watchers, but it's easier to do it when it's all right on your phone.

2. Couch-to-5k ($1.99)

There are free 5k trainer apps available, but I love the Couch-to-5k program from active.com, and this app comes from that site. I am proof that the program can make the laziest of couch potatoes into a runner. It tracks your progress, and tells you when to jog/walk, depending on how far into the program you are...meaning you don't have to do the math in your head as you work out. If your resolution involves running a race this year, or running at all, I can't recommend this app/program enough.

3. Gympact (Free to download)

This app can be motivational...or dangerous. Basically, you make a pact on how many days a week you will work out, and how much you are willing to pay if you skip one. If you make all your workouts, you get the money from all the people who skipped theirs. Will it make you a millionaire? No, but with cash on the line, you will probably get your booty to the gym more often.

4. Lose it! (Free)

This is pretty similar to the Weight Watchers app, except instead of tracking points, you track calories, protein, carbs, and fat. (Basically the same thing.) You budget your calories for the day, and keep track of what you're eating. It also includes a barcode scanner to track packaged goods. You can connect with friends on it, and share your progress on Facebook and Twitter, while earning badges to mark your success.

5. Nike+ Running (Free)

This is another app for runners, but walkers can use it too. It does require a Nike+ sensor ($20) and either the Nike shoes they fit into, or a strap of some kind to attach it to your shoe ($8). You can plan your workouts around time, distance, calories burned, or leave them open-ended. You can sync it with music playlists on your phone (I just shuffle songs) and even have a trainer keep you motivated with feedback. When you complete the run, send the data to nike.com to earn points, and complete challenges. You can schedule run reminders, and compete with friends through the leaderboard. It's a great way to keep track of workouts!

6. Fitocracy (Free)

This fitness app is like a game, where you track workouts to unlock achievements, beat quests, and earn points to advance to the next level. You can interact with other 'fitocrats' and feel more like you're having fun by working out, and less like doing a chore.

All of these apps are available for iPhones via iTunes, and most of them are available for Android phones via Google Play. And while you're there, download RadioPup, our free listen-live app, so you can listen to the Point anywhere!

What are some of your favorite smartphone apps? Tell us in the comment section below!