Adding a Recipe to MyNetDiary: The Methods
There are three primary methods for adding a custom recipe to your MyNetDiary account: manual entry, importing from a website, and saving a logged meal. The best method depends on your recipe's source and your preference for convenience versus detailed control. Using any of these features ensures that your homemade meals, not just pre-packaged foods, contribute accurately to your daily nutrient goals.
Method 1: Manual Recipe Entry
For recipes from a cookbook, a friend, or your own creation, manual entry provides the most precise control over every ingredient. This method ensures that all components, including specific measurements and preparation details (e.g., raw vs. cooked), are factored into the nutritional analysis.
To manually add a recipe:
- Navigate to the 'Me' tab. In the MyNetDiary mobile app, this is typically located at the bottom of the screen. On the web version, look for the 'My Foods' or 'Manage My Foods' section.
- Select 'Create New Recipe'. In the 'Manage My Foods' section, you will find an option to create a new recipe from scratch. Some app versions may require you to tap 'Custom' first.
- Enter recipe details. Provide a name for your recipe and specify the total number of servings it yields.
- Add ingredients one by one. Tap 'Search Ingredients' to find and add each component from the MyNetDiary database. You can search by name or scan a barcode.
- Refine quantities. After adding each ingredient, specify the exact amount used in the recipe. Using weight (grams or ounces) is recommended for the highest accuracy.
- Add instructions and photos (optional). You can also add cooking instructions and a photo of your dish for future reference.
- Save your recipe. Once all ingredients are entered, save the recipe. MyNetDiary will automatically calculate the total nutritional value per serving.
Method 2: Importing a Recipe from the Web
MyNetDiary offers a convenient recipe import feature that pulls information directly from many recipe websites. This is ideal for recipes found online and saves significant time compared to manual entry.
To import a recipe from the web:
- Use the Recipe Import tool. In the app, navigate to the 'Me' tab and find the 'Recipe Import' option. On the web, you might find this under 'Add Food' or a similar menu.
- Enter the URL. Copy and paste the web address of the recipe into the import tool.
- Initiate the import. Tap the 'Import' button. The app will then process the page and pull in the ingredients and instructions.
- Verify and clean up. The app will match ingredients from the website to its food database. Review the imported list, as some matches may need correction. You can also clean up the list by removing optional ingredients.
- Save the final recipe. After confirming the ingredients and details, save the recipe to your collection. You can make adjustments to serving size or ingredients at any time.
Method 3: Saving a Logged Meal as a Recipe
This method is perfect for converting frequently eaten meals into reusable recipes. If you just finished logging all the components of a breakfast bowl or your favorite salad, you can save that entire meal as a recipe for future use.
To save a meal as a recipe:
- Log all meal ingredients. Use the normal food logging process to add all the individual components of your meal to the desired meal section (e.g., lunch).
- Go to the meal's options. On the meal screen, find the options menu (often represented by a three-dot icon or a 'Recipe' button).
- Select 'Save as Recipe'. This will bring up a new screen where you can name the recipe and specify the number of servings.
- Complete and save. Adjust any final details and save the recipe. It will then be available in your custom recipes list for easy tracking next time.
Comparison of MyNetDiary Recipe Features
| Feature | Manual Entry | Web Import | Save Meal as Recipe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Completely custom or unique recipes | Online recipes from supported websites | Frequently logged, multi-ingredient meals |
| Pros | Maximum accuracy and control over ingredients | Extremely fast for online recipes; saves time | Quickly converts known meals for future use |
| Cons | Can be time-consuming to input each ingredient | May require cleanup if ingredient matching is imperfect | Requires logging the meal first before saving |
| Setup Difficulty | Medium | Low | Low |
| Nutrient Accuracy | Highest (dependent on user detail) | High (database-matched ingredients) | High (reflects logged ingredients) |
Advanced Recipe Management
MyNetDiary's recipe functionality goes beyond basic creation. You can also use advanced features to manage your recipes effectively.
- Editing: Saved recipes can be edited at any time. This is useful for minor adjustments, such as changing an ingredient or serving size.
- Ingredient Substitution: Within a recipe, you can modify ingredients. For example, if you use a different type of cheese, you can easily swap it out, and the nutrition will recalculate automatically.
- Recipe within a Recipe: For complex dishes, you can create a recipe that uses another one of your saved recipes as an ingredient. For example, creating a salad and using your pre-saved dressing recipe.
- Recipe Photos: Personalizing your custom recipes with photos makes them easier to identify and more visually appealing in your food log.
- Finding and Logging: To log a saved recipe, simply use the search bar in your food log. Your custom recipes will appear in the results, or you can find them under the 'Me' tab or 'Recipes' section.
Conclusion
Yes, you can easily add a recipe to MyNetDiary, and the app provides flexible, powerful tools to do so. Whether you prefer the control of manual entry, the speed of importing from the web, or the convenience of saving a logged meal, MyNetDiary ensures that your homemade culinary creations are accurately tracked. By leveraging these features, you can maintain a comprehensive and precise food diary, leading to more informed dietary choices and better health outcomes.
