Carb Counting with Lenny

Platform and Price
Free; Available via Apple App store and Google Play
 
RD Score
3 out of 5
 
Synopsis of the App
Part game, part education, Carb Counting with Lenny is designed to help children become carb counting masters. Lenny the Lion is an upbeat, self-proclaimed ambassador for children’s diabetes education who leads kids and their parents through a number of diabetes education games. App is developed by Medtronic, Inc.
 
Pros

 

  • Lenny delivers a basic explanation of why carbohydrate counting matters related to carbohydrates, glucose and insulin.
  • Simple, engaging design with four game options including:
    • Carb or No Carb?
    • Compare the Carbs!
    • Guess the Carbs!
    • Build a Meal!
  • Lenny becomes a trusted friend in diabetes education as he leads other educational games online that can be accessed directly from the app.
  • Common foods and serving sizes are featured throughout the food guide and games.
  • Age appropriate with no complicated jargon.
  • No advertisements.

 

Cons

 

  • The majority of the grains featured are refined ones such as animal crackers, grits, graham crackers and hamburger buns. This may be a missed opportunity to promote whole grains to children.
  • Doesn’t mention speaking to parents or a medical professional to get questions answered.

 

 
Bottom Line
Carb Counting with Lenny is worth a download. Though simple and easy to master, this app is an engaging and effective way to teach children carbohydrate counting basics.

Food & Nutrition Magazine
Food & Nutrition Magazine publishes articles on food and diet trends, highlights of nutrition research and resources, updates on public health issues and policy initiatives related to nutrition, and explorations of the cultural and social factors that shape Americans’ diets and health.