Livestrong's MyPlate App Shut Down: The Reason Behind the Decision
On July 9, 2023, the popular MyPlate Calorie Counter app, developed and owned by the Livestrong Foundation, ceased operations and was removed from app stores. This decision was announced to users via an in-app message in the weeks prior, citing the company's gratitude for user support before pulling the plug. While a specific, public-facing reason for the shutdown was not detailed by Livestrong or its parent company (part of the Graham Holding Company after a series of acquisitions), online discussions and speculation suggest several potential factors.
Possible reasons behind the shutdown include the app's potential unprofitability, redundancy within the parent company's portfolio, or strategic business decisions. The competitive landscape of health and fitness apps is constantly evolving, and maintaining a robust, feature-rich application requires significant investment in development, servers, and support. In a crowded market with giants like MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, and Cronometer, sustaining a distinct niche can be challenging. The discontinuation was a business-driven decision that affected millions who relied on its tracking and recipe features.
What Happened to User Data?
One of the most significant impacts of the shutdown for long-time users was the fate of their years of logged data. The app's final message informed users that their personal information would be archived for a limited duration and then permanently deleted. This was done to comply with privacy laws, but for users who didn't back up their data, years of progress, recipe history, and nutritional insights were lost.
For those who were proactive, some alternative apps, like Cronometer, offered a window of opportunity to import data. However, this was only possible for users who had already exported their data from the MyPlate app in a JSON format before its official shutdown. For many, this process was either missed or not an option, leading to the irretrievable loss of their data.
How is this different from the USDA's MyPlate program?
It is crucial not to confuse the discontinued Livestrong MyPlate app with the official USDA MyPlate initiative. The two are separate entities, and the USDA's resources remain active and available.
- Livestrong MyPlate App: A commercial, third-party application focused on calorie counting, macro tracking, and weight loss. This app was discontinued in July 2023.
- USDA MyPlate Program: The official U.S. government initiative promoting healthy eating patterns based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Its website, MyPlate.gov, and related tools are still functional.
MyPlate vs. Start Simple with MyPlate: A comparison
To further clarify the distinction, here is a comparison of the discontinued Livestrong app and the USDA's current app, Start Simple with MyPlate.
| Feature | Livestrong MyPlate (Discontinued) | USDA Start Simple with MyPlate (Active) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Calorie and macro tracking for weight management. | Setting and tracking simple, daily food group goals. |
| Database | Large, community-driven food database. | Focus on providing healthy eating tips and inspiration. |
| Logging | Detailed logging of calories, macros, and recipes. | Simple logging of daily goals and badges. |
| Ownership | Livestrong Foundation (commercial). | U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). |
| Integration | Integration with fitness trackers. | Less focused on comprehensive tracker integration. |
| Community | Active user community forum. | Primarily educational, not community-based. |
The search for alternatives
Following the shutdown, many former users began searching for a replacement app to continue their wellness journeys. Several popular apps emerged as top contenders, offering similar or enhanced features.
- Cronometer: Praised for its detailed micronutrient tracking and data accuracy, making it a strong choice for those who want a deeper dive into their nutrition. Cronometer also actively welcomed MyPlate users after the shutdown.
- MyFitnessPal: A well-known powerhouse in the fitness and nutrition space, offering a massive database and robust tracking features.
- Lose It!: A user-friendly app focused on calorie counting and weight loss, known for its straightforward interface.
- MyNetDiary: Provides detailed tracking, personalized guidance, and support for specific dietary needs.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Livestrong MyPlate app in July 2023 was a significant event for its dedicated user base, leading to the loss of tracking data and the search for new platforms. The shutdown was driven by business decisions rather than issues with the product itself, and it is important to remember that it is a separate entity from the ongoing USDA MyPlate program and its Start Simple with MyPlate app. While the end of the Livestrong app marked the close of a chapter for many, the broader ecosystem of health and nutrition apps continues to thrive, offering powerful tools for users seeking to manage their dietary goals. The silver lining is the availability of robust alternatives like Cronometer, MyFitnessPal, and others, providing continued support for those on their health and wellness journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the USDA MyPlate app gone? No, the USDA MyPlate initiative is still active, but the commercial Livestrong MyPlate Calorie Counter app was discontinued in July 2023. The USDA continues to offer the Start Simple with MyPlate app for setting basic food goals.
2. What happened to my Livestrong MyPlate account and data? Upon discontinuation, user accounts and associated personal data were permanently deleted after a limited archiving period, as per the company's privacy policy. Data that was not exported by users was not recoverable.
3. Why did the Livestrong MyPlate app shut down? The company did not provide a specific public reason, but factors likely included business decisions related to profitability, mergers, or competition in the health app market.
4. What is a good replacement for the MyPlate app? Popular alternatives include Cronometer, praised for its detailed micronutrient tracking, and MyFitnessPal and Lose It!, both well-known for comprehensive calorie and macro tracking.
5. Can I still import my old MyPlate data? No, the window for exporting data in a JSON format closed with the app's shutdown in July 2023. Current platforms cannot access data that was not previously exported by users.
6. What is the difference between the Livestrong and USDA MyPlate apps? The Livestrong app was a third-party, commercial calorie counter, while the USDA MyPlate program is a government-backed initiative focusing on healthy eating guidelines. The USDA's Start Simple with MyPlate app is an educational tool for basic goals, not a comprehensive calorie tracker.
7. How do I get a discount for an alternative app? Following the shutdown, some companies, like Cronometer, offered discounts to ease the transition for former MyPlate users. It is best to check with the specific alternative app's website for any current promotions.
Key Takeaways
- Livestrong's MyPlate app is gone: The popular calorie-counting app was discontinued in July 2023 due to an unannounced business decision by its parent company.
- User data is gone: Any user data, including years of food logs and recipes, was permanently deleted after the shutdown for users who did not export it in time.
- Not the USDA MyPlate: The discontinued Livestrong app is completely separate from the official USDA MyPlate initiative, which is still active and provides dietary guidance.
- Alternatives are available: Former MyPlate users have successfully transitioned to other feature-rich apps like Cronometer, MyFitnessPal, and Lose It!.
- Cronometer offered a transition path: Cronometer actively supported the transition by providing a way to import old MyPlate data (for users who had exported it) and offering a discount.
Sources
- "LiveStrong MyPlate App : r/loseit - Reddit," Reddit, June 11, 2023, URL:
https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/146mb6l/livestrong_myplate_app/ - "Cronometer hopes to welcome MyPlate users and ease ... - PR Newswire," PR Newswire, June 19, 2023, URL:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cronometer-hopes-to-welcome-myplate-users-and-ease-transition-to-new-tracking-app-301853764.html - "Start Simple with MyPlate app: FAQs," MyPlate.gov, URL:
https://www.myplate.gov/resources/tools/startsimple-myplate-app/start-simple-myplate-app-faqs - "MyPlate Data Import - Cronometer," Cronometer, URL:
https://cronometer.com/myplate - "Our guide to food-tracking apps," Center for Science in the Public Interest, January 24, 2024, URL:
https://www.cspi.org/article/our-guide-food-tracking-apps - "12 Best Food Tracking App Options for 2025 - Savor," savortheapp.com, August 28, 2025, URL:
https://www.savortheapp.com/blog/food-tracking-apps/best-food-tracking-app/ - "MyPlate.gov | U.S. Department of Agriculture," MyPlate.gov, URL:
https://www.myplate.gov/ - "What Is MyPlate?," MyPlate.gov, URL:
https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate - "Review of calorie tracking apps after MyPlate closes : r/loseit - Reddit," Reddit, June 14, 2023, URL:
https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/149irmi/review_of_calorie_tracking_apps_after_myplate/ - "LiveStrong MyPlate App : r/loseit - Reddit," Reddit, June 11, 2023, URL:
https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/146mb6l/livestrong_myplate_app/
