How do I start MyFitnessPal over? A complete guide

According to MyFitnessPal's own support resources, there is no single "reset" button for your account data. The platform requires users to either update their profile settings for a fresh start or, in a more drastic measure, delete their entire account to start MyFitnessPal over.

Quick Summary

Learn the best methods to refresh your MyFitnessPal account and data. This guide details how to update your fitness profile, manually delete old entries, and completely restart your account for a new tracking journey.

Key Points

• No Single Reset Button: MyFitnessPal does not have a single "reset data" feature; users must either update their profile or delete their account for a fresh start.

• Soft Reset Option: The easiest way to start over is by updating your starting and current weight, and other goals in your profile settings.

• Retain Recipes and Favorites: Updating your profile allows you to keep valuable data like saved recipes, friends, and food history.

• Hard Reset Option: For a complete wipe, you can delete your entire account, but this is permanent and will remove all your data.

• Web vs. App: Some advanced settings, like editing previous weight entries, are more accessible via the website, though changes sync to the app.

• Set New Goals: After a reset, setting new SMART goals is crucial for maintaining motivation and tracking progress effectively.

For many users, a fresh start on MyFitnessPal is necessary after hitting a plateau, taking a break from tracking, or changing their fitness goals. While the app doesn't have a magic "reset" button, you have several effective options, ranging from a simple goal update to a complete account deletion. The best choice for you depends on how much of your historical data you want to keep.

Method 1: The Soft Reset (Updating Your Goals and Entries)

The easiest and most common way to start over is to simply update your profile and manually remove old, irrelevant weight entries. This method is ideal if you want to keep your account's core information, such as saved recipes and favorite foods.

How to update your diet and fitness profile

1. Log in to the MyFitnessPal website at www.myfitnesspal.com. This is often the most reliable method for comprehensive settings changes. While some options exist in the app, the website offers more control.
2. Click on 'My Home' in the top navigation bar, then select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu, followed by 'Update diet/fitness profile'.
3. Update your starting weight, current weight, goal weight, and activity level to reflect your new starting point.
4. Click the 'Update Profile' button to save your changes. This will automatically recalculate your daily calorie and macronutrient goals based on your new information.

How to delete old weight entries

1. Go to the 'My Home' menu and select 'Check In'.
2. Click 'Edit Previous Entries' at the bottom of the weight log page.
3. Here, you can delete individual weight entries by selecting them and following the on-screen prompts. You can also add a new starting weight entry for today or any past date.

Method 2: The Hard Reset (Account Deletion)

If you want a completely clean slate, with all your data and account history wiped, deleting and recreating your account is the most direct method. Be warned: this is a permanent action. You will lose all saved recipes, friends, exercise history, and progress logs.

How to delete your MyFitnessPal account

1. Navigate to the MyFitnessPal website and log in.
2. Click 'My Home', then 'Settings', and finally 'Delete Account'. In the mobile app, you can typically find this under More > Help > Delete Account.
3. Follow the prompts to confirm your deletion. You may need to enter your password again.
4. Once confirmed, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted.
5. After the account is gone, you can create a new account using a new username. The system typically requires a unique username for each new account.

Comparison of Reset Methods

Feature	Soft Reset (Update Goals)	Hard Reset (Account Deletion)
Data Retention	Keeps saved recipes, foods, and friends.	Deletes all data permanently.
Convenience	Quicker and simpler to perform.	Takes more time and requires creating a new account.
Accuracy	Offers an updated goal based on new profile data.	Provides a truly clean, zero-history start.
Platform Access	Can be done via website or app.	Can be done via website or app.
Best For	Users with minor adjustments or those wanting to keep old data.	Users who want a completely fresh, unbiased start.

Maintaining Momentum with a Fresh Start

Regardless of your chosen method, a successful reset relies on setting yourself up for success moving forward. Consider these steps:

• Set SMART Goals: Use the information you've gathered from your past efforts to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
• Focus on Consistency: A new MyFitnessPal journey is an excellent time to recommit to logging your food and exercise consistently. The app is a tool for building habits, not just a record keeper.
• Embrace Other Features: Explore features like the MyFitnessPal blog for meal planning ideas, new recipes, and other motivational content to keep your journey exciting.
• Sync Data Regularly: Whether you use the website or the app, ensure your data is syncing properly. Consistent syncing prevents errors and keeps your tracking accurate.

Conclusion

Starting MyFitnessPal over doesn't have to be complicated. For most users, a simple profile update and manual deletion of old weight entries provides the clean slate they need while preserving valuable saved information. For those who need a complete data wipe, account deletion is the final solution, but remember that this is irreversible. Choose the method that best aligns with your goals and how much of your past data you wish to leave behind. With a clear plan, you can effectively restart your fitness journey with renewed motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I simply delete all my old data at once without deleting my account?

No, MyFitnessPal does not have a bulk delete option for all data. While you can delete individual weight entries or update your profile, there is no single feature to wipe all historical data without deleting your entire account.

Will updating my starting weight affect my historical weight graph?

Yes. When you change your starting weight on the website under 'My Home' > 'Check In' > 'Edit Previous Entries', you can modify past entries, which will update your progress graph accordingly.

If I delete my account, can I use the same email and username to sign up again?

You can use the same email address to create a new account, but you will need to choose a new username. The old one is likely tied to the deleted account for a period.

How do I update my calorie goals after losing or gaining weight?

MyFitnessPal automatically offers to recalculate your calorie goal every ten pounds. You can also force an update by going to your goals, slightly changing your current weight, saving it, and then changing it back to your actual weight.

Is it possible to recover a deleted MyFitnessPal account?

No, account deletion is a permanent and irreversible action. All data and account history are permanently removed, so you must start fresh with a new account if you change your mind.

Can I perform a 'soft reset' from the mobile app alone?

Yes, you can update your goals and starting weight directly within the mobile app. The process is typically found under the 'More' tab (or menu icon) by navigating to 'Goals'.

Will a soft reset impact my saved custom foods or recipes?

No, the soft reset method focuses on updating your profile statistics and deleting historical weight entries. It does not affect your saved custom foods, recipes, or exercise entries.