Getting Started: Enabling Meal Photo Tracking
Before a client can begin logging meal photos, the trainer must ensure the correct tracking method is enabled in the client’s profile. By default, new clients have the in-app meal photo tracking selected, but a manual adjustment may be needed for existing clients or those switching from another integration.
For the Client
If you are a client and wish to switch your tracking method, you can do so directly from your mobile app. This is useful if your trainer has multiple options enabled, like MyFitnessPal or full macro tracking, and you want to switch to a simpler photo-based journal.
- Navigate to the 'More' section: From the mobile app dashboard, tap the 'More' (three dots) icon located at the bottom right.
- Select 'Meal Tracker': In the menu that appears, find and tap on 'Meal Tracker'.
- Choose 'Meal Photos': Select the 'Meal Photos' option to set your workflow.
For the Trainer
Trainers can also manage this setting for their clients. It is crucial to have this feature set up correctly to ensure clients can log their meals as intended.
- Access the client's profile: On the web or mobile app, go to the client's profile.
- Edit profile settings: Click 'Edit' at the top of the client's profile page.
- Adjust meal workflow: Scroll down to the 'Meal Workflow' section and select 'In-app' and 'Meal Photos'.
- Save changes: Remember to save your changes to apply the new setting.
How to Add Your Meal Photos in the Trainerize App
Once meal photo tracking is enabled, the process for a client to log a meal is straightforward and takes only a few taps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tap the plus sign: From the main dashboard in your mobile app, tap the large blue plus icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select 'Meal': A menu will pop up. Choose the 'Meal' option from the list.
- Take or upload a photo: You will be prompted to either take a new photo with your camera or select an existing one from your photo gallery.
- Adjust the photo: If you choose a photo, you may have the opportunity to crop or adjust it before confirming.
- Log the meal: Once the photo is ready, confirm and submit the meal entry.
Advanced Photo Logging
For clients on a full meal tracking plan, there are additional steps available after taking the photo.
- Search for food: You can search the food database for specific ingredients.
- Scan a barcode: Use the barcode scanner for packaged goods to quickly add nutritional information.
- Save favorite meals: Save a meal to your 'Favorites' for quick logging of frequently consumed items.
- Add comments: Leave notes for your trainer about the meal or your experience with it.
Trainer's Perspective: Reviewing and Commenting
For coaches, the ability to see client meal photos is invaluable. It provides a quick, visual snapshot of a client's eating habits without requiring detailed macro logging.
Viewing Meal Photos
- Client dashboard: Access the client's dashboard to see a summary of their activity.
- View nutrition goal: Tap on the nutrition goal to view the logged photos for the day.
Providing Feedback
- Comment on photos: Trainers and clients can comment directly on meal logs to provide feedback, ask questions, or offer encouragement.
- Edit entries: Trainers can edit a client's meal entries to correct or add food items for better accuracy.
Comparison: Meal Photos vs. Full Meal Tracking
Choosing the right tracking method depends on the client's goals and motivation level. Meal photos offer a low-barrier entry to nutrition awareness, while full tracking provides precise data.
| Feature | In-App Meal Photos | In-App Full Meal Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Effort Level | Low | High |
| Accuracy | Subjective, based on visual assessment | High, based on logged data |
| Client Mindfulness | Encourages visual awareness of portion sizes and composition | Promotes detailed understanding of caloric and macronutrient intake |
| Coach Insight | Qualitative insight into eating patterns and food choices | Quantitative data on calories, macros, and nutrients |
| Setup | Simple; often the default setting | Requires enabling for calories, macros, or both |
| Best For | Beginner clients, habit coaching, simple accountability | Advanced clients, performance goals, precise dietary control |
Conclusion
Adding meal photos to Trainerize is an effective and easy way for clients to journal their food intake and stay accountable to their nutrition goals. For clients, the process involves a few simple taps from the dashboard to capture or upload a meal image. Trainers, in turn, gain a visual record of their clients' eating habits, which can be viewed and commented on from the client dashboard. Whether used as a simple photo journal or in conjunction with more detailed macro tracking, the feature facilitates meaningful coach-client communication and promotes greater mindfulness around food choices. By ensuring the correct meal tracking workflow is enabled, both clients and trainers can seamlessly integrate this powerful accountability tool into their fitness journeys.
