Myth: There aren’t any good free apps that teach my child about making healthy food choices.

Answer: BUSTED!

There’s a new entry into the world of mobile apps for parents and caregivers looking for free apps that teach children about healthy eating in a fun and engaging way. Body Quest: Food of the Warrior! is a series of seven iPad apps tested with third graders. Six Body Quest warriors are the narrators/guides in these mobile apps: Body Doc, Muscle Max, Graino Supa, Shining Rainbow, Fiberlicious and Super Slurper. Each of these warriors have super powers that come from healthy foods and drinks.

• Body Doc explores the goodness of fruits.
• Muscle Max ‘pumps you up’ with healthy sources of protein.
• Graino Supa is the warrior focused on healthy grains.
• Shining Rainbow shines the light on vegetables.
• Fiberlicious reminds us where to find fiber and why it’s good for us.
• Super Slurper is the warrior touting cool drinks for kids – water and milk.

Your child will learn what it takes to be a Body Quest warrior. Each of the seven apps includes challenges like getting over fears of trying new foods and more.

For information about the content of each free app go to www.aces.edu/family-health/health-nutrition/bodyquest/iPadApps.php or download them using the search title, Body Quest.

Contributor: Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, schusterer@missouri.edu, 573-882-1933

Myth: It’s hard to find information or reviews of nutrition and health apps.

Answer: BUSTED!

There ARE thousands of nutrition and health apps. Which one is right for you? The University of Missouri Extension has a new publication to help you: “Apps to Know from the Nutrition and Health Pros” (free to download). This publication lists apps with several healthy behaviors in mind. Looking for a general food and nutrition app that you can use to track your food intake and physical activity? This publication provides a suggestion for you. Want to find healthy recipes? Two apps are summarized and reviewed for you. Want to manage your diabetes, track your workouts or reduce your stress? Suggested apps are provided. All apps listed on the publication were evaluated by University of Missouri Extension Nutrition and Health Education Specialists.

In addition to the reviews of apps, each app category provides a tip to help consumers as they look to change their health behaviors. University of Missouri Extension programs of interest are included in the publication, including Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (a strength training program for middle-aged and older adults) and Taking Care of You (a program to help deal with stress).

Contributor: Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, schusterer@missouri.edu, 573-882-1933

Myth: It’s so hard to decide which health app I should use.

Answer: You’re right!

There are thousands of mobile apps available to help you change or support your health and eating habits. The proliferation of these apps in a few short years makes deciding which one to download and use challenging. If apps are free, cost is not a concern. But you do want to avoid overloading your smartphone with too many apps or else you may not use any of them.

MU Extension has put together a one-page handout to help you ask the right questions before you download a nutrition or health app.

• What is the SOURCE of the app? See if you can determine who developed the app and their background, credibility.


• Does the app MEET your needs? Is the database large enough to reflect the kind of foods you usually eat? If you eat out a lot, then you want a database that has nutrition information for the places you go. If the app includes recipes, are they healthy (prepared with minimal fat and sugar? Are the recipes ones that you would likely prepare at home or have the necessary equipment to make at home?


• What ACTIONS will you take? Make sure the app you choose is one that provides information in a format that is easy to understand and use so that you can change your health and eating habits.


• What do the REVIEWS say? What do reputable nutritionists/dietitians or other health professionals say about the app? You can Google the app name to find online reviews. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a website with app reviews at eatright.org/appreviews/.


• Do you have the TIME? Is the app easy enough to use that you will use it regularly?

For MU Extension’s SMART Start to Finding Nutrition and Health Apps one-page handout (downloadable for free from the web) go to extension.missouri.edu/p/N581

Contributor: Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, schusterer@missouri.edu, 573-882-1933