Adding Water Intake on the MyFitnessPal Mobile App
MyFitnessPal makes tracking your water consumption straightforward on both iOS and Android devices. The interface is designed for quick, frequent updates throughout your day.
Step-by-Step Guide for Mobile
- Open the App and Go to Your Diary: Launch the MyFitnessPal app. From the main screen, navigate to the 'Diary' section, which is typically accessible from the bottom menu bar.
- Locate the Water Section: Scroll down past your meal entries. You will find a 'Water' section with a glass icon.
- Tap to Add Water: Tap the '+ Water' or 'Add Water' button within this section. You can also tap the glass icon itself.
- Enter Your Water Intake: A new screen will appear, allowing you to enter the amount of water you drank. MyFitnessPal provides preset options like '1 cup' or '8 fl oz' for quick logging. You can repeatedly tap these buttons to add multiple servings. Alternatively, use the manual entry field to specify a custom amount, such as 16 ounces or 500 ml.
- Confirm and Save: After entering the quantity, tap 'Save' or the checkmark icon to log your intake for the day. Your progress will be reflected immediately in your diary.
Adjusting Your Water Goal
While the water tracker is simple, MyFitnessPal's settings allow you to customize your daily hydration target.
- Navigate to Goals: Go to the 'More' tab (often an icon with three dots or lines) in the bottom-right corner of the app.
- Select 'Goals': Tap on 'Goals' to access your personal targets.
- Set Your Water Goal: Find the 'Water Goal' option. You can adjust the number of cups or fluid ounces to better align with your personal hydration needs, which can vary based on your activity level and climate.
Logging Water on the MyFitnessPal Website
If you prefer to use the desktop version, adding water is just as easy.
Step-by-Step Guide for the Website
- Log In and Find the Food Tab: Log into your MyFitnessPal account on a web browser. Click the 'Food' tab at the top of the page.
- Scroll to the Water Log: On your food diary page, scroll down to the very bottom. You will see the 'Water Log' section.
- Edit Your Intake: Click the pencil icon next to the 'Water Log'. A pop-up will appear where you can manually enter your total water intake for the day or add to your running total.
- Save Changes: Click 'Save' to update your daily water log.
Comparison Table: Mobile App vs. Website Tracking
| Feature | MyFitnessPal Mobile App | MyFitnessPal Website |
|---|---|---|
| Logging Frequency | Ideal for frequent, small entries throughout the day using quick-add buttons. | Best for entering your total intake once or twice a day. |
| User Experience | Fast and convenient, with a user-friendly interface designed for on-the-go tracking. | Requires logging in to the website, making it less convenient for frequent updates. |
| Goal Adjustment | Simple to edit and adjust your water goal directly from the goals menu. | Settings are often more in-depth and can feel clunkier to navigate. |
| Customization | Offers manual entry for specific amounts not covered by quick-add buttons. | Allows for manual entry but lacks the visual appeal of the app's tracker. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Water Not Saving: Ensure you have a stable internet connection when logging. If issues persist, try restarting the app or clearing the cache.
- Syncing Problems: If your water intake isn't syncing across devices (e.g., from the app to the website), force a manual sync if the app allows, or check for pending updates.
- Incorrect Units: The app may have default units (e.g., cups instead of ml). Check your app settings under the 'More' tab to ensure your preferred unit of measurement is selected.
- My Water Goal Is Gone: If you can't see your water goal, navigate to the 'Goals' section via the 'More' tab and confirm your daily target is still set. The display can sometimes be reset after updates.
Conclusion
Logging your water intake in MyFitnessPal is a simple yet powerful way to hold yourself accountable and stay on top of your hydration goals. By using either the mobile app's quick-add feature or the website's daily log, you can easily track your progress. Remembering to log consistently helps you understand your hydration patterns and supports your overall health and wellness journey. For best results, make it a habit to log your water intake every time you have a glass, just as you would with a meal.
Tips for Optimal Tracking
- Use a marked water bottle to simplify measurements.
- Set reminders on your phone to prompt you to drink and log water.
- Don't overthink it; consistency is more important than perfect accuracy.
- Consider logging other fluids like herbal tea or black coffee toward your intake, though be mindful of diuretic effects.
- Use the MyFitnessPal Blog as an additional resource for tips on hydration and nutrition.
Using Other Features
While the basic water logging is effective, explore other MyFitnessPal features to enhance your tracking experience. You can integrate third-party apps for automated tracking or set up recurring reminders to keep hydration top of mind. Many users find that syncing MyFitnessPal with a hydration tracker app, such as a water bottle with a connected sensor, provides a seamless experience. This can remove the need for manual entry entirely, making adherence even easier.
