Getting Started: The Basic Food Logging Process
Logging food in MyFitnessPal is a straightforward process once you understand the different methods available. For most users, the journey begins on the diary screen.
Step 1: Open Your Diary
Start by opening the MyFitnessPal app. From the main dashboard, you can either tap the large blue '+' button at the bottom of the screen and select 'Food' or navigate directly to your 'Diary' via the bottom menu.
Step 2: Add Food to the Correct Meal
Once in your diary, you will see sections for different meals, such as 'Breakfast', 'Lunch', 'Dinner', and 'Snacks'. Tap the '+ Add Food' button underneath the meal you want to log.
Step 3: Choose Your Logging Method
MyFitnessPal offers several ways to find and log food. The method you choose often depends on the type of food you are tracking.
Method 1: Search the Database
For whole foods, restaurant meals, or generic packaged items, using the search function is the most common approach.
- Type your food: Enter the name of the food into the search bar. Be as specific as possible to get the best results (e.g., "cooked chicken breast" instead of "chicken").
- Look for verified entries: In the search results, entries with a green checkmark are 'Verified Foods' that MyFitnessPal's nutrition team has reviewed for accuracy. Prioritize these for the most reliable data.
- Select and edit: Tap on the food item that matches best. Adjust the serving size and number of servings to reflect your portion. You can use standard units like cups or more accurate options like grams.
- Add to diary: Confirm your entry by tapping the checkmark in the top right corner.
Method 2: Use the Barcode Scanner
For packaged foods, the barcode scanner is a quick and accurate option for Premium members.
- Access the scanner: Tap 'Add Food' for your meal and look for the barcode icon next to the search bar.
- Scan the code: Align your phone's camera with the barcode on the product packaging. The app will automatically find the matching item in its database.
- Adjust and log: Just like with a manual search, verify the serving size and quantity before logging the entry.
Method 3: Create and Log a Custom Recipe
For homemade meals, creating a recipe is the most accurate method. This is particularly useful for meal prep.
- Navigate to recipes: From the 'More' menu, go to 'My Meals, Recipes & Foods' and select the 'Recipes' tab.
- Add ingredients: Create a new recipe and add each individual ingredient from your dish by searching the database. Be sure to use a food scale for the most accurate weight measurements.
- Specify servings: Define the total number of servings your recipe yields. MyFitnessPal will then calculate the nutrition for a single serving.
- Save and log: Save the recipe for future use. When you eat it again, you can log a serving instantly from your 'My Recipes' tab.
Method 4: Use Meal Scan (Premium Feature)
Premium members on iOS can utilize the AI-powered Meal Scan to log food by simply taking a picture of their plate.
- Activate Meal Scan: Tap the '+' button, then 'Food', and finally 'Scan Meal'.
- Capture your meal: Position your plate in view and tap the shutter button. The app's AI will identify the foods on your plate.
- Confirm and log: Review the suggested foods, adjust serving sizes as needed, and confirm to log the entire meal at once.
Comparison of MyFitnessPal Food Logging Methods
| Feature | Manual Search | Barcode Scan | Custom Recipes | Meal Scan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Whole foods, generic items, restaurants | Packaged, store-bought foods | Homemade meals, meal prepping | Quick logging of common meals |
| Pros | Free, large database, works for any food | Very accurate for packaged foods, fast | Highly accurate for homemade food, reusable | Fastest for known foods, AI-powered |
| Cons | Can have inaccurate user entries | Premium feature (US), only for packaged foods | Initial time investment for setup | Premium feature (iOS), potential for errors |
| Accuracy | Varies, use verified entries for best results | High for packaged foods | High, based on your own measurements | Lower, AI interpretation can be imperfect |
Refining Your Food Logging for Accuracy
- Weight vs. Volume: Whenever possible, use a food scale to weigh your portions in grams for maximum accuracy. Standard measuring cups can be imprecise.
- Check food history: Use the 'Recents' tab to quickly log foods you eat frequently. MyFitnessPal automatically saves your recent entries, so you don't have to search every time.
- Save your favorite meals: For consistent meals, like your standard breakfast, save the combination of foods as a custom meal to log them with a single tap.
Conclusion
Successfully checking and logging food on MyFitnessPal involves leveraging the right tool for the job. While manual searching is universally available, using the barcode scanner for packaged goods and creating custom recipes for home cooking significantly improves speed and accuracy. The premium-only Meal Scan offers a new, AI-driven way to log food visually. By choosing the method that best fits your situation and prioritizing verified entries, you can build a consistent and reliable nutrition tracking habit that supports your health goals.
For more detailed information on MyFitnessPal's features and logging methods, visit their official blog: Essential Guide to Food Logging - MyFitnessPal Blog.
