MyFitnessPal and Its Alternatives

Overview

• MyFitnessPal (MFP): A popular food tracking app that recently moved its barcode scanner feature behind a paywall, causing user dissatisfaction.
• Result: Many long-term users are looking for alternatives.

Importance of Food Tracking Apps

• Essential for nutrition coaches to help clients manage calories and macronutrients for goals like weight loss or muscle gain.
• Barcode scanners are valuable tools for tracking nutrition accurately.

MyFitnessPal Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Large food database, including restaurant menus.
• Ability to create custom recipes and log previous meals.
• Social feature to connect with other users.

Weaknesses:

• Database inaccuracies due to user-uploaded data.
• Multiple entries for the same product.
• Costs: Free version available; Premium version costs $19.99/month or $80/year.

Alternatives to MyFitnessPal

1. Chronometer

• Strengths:
  • Comprehensive nutrition summary, including micronutrients.
  • Custom macronutrient targets.
  • Syncs with health devices for body metrics and sleep data.
  • Good for specialized diets.
• Weaknesses:
  • Recipe addition only possible on browser, not the app.
  • No social community for user interaction.
  • Confusing net carbs default setting.
  • Cost: Free version available; Premium version costs $19.99/month or $80/year.

2. My Macros Plus

• Strengths:
  • Macros listed for meals and daily totals.
  • Designed by a bodybuilder, suitable for serious training.
  • Unlimited meal tracking.
  • No internet connection needed for data storage.
• Weaknesses:
  • Less popular, fewer weaknesses reported.
  • Cost: Free version available; Pro version costs $1.99/month or $20/year.

3. Macro Factor

• Strengths:
  • Barcode scanner, verified database by dietitians.
  • Different settings (coach, collaborative, manual) for dynamic adjustments.
  • Timeline-style food log.
• Weaknesses:
  • No free version; best for experienced users.
  • Must be 18+ to use.
  • Cost: $11.99/month or $72/year.

4. Carbon Diet Coach

• Strengths:
  • Science-based coaching algorithm.
  • Emphasis on body composition changes.
  • Barcode scanner and easy food logging.
• Weaknesses:
  • Strict adherence required for plan adjustments.
  • Cost: $9.99/month or $80/year.

5. Lose It!

• Strengths:
  • Barcode scanner, photo food tracking.
  • Large verified food database.
• Weaknesses:
  • Difficult homemade food entry.
  • No micronutrient tracking.
  • Cost: Free version; Premium version $39.99/year.

6. Fat Secret

• Strengths:
  • Free with barcode scanner and meal breakdown.
  • User entries highlighted in the database.
• Weaknesses:
  • Controversial and potentially insensitive app name.
  • Cost: Completely free.

Recommendations

• For Coaches: Consider switching clients to Chronometer.
• For Athletes/Users: Macro Factor is recommended, especially if comfortable paying.

Conclusion

• Various alternatives available depending on needs and budget.
• Important to weigh features and costs before making a switch.
• Barcode scanner importance emphasized in the linked video for further understanding.