Like many other women, I could eat all the calories I wanted and not gain a single pound…until I was pregnant with our first child. Suddenly my metabolism slowed down and it seemed pounds were flocking to my midsection like never before. Naturally, I’ve had to turn to cardio workouts and calorie counting to help stave off the unwanted poundage. Being a lover of all things apps, naturally I’m always looking for ones to aid this process. Let’s take a look at some of my personal favorites:

RunKeeper for iPhone (free) and Android (free) is my go-to gps tracking app for my outdoor runs. If you have a mileage goal for 2012 or just want to get running for the first time, RunKeeper does a wonderful job of tracking all the stats and locations for you. Set audio cues for paces, use the training coach to work up to a certain distance, view and share a map of your runs, watch your current pace in real time and so much more. The app allows users to listen to audio from other applications in the background on the iPhone (a wonderful feature). RunKeeper is also compatible with several heart rate monitors and allows for manual entry of workouts accomplished without the app turned on.

After trying all the popular running apps, RunKeeper is still my favorite. There’s an “elite” subscription plan available for committed runners that offers some really wonderful tools (including the ability for family/friends to track your run live online for fun or safety reasons).

iMapMyRun for iPhone (free) and Android (free) is another great option for runners who like keeping track of their routes, pace and running times. What I like most about this GPS tracker is the simplicity of the user interface. It’s uncomplicated and easy to control during a run – no squinting or tripping over curbs due to difficultly navigating the app. For folks who just want the basic stats of their run, iMapMyRun is a wonderful option.

5K Runner for iPhone ($1.99) acts as a personal trainer for beginning runners. It’s chock full of tips, tricks, training plans, resources, schedules and more. Millions of people have downloaded the app and have found it a great resource – it currently has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. Users are gradually eased from speed walking to running – anyone can do it.

If you’ve never run before and want to be eased into it gently, this is the way to do it. If running intimidates you and you want to make sure you’re getting it “right,” 5K Runner is a must-have for you.

Fitness Buddy for iPhone ($0.99) offers up a huge library of resources related to fitness. For non-runners or people looking to do cross training. More than 1,000 exercises are outlined withing the app (and illustrated by more than 3,000 illustrations and animations). Custom build workouts to target your trouble areas.

Great custom features include the ability to add your own exercises and keep track of your body metrics. Fitness Buddy is a well-rounded resource to bring along to the gym if you’re not yet a workout guru. Stay in good form while improving your form!

MotionX GPS for iPhone ($1.99) is the perfect app for adventurous Coloradans who prefer mountain biking, hiking, skiing, or sailing to a jaunt around the neighborhood. This app works worldwide (including oceans). Save favorite waypoints, trails, tracks and more for future enjoyment. Keep track of your speed, elevation, route traveled and much more. MotionX GPS is the only GPS app I trust while off roading – the maps are so thorough and sourced via more than one information giant (Google, Bing, NOAA Marine Charts). It’s on sale for the holidays, so snatch it up while it’s just $1.99!

LoseIt for iPhone (Free) and Android (Free) is a great resource for folks wanting to shed the pounds. Keep track of your calorie intake, your burn and even store a backup of your data if you choose to create an online profile. Track nutrients and email your daily data to yourself or an accountability partner. This is a great way to get back on the path to health and fitness as you choose to make healthy choices in 2012!

Calorie Counter PRO by MyNetDiary for iPhone ($3.99) and Android ($3.99) s a favorite of calorie-contentious people around the world. I simply don’t have time to laboriously add up calories with a pencil and paper – I’m on the go chasing my kids everywhere and keeping up with work to do so. Calorie Counter PRO is for people like me. It’s nearly exhaustive food database (over 430,000) and PhotoFood Service make calorie tracking so fast and easy it’s almost ridiculous. There’s also an incredibly handy barcode scanner which will automatically display the food’s caloric and nutrient information.

There are so many features, it’s impossible to get into them all. A few include: optional security code, online information profile and sync, calorie and nutrient tracking, and so so so much more. Seriously, this app is worth every penny and more.

TuneIn Radio PRO for iPhone ($0.99) and Android ($0.99) may seem a bit out of place in this list, but for those of us who cannot workout without something to give us a beat to jog to or distract our minds a bit from the discomfort of cardio, it’s a perfect fit. TuneIn Radio PRO offers up a huge list of local, international and online radio stations to enjoy. But that’s not  even the best part.

The most popular feature of TuneIn Radio PRO is its ability to record your favorite shows or stations! Save excerpts for later, search for specific artists or shows and record them for later enjoyment. It works over wifi and 3G and it a great addition for people who are easily bored of their music library. Get fresh tracks for every run and for free!

Two Gomers Run for Their Lives (Podcast): If you’re not an elite runner but you want the company of other “normal” men and women who are striving to be healthy, I highly encourage you to check out my current favorite podcast and Facebook group: “Two Gomers Run for Their Lives.” Both the podcast and the page are hosted by two regular guys (dads and husbands) who made the commitment to get healthy three years ago and have stuck with it ever since. Their honest, humorous style has gained them fans worldwide and has inspired people of all ages to join the life-long journey to health and fitness. You’ll be entertained, touched and encouraged by the incredible “gomernation” in your journey to fitness.

Hannah Camacho is an educator, mom to three wonderful children ages 3 and younger and proud wife of an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran. She is the founder of MyAppinions.com and TheAppNanny.com. When she’s not chasing her three busy little ones, she does freelance work for application developers as a mobile app marketing and pr specialist.