Most people are constantly on their phones these days, so it makes sense to use them in all areas of our lives. There are many apps designed to help with diet and fitness plans, but it can be overwhelming to know which ones to opt for when you're starting a new regime. Plus, do they actually work?

Several studies have come up with mixed findings about this. The University of California-Los Angeles found that people who used a weightloss app didn't ditch more pounds than those who didn't, while the Arizona State University insists there is no difference in people who track their consumption that way rather than using a notepad or computer.

Why is this? Put simply - many people stop using apps. While recording what you're eating is novel at first, it quickly becomes mundane. And there's always the temptation to 'forget' to add those biscuits or crisps you sneaked while in the office, too.

This makes it really important that you opt for an app which is going to work for you. If you enjoy using it, there's more chance you'll stick to a routine over time. Have a think about what works best for you. Do you need a calorie counter? Something like Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker could be a good option. Prefer a set diet and access to more ideas and recipes? Try something like the WeightWatchers app. GoMeals contains information on 40,000 common foods and 20,000 restaurant options, plus you can track your blood glucose. BMI Calculator allows you to work out whether your body mass index is healthy, tells you your waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage and stores your calorie consumption too. Bit confused about BMI altogether? Try Ideal Weight, which quickly tells you what your BMI is (after you input your weight and height) and estimates what your ideal weight should be.

Christopher Wharton, associate professor of Nutrition at Arizona State University, advises going for an app with feedback, too. He told shape.com that seeing how much you've eaten and the calories you have left to either maintain a healthy weight or lose some pounds can be really beneficial when it comes to buying a chocolate bar or leaving it on the shelf. Noom Coach is one such option; it has a simple screen which shows you how much you should eat and exercise a day and how you're currently shaping up.

It's easy to get caught up in eating, but don't forget about fitness either. There are many exercise apps to help you work up a sweat, and a great deal of them will fit easily into your day. Don't have much time? 7 offers a daily workout which takes, you've guessed it, just seven minutes. Want to get toned quickly? Download the 30 Day Squat Challenge, which sees you increasing the amount of butt and thigh-toning exercises you do one day at a time.

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