MyFitnessPal: Everything you need to know

Calorie tracking is a popular way to get a handle on weight management, and MyFitnessPal is one of the most popular apps to use. The platform offers a holistic approach to diet and exercise, streamlining users’ experience with tons of third-party integration. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the app.

What is MyFitnessPal?

For a calorie-tracking app with a fitness focus, it’s hard to beat MyFitnessPal. The app features tools and resources to help users take stock of their eating, but also their fitness. It even offers a robust online community of users.

Key Features

MyFitnessPal is, first and foremost, a platform to log foods and track calories. As such, the app offers one of the largest food databases available, including more than 14 million foods. However, MyFitnessPal is more than just a digital food diary. MyFitnessPal users maintain a personalized weight loss plan, utilizing the app’s tools. In addition to custom daily calorie goals, below are some of the app’s key features.

• Efficient food tracking: Enter your calories by searching the app’s food library or via your food history and saved recipes. You can even scan bar codes or use your phone’s camera to scan meals. 
• Detailed tracking: Set calorie goals and let the app automatically add up and track your progress throughout the week. On MyFitnessPal, users can dig deeper with breakdowns of macros as well. See how the percent of carbs, fat, and protein you consume align with your preset goals.
• Nutritional analysis: The app also offers detailed diet analysis in terms of macros, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, and more. Set in-app goals for these components and use MyFitnessPal to stay on track.
• Water tracking: Health and hydration go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise MyFitnessPal also offers hydration tracking. Use the app to stay on top of your H2O.
• Exercise calorie tracking: MyFitnessPal offers a more comprehensive experience than most calorie tracking apps by incorporating exercise into the math. Use the app to determine the impact of activities on your calorie budget so you can adjust your meals accordingly. You can either record workouts right on the app, or sync with the tools you already use.
• Connectivity: Likewise, MyFitnessPal offers robust connectivity with more than 50 third-party apps and devices, including those from Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Google, and many others. That means your diet and nutrition planning can fully integrate with the services you already know and love.
• Community: MyFitnessPal users can also use the platform to access a sense of community. Meet other users on their own fitness journey, exchange advice and meal ideas, and learn helpful tips.

Who uses the app?

• Casual athletes: If you regularly work out and value burning calories as much as counting them, MyFitnessPal is the app for you. It’s a great pick for anyone looking to balance healthy eating with an active lifestyle.
• Nutrition nuts: MyFitnessPal also offers insight into food composition. This makes it an attractive pick for anyone who wants a better handle on their macronutrients. Whether you want to increase your protein or stabilize your sugar intake, the app can give you clear accomplishable goals for every meal.
• Wearables fans: Few apps offer as much connectivity as MyFitnessPal. If you’re rocking an Apple Watch Series 8, a Fitbit Versa 3, or any other popular device, you can likely sync your activity right to the app.

What can you do with MyFitnessPal?

MyFitnessPal takes the stress out of tracking your calories. Users can lean on the app to keep tabs on their food intake without scrambling to calculate meals or read food packaging. The app also helps users learn more about the nutritional impact of food choices and simplifies building healthy meals. In turn, it helps make healthy eating a sustainable habit.

Instead of strict diets that lead to yo-yos of weight gain, the tools provided by MyFitnessPal promote understanding, moderation, and balance. Users can set and track long-term goals and stay motivated by viewing their progress. For many, that means realistic long-term weight management and a healthier relationship with eating. 

Plus, by thoroughly integrating with fitness and activity stats, MyFitnessPal also offers context. Users can evaluate their meal planning in relation to their activity and adjust both diet and exercise as needed.

MyFitnessPal Premium

MyFitnessPal is free to download, and users will find plenty of tools and features on the base version of the app. On the other hand, MyFitness Pal Premium offers more tailored guidance and deeper insights.

A subscription to the premium service costs $19.99 per month or about $79.99 per year. It’s pricey for sure, but the fee does cover a more personalized experience (with no ads!). The slogan of the premium service is even “Your Goals, Your Way.” 

Compatibility: What third-party services work with the app?

Connectivity is where MyFitnessPal really shines. From apps like Strava to companion platforms like Apple Health, MyFitnessPal integrates with many of the biggest names in wellness tracking. Below is a list of services compatible with the app.

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MyFitnessPal vs other apps

MyFitnessPal isn’t the only name in the game. However, for an app with a ton of depth and connectivity, it’s one of the best options available. While other calorie-tracking apps offer a similar tracking experience, none provide a fitness focus as successfully as MyFitnessPal.

On the other hand, some apps offer a no-frills approach to food tracking. For users who strictly want to add up their calories, MyFitnessPal may be more than you need. Others apps provide an alternative focus, like Noom, which takes a psychological approach to diet tracking. For more information about MyFitnessPal versus competitors, including Lose It, WW (formerly Weight Watchers), or Noom, read our dedicated guide. Finally, if you’re experiencing issues with the app, check out our comprehensive MyFitnessPal troubleshooting guide.