Do you know what—and how much—you actually consume every day? Whether your goal is improved nutrition or weight loss, a simple way to take charge of your eating habits is to keep a food log. In addition to a pencil-and-paper diary, there are several food-diary apps you can download on your mobile device.
One free resource is USDA’s MyPlate. The goal of MyPlate is to help Americans build healthy eating habits one goal at a time. Use the Start Simple with MyPlate app to pick daily food goals, join challenges, and earn fun badges.
Before you start tracking, find the calorie level that’s right for you with the MyPlate Plan calculator. Then print or download the resulting MyPlate Daily Checklist to help you decide how much to eat from each food group. Next, use a food-tracker app to stay on top of your health goals.
The chart below lists several popular food-tracking apps that will work with your mobile device. Each has the ability to track food intake, activity, and weight. Each app’s food database is extensive, but the apps might vary based on content in their food databases, nutrients tracked, online community or coach support, and other functions. Some features are included while others can be added with a paid upgrade only, so make sure to read each product’s website carefully before picking the app that’s right for you.
Food and Exercise Apps
| USDA: Start Simple with MyPlate | Cronometer | Fooducate | My Fitness Pal | Lose It! | Nutritionix Track | My Net Diary | FatSecret | Noom | WW (Weight Watchers) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Apple, GooglePlay | Apple, GooglePlay | Apple, GooglePlay | Apple, GooglePlay | Apple, GooglePlay | Apple, Android, desktop | Apple, GooglePlay | Apple, GooglePlay, Windows | Apple, GooglePlay | Apple, GooglePlay |
| Cost | Free | Free* | Free* | Free* | Free* | Free* | Free* | Free* | Fee-based | Fee-based |
| Tracks weight |  |  |  |  | | | | | | |
| Tracks calories |  | | | | | | | | | |
| Food database | | | | | | | | | | |
| Barcode scanner | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tracks macro-nutrients | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tracks micro-nutrients |  | | | | | | | | | |
| Recipe database | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tracks Exercise | | | | | | | | | | |
| Syncs to fitness trackers | | | | | | Limited | | | | |
| Community | | | Limited | | | | | | | |
| Goal Setting | | | | | | | | | | |
| Features | Badges | Pro Version (upgrade) | Personalized tips & support | Meal-scan | Workout guides | Recipe creator | Special diet plans, article library | Photo album, journal | Psychology-based | SmartPoints |
*In-app purchases
This chart is for information only. HPRC does not endorse any company or product. All information was obtained from product websites, support services, or both.
While these tracking tools can be helpful, the information is only accurate and valuable if the details you enter are accurate, meaning personalized tracking might not be exact. However, if you’re looking for a tool to help you become aware of what you’re eating, fuel yourself better, or even hold yourself accountable, then any of these (or similar) programs can help you meet your nutritional goals.
