Tools you might actually use · Updated September 2026

The small gear guide.

Start with a food scale if portions are hard to estimate. Add a body tape if measurements help you see progress beyond the scale. A shaker is optional. You do not need a shelf full of gadgets to keep a useful record.

These are examples selected from manufacturer specifications, not hands-on test results or paid placements. Product availability and pricing can change. The links below go directly to manufacturers and are not affiliate links.

01 / Most useful for portion logging

A food scale that measures grams.

Choose a scale with a tare or zero button, a readable display and 1 g increments. Weighing a portion can make nutrition-label math less of a guess. A basic scale with those features is enough.

Buy if

Serving sizes on packages rarely match what lands on your plate, and you want a repeatable way to log portions.

Skip or wait if

Weighing food makes tracking harder for you, or the rough estimate you use is already sufficient for your purpose.

Example to compare: The OXO 11 lb food scale ↗ has 1 g increments, a zero function and a display that pulls away from a large bowl. It is a convenience option, not a minimum standard. A less expensive scale with grams and tare can do the core job.

Once you weigh the portion, use the free label scaler to calculate the nutrition values for the amount you ate.

02 / Useful for a longer view

A flexible body-measurement tape.

Choose one that shows inches and centimeters clearly and can be used at the same location with a consistent amount of tension each time. Record the date and method with the number. Measurements are optional; they are not a daily grade.

Buy if

You want another way to observe changes over time and are comfortable measuring consistently.

Skip or wait if

You already have a flexible tailor's tape, or measurement tracking does not help you.

Example to compare: The AccuFitness MyoTape ↗ measures in inches and centimeters and has a locking, retracting loop. Its tape begins at 1¾ inches because the curved housing is included in the measurement; follow the maker's reading instructions rather than treating that starting number as a defect.

03 / Convenience, not a requirement

A simple shaker bottle.

If you regularly bring a powder-based drink to work or the gym, a cup with measurement markings and a mixing mechanism can save time. It will not improve a plan on its own.

Buy if

You already make shakes away from home and want a dedicated bottle that is easy to clean.

Skip or wait if

You mix at home in a glass or blender, or rarely use powder. The bottle does not need to come first.

Example to compare: The BlenderBottle Classic ↗ has a rounded base, mixing whisk and measurement marks. Check the current size and material before ordering.

Buy with a purpose

One question before checkout.

What will this help me do next week that I cannot do well enough today? If the answer is unclear, keep your money. Good tools reduce friction; they do not create motivation or make a decision for you.

Use the free tools and guides →