Doesn't food type matter? A bite of chocolate is very different from a bite of celery.
That's true. However, the caloric content of a bite averages out over the long term. People also tend to eat the same foods week to week, further stabilizing the calorie/bite relationship.
 
Different people eat different types of foods, for example a fast-food heavy diet versus a vegetarian diet. How does this affect the Bite Counter?
  The calorie/bite relationship can be calibrated using a 1 day to 1 week observation period. Just as different people require different numbers of calories, established by personal characteristics, the calorie/bite relationship can be customized to the individual.
 
Does the device know what the wearer is eating?
  No, the device does not measure nutritional information.
 
Which hand is it worn on?
  The Bite Counter is worn on the wrist of the dominant hand, which is what a typical person uses to eat most of their food.
 
What if a person eats with both hands?
  On average, people consume over 90% of their food with the dominant hand and approximately 50% of their liquid with the dominant hand. In cases where both hands are used, the motion of the dominant hand is often still recognizable by the Bite Counter.
 
What if a person talks and gestures while eating?
  The Bite Counter can get confused by some non-eating motions, such as using a napkin, adjusting glasses, and some types of arm gestures. However, people tend to conduct the same amount of these types of motions meal to meal, minimizing their effect on long-term tracking of intake.
 
How big is it?
  The Bite Counter is a small, discreet device. It is similar in look and feel to a "retro-watch".
 
Is it waterproof?
  No. The device is not waterproof or water resistant.
 
Can I change the watchband?
  Yes. Any watch band that can loop through the device can be used with the device.
 
Do you recommend a Bite Counter diet?
  No, the Bite Counter is not a diet plan. It can be used to help you more accurately measure how much you eat with any diet plan.
 
Will the Bite Counter make me lose weight?
  The Bite Counter is not a magic bullet, it is a tool that can make losing weight easier. You first have to decide you want to lose weight. You then have to be willing to make significant lifestyle changes to do so. The Bite Counter will help you track intake to achieve your goals.
 
How does it compare to other tools people use?
  Some people recommend you weigh yourself everyday, but that only measures the outcome, not the input. Some people recommend eating less of certain foods or more of others, a practice that is often effective only for the short-term. Some people recommend buying new, small dishes for your kitchen, but that only works at home. Some people recommend you write down details about everything you eat, which research shows is not very accurate nor sustainable for the long-term. All of these methods can help you lose weight, but the Bite Counter helps you more consistently measure your daily intake, letting you decide how to adjust it so that you eat less and consequently lose weight.
 
Does it shock me to tell me to stop eating?
  No. However, it has an audible alarm that can be set to go off during each meal when a custom-set limit is passed, or a single alarm for the day. The alarm sounds every time another bite is eaten.
 
Why does it cost so much?
  This is the professional version. A consumer version is under development, for which the price is expected to drop significantly.
 
What is the intended market?
  The professional version is being marketed to scientists, weight loss experts and early adopters. The Bite Counter has the potential to augment any weight management plan. We want to get our device in the hands of as many experts as possible to explore its potential for advancing the state-of-the-art in weight management.
 
Do you offer any discounts for orders of more than one device?
  Yes, please contact us for bulk order discount pricing at sales@icountbites.com
 
I need a replacement band, USB cable or charger, how do I get one?
  Please contact us for replacement parts at support@icountbites.com