SALT LAKE CITY — If you’ve been researching indoor security cameras, there’s no doubt you’re aware of the safety benefits they provide.

Of course, the primary use of your camera — very likely the reason you’re searching for a camera in the first place — is to beef up your home security. However, there are several other ways you can use your camera to its fullest potential.

Here are five additional benefits of a home security camera:

Monitor your weight loss efforts

Nearly every successful weight-loss program includes a rigorous exercise schedule and diet monitoring. If you’re looking to get more serious about reaching your diet goals, consider using a security camera to monitor what you put on your plate throughout the day (and maybe even the middle of the night). The genius behind this strategy is that once you actually lay eyes on what you’ve been eating, it’s much easier to change your habits for the future.

For this type of project, invest in a simple camera with reliable Cloud storage, place it in your kitchen and wait. At the end of every day or week, review the footage to take note of any mindless snacking or sleep eating.

Settle those timeless “whodunit” debates

If you have a family member who is constantly leaving lights on, cupboards open and wet towels on the floor, then you’re not alone. Yet no matter how many times you bring up these little issues with your family, the blame is always passed on with cries of “Not me!”

Once you invest in a home security camera, however, you can put these debates to rest by identifying the real culprit. Since you likely won’t monitor one particular area in the house, but rather multiple areas, a camera with pan and tilt capabilities or a wide-angle lens might be your best bet to capture more of your home’s interior.

Stay in touch with caregivers and contractors

Do you employ in-home caregivers to help with aging relatives? Do you frequently have contractors in and out of the house? If so, consider using an indoor security camera as a high-tech intercom. All you need is your smartphone, and you can immediately tap into what is going on at your house.

As you’re looking for cameras, make sure to prioritize those that offer two-way audio. That way, you can see any people working in your home and easily communicate with them.

If your home care nurse can’t find your parent’s medication, chime in to let them know that it fell next to the bedside table. Or if the plumber is searching for the main water valve, use the camera to tell them the panel is covered by the painting in the hall.

Monitor your kids when you’re away

It’s difficult for any parent to part with their children when it's time for the parent go to work, head out for a date night or run errands. However, it’s much easier if you know you can check in on your children at any time. That’s where your security camera comes in: you already have access to live video monitoring.

As you rely on your home security camera to give you full video access to check in on your child, pick a camera with clear night vision and a reliable microphone.

Check on your pets

Little Garfield and Odie are just as much a part of the family as anyone, and an indoor security camera can help you see what your four-legged family members are doing while you are away. Whether they’re making messes, barking at passersby, or desperately fussing to be let out of the house, you can catch it all.

When looking for a security camera to check in on your pets, make sure to find one that has motion detection and customizable sensitivity. For example, if you put your dog in the kennel when you left but get a motion notification a few hours later, you’ll know it may be time to return home early.

There are several uses for an indoor camera in addition to home security. If you are looking to invest in a home security system, you can rest assured your camera may be worth more than you even bargained for.

Freelance writer Jonathan Deesing is a beekeeper, skydiver, and DIY obsessive. When he's not fixing up his duplex, he's likely running or tending to his bees.