I started using DailyBurn.com just over a month ago. I used the free program for tracking the typical things like calories, exercise and sleep. I have tried several apps in the past. Something always seemed to be lacking. DailyBurn.com, however, fills in the gaps.

The interface is clean and easy to navigate. The mobile app includes a barcode scanner for easy entry. The food portion is loaded with user-added foods and drinks. You can also add your own recipes and share or not share them. The app keeps track of your favorites for quick entry.

Where It Excels

DailyBurn.com has a few features that set it apart from the rest. With foods, you can track a variety of nutrients with a pro account (read: paid). I track sodium and potassium because I have high blood pressure. You can track water too, if you need this feature. What really is outstanding about the program is its ability to track servings of things like fruits, veggies and meat. That sold me on a pro account. Frankly, I wasn’t sure how much I was getting on average. I wanted to know.

The meal planner features allows you to plan meals or copy previous ones for lightning fast entry. I typically have the same breakfast each day, so this was another selling point for me.

The exercise portion includes workout plans with a purpose. I’m doing the bikini ready program. The exercises are challenging, but doable. I can set my schedule to my needs. What’s cool here is that it tracks the amount you lift in a workout. Knowing you lifted over 2,000 pounds makes it more meanful. It also calculates calorie burn based on the exercise you do. Now, you’ll know how much you burn when doing 100 squats.

The personal challenges are another nice feature. You can select from hundreds of challenges such as burn off 5,000 calories, lose five pounds or walk the Appalachian Trail. These challenges are very motivating. The app is geared toward helping you deal with the obstacles to fitness that you face. You can customize it to your needs.

It also includes a mobile app and a mobile site. I prefer the former. I was surprised at how easy it was to enter data. I have to say that I’ve been more faithful about entering with this app than previous ones. Just make it easy is all we ask. DailyBurn.com also includes apps for iPhone, but since I’m an Android girl, I can’t comment. Suffice to say, you can take a photograph of your food for even more hands-off entry.

Where It Needs Work

Like most apps, it’s a work in progress. There’s always more you’d like an app to do. I wish that I could view previous workout notes. I would like to keep track of things that worked or didn’t for me–and come back to them. I’d also like some more flexibility to customize an existing workout to change exercises, for example.

I don’t have a problem with the $9.99 a month cost, but some may. I feel as if the added features give it a boost that is worth paying for. I’ve lost a few pounds using it already. I can see the definition in my arms. For me, that is motivation enough to stick with my plan.