In today's connected digital world, it is easier than ever to track your calorie intake in real time. Gone are the days of having to track everything that you ate with a pen and paper. You can now simply use your smartphone to keep track of the food that you eat, how much exercise you get each day, and more. A number of innovative apps make it easy to count calories so that you have a better idea of how you are doing meeting all of your nutritional goals.

Here are five of the best smartphone apps to try out for yourself today.
 

Calorie Counter by FatSecret

The Calorie Counter by FatSecret app includes a food diary that allows you to input what you eat each day. You can also use this app to find healthy recipes so that you can try new meal ideas. With a wealth of data for all types of foods, brands, and restaurants, you will find everything that you need in this free app. By signing up for Calorie Counter, you will also gain access to a social network of like-minded users to deliver the motivation that you need to reach your goals. Be sure to check out the exercise diary so that you can also record your physical activity along with your calories.
 

MyFitnessPal

As one of the first calorie counters on the market, MyFitnessPal continues to grow in popularity as more users leverage its many uses. The customized accounts ask you to input your goals, height, weight, and activity level so that you can always see if you are on track for your calorie targets for the day. Simply scan a barcode on packaged foods or use the camera to scan your plates and the app will spit out the calories in what you are eating. It could not be easier to track calories than this. While there is a free component to MyFitnessPall, you can also upgrade to a premium membership that offers macronutrient tracking.
 

MyNetDiary

MyNetDiary is another great app that is designed to make it easy to track calories. The intuitive app also offers suggestions for physical activity so that you can meet your designated daily target calorie ratio to support your health goals. MyNetDiary is distinguished by its ability to offer specific keto diet or low-carb plan tracking. A number of recipes gives you inspiration when meal planning, making this app a complete package for those who are serious about getting healthy through smart food choices. Like many calorie trackers on the market, MyNetDiary offers both a free and paid component.
 

WW

What was once known as Weight Watchers, is now simply called WW. This app still leans on the digital point system that steers users away from cumbersome calorie counting. The app also features daily check-ins for maximum accountability, nutritional information on thousands of foods, and physical activity recommendations. In addition to tracking food, users can also track exercise, sleep, and water intake. The weekly meal plans make it a breeze to figure out how to eat well. WW also boasts mindfulness and meditation activities that will boost your mental and emotional well-being along with your physical health.
 

Lose It!

Lose It! features four distinct plans that allow you to customize your diet to fit your specific goals. Each plan provides its recommended calorie intake as well as an expected date of completion if you stick with the program. With nutritional information for approximately 34 million types of foods, you will find what you are looking for with Lose It! The advanced exercise tracking tools are an added bonus to this comprehensive app, one of the first of its kind in this crowded marketplace. You will enjoy the basic features at no cost. Or choose to upgrade to the premium plan for a cost of $39.99 per year.

Regardless of if you are looking to lose weight, trim inches off your waist, or boost your protein intake to gain muscle, these apps can help to streamline the process and make it easy to meet all of your health goals.