MyFitnessPal vs Lose It Which App is Better for Tracking Calories

3 months, 1 week ago Goal Setting & Tracking Progress
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MapleLeafFan Guest
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Apr 03, 2026 14:46

I have used MyFitnessPal for years but the recent updates and the amount of features hidden behind a paywall are starting to frustrate me. I am a Canadian user and I find that the database for local grocery store items like those from Loblaws or Sobeys is still okay, but the app feels very cluttered now.

I have heard many good things about the Lose It app lately and I am considering making the switch. I want something that makes scanning barcodes easy and does not take forever to load. Tracking macronutrients is also very important for my current strength training goals.

Does anyone have experience moving their data from one app to the other? I do not want to lose my history of progress. If there is another app that works well for users in North America, please let me know. I am trying to keep my nutrition on point for the upcoming summer season.

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Ca
CalorieKing Guest
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Apr 03, 2026 17:18

Totally agree, MapleLeafFan! MFP's become a bit of a nightmare with the paywalls. I'm also looking for alternatives. Lose It! seems to be the main contender, but I'm curious about others too.

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FitFoodie Guest Apr 04, 2026 05:03

@CalorieKing, what specifically are you looking for in an alternative? Is it barcode scanning, recipe saving, or just a clearer interface? Helps narrow it down!

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jimmywells1988
jimmywells1988 Registered User
212 posts
Apr 03, 2026 17:24

Yeah, MFP just isn't what it used to be. The premium features are essential now for things that were free. Lose It! has a much better barcode scanner, IME, especially for US products. Not sure about Canada specifically though.

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BarcodeHero Guest Apr 04, 2026 06:15

@jimmywells1988, I agree on the barcode scanner, it's a lifesaver. But sometimes even Lose It! pulls up the wrong item or multiple entries, which can be annoying. Still better than MFP though!

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CoachCelestine
CoachCelestine Registered User
341 posts
Apr 04, 2026 05:56

Lose It! hands down. I made the switch last year and haven't looked back. The UX is so much cleaner, and while it also has premium features, the free tier feels more robust than MFP's current offering. Plus, I find their food database more accurate for common items.

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Droz Droz Registered User Apr 04, 2026 08:36

@CoachCelestine, good to hear positive feedback on Lose It!. I'm really fed up with MFP. Do you find yourself needing the premium features on Lose It!, or is the free version sufficient for basic calorie tracking?

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Da
DataNerd Guest
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Apr 04, 2026 13:48

If accuracy is your main concern, especially for micronutrients, check out Cronometer. It's not as pretty as MFP or Lose It!, but its database is verified and extensive. It's a bit more advanced, but excellent for detail-oriented trackers.

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AnimalLifter AnimalLifter Registered User Apr 05, 2026 15:35

@DataNerd, +1 for Cronometer's accuracy. I use it when I'm really dialling things in. The UI definitely has a learning curve, though, and it's not as quick for casual logging as the others.

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BudgetBytes Guest
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Apr 05, 2026 19:11

For anyone who's strictly budget-minded and needs a free app, MFP has become unusable. I'm genuinely searching for something truly free that actually works, even if it's basic.

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Push50 Push50 Registered User Apr 05, 2026 20:08

@BudgetBytes, I hear you on free apps. However, I'd strongly recommend checking out MacroFactor if you're serious. It's paid, but the algorithm for calorie adjustments is brilliant and it's worth every penny for the precision and insights. It's a different league.

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PennyPincher Guest Apr 06, 2026 22:23

@Push50, I looked into MacroFactor, and while it sounds amazing, the monthly subscription is just too steep for me. I can't justify that cost for a tracking app when there are free or cheaper alternatives.

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Ca
CanuckFit Guest
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Apr 05, 2026 22:58

As another Canadian, the struggle is REAL with MFP's database! Half the stuff I scan isn't there, or it's inaccurate. It's a pain having to manually enter everything. This makes me lean towards Lose It! more and more.

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A4tech A4tech Registered User Apr 06, 2026 02:59

@CanuckFit, totally. What I started doing with Canadian products is just scanning the barcode and if it doesn't come up, manually inputting the nutrition info directly from the packaging. Takes a bit longer but ensures accuracy.

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Ol
OldSchoolIron Guest
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Apr 06, 2026 11:23

Honestly, I've never bothered with any of these apps. I just track my macros roughly in my head and adjust based on how my body feels and looks. Been doing it for years, works fine.

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philosopher philosopher Registered User Apr 06, 2026 14:37

@OldSchoolIron, while that might work for maintenance or experienced bodybuilders, for someone trying to lose weight or hit specific macros, 'roughly in your head' can lead to stagnation. Accuracy really does matter, especially when starting out.

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TechSavvy Guest
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Apr 06, 2026 14:53

One feature I value highly is integration with other fitness trackers, like my Fitbit or Apple Watch. How do MFP and Lose It! compare on that front, specifically for syncing steps and exercise calories?

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Jayne_Scott Jayne_Scott Registered User Apr 06, 2026 17:32

@TechSavvy, that's a great question! I know MFP used to have pretty good integration with Apple Health, but I haven't checked since the premium changes. Does Lose It! offer robust two-way syncing with Apple Health/Watch?

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SarcasticSam Guest
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Apr 06, 2026 17:50

Just eat less. No app needed.

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Milligan Milligan Registered User Apr 06, 2026 21:13

@SarcasticSam, if only it were that simple for everyone. 'Eat less' is great in theory, but tracking helps you understand *what* 'less' actually means for your body, and ensures you're still getting adequate nutrition, not just fewer calories.

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Alexandoy
Alexandoy Registered User
220 posts
Apr 06, 2026 22:28

One thing MFP still has going for it, even with the paywalls, is the community aspect. The forums and friend features are quite motivating for some. Lose It! doesn't seem to have that same social vibe.

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LoneWolf Guest Apr 07, 2026 07:34

@Alexandoy, ngl, the social aspect is exactly why I prefer other apps. I'm just trying to track my food, not be part of a community. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

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Eugene
Eugene Registered User
108 posts
Apr 10, 2026 15:47

For anyone still on the fence, I'd suggest checking out recent reviews or comparison threads on Reddit. The 'MyFitnessPal vs Lose It' debate is constant there, and you'll find a lot of up-to-date user experiences.

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RedditScout Guest Apr 11, 2026 02:14

@Eugene, that's a solid tip! The subreddits like r/loseit and r/myfitnesspal are full of people sharing their pros and cons. You get a real feel for what works and what doesn't for different users.

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Natzo
Natzo Registered User
106 posts
Apr 11, 2026 12:45

I've found Lose It! to be way better for custom recipes. You can easily add ingredients and it calculates the macros per serving, which is super convenient if you cook a lot at home.

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ChefFit Guest Apr 11, 2026 12:59

@Natzo, that's interesting! How does that work specifically? Is it just inputting ingredients and weights, or can you import recipes from websites?

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ArnoldS
ArnoldS Registered User
156 posts
Apr 11, 2026 15:52

Ultimately, consistency is key, regardless of the app. Pick one you can stick with, even if it has minor flaws, because the best app is the one you actually use every day.

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