WHICH APP IS BEST FOR TRACKING MACROS? A LOOK INTO MYFITNESSPAL, CRONOMETER, AND MACROS FIRST
Tracking our food intake is a way to find out just how many calories we’re actually consuming. And we can take it one step further by trying to hit specific protein, carb, and fat intake goals. There was a time YEARS ago when I used a spreadsheet to track my intake. And when I told my mom the success I had with tracking, she started to do the same… with pen and paper. But since then, tracking has come a long way. And there are an abundance of apps available to individuals now–but I’m going to share with you the pros and cons of the three more popular apps, as well as my experience and opinions.
MYFITNESSPAL PROS AND CONS
When I started tracking my food intake with specific macro goals years ago, My Fitness Pal (MFP) was the dominating app. In time, it kept to the same system, although it seemed something had changed when Under Armour sold it to another company. This was just my observation, but it certainly felt different. I used to be an AVID and LOYAL MFP queen. Still, when tracking was less of a priority, I couldn't justify the expense of maintaining Premium, and each time I returned to it [for brief periods], it seemed a bit underwhelming with a few new developments.
VAST FOOD DATABASE: BOTH A PRO AND CON
MyFitnessPal boasts an extensive database of over 18 million foods, making it incredibly comprehensive. This ensures that users can find virtually any food item they consume. Such diverse options simplify the tracking process, eliminating manual data entry. MFP has "verified" entries to ensure data accuracy. Verified entries are marked with a green checkmark, indicating that they have been validated for accuracy. However, despite its vast food database, MFP is prone to many inaccuracies. Many entries are user-generated, leading to discrepancies in nutrition information. Users may encounter incorrect calorie and macro counts, which can undermine the reliability of the app's tracking capabilities.
CUSTOMIZATION OPTION… BUT ONLY IF YOU PAY: CON
MFP offers customization options, allowing users to set specific macro targets tailored to their needs and preferences. However, users can only set the percentage of macros with the free version whereas specific macros can only be set with the Premium. The Premium option also lets you set different macro goals for different days.
INVASIVE ADVERTISING & PREMIUM FEATURES: A BIG CON
MFP's free version is supported by advertisements, which can be intrusive and distracting for users. This has always been a buzzkill for me. Additionally, many advanced features and functionalities are locked behind a premium subscription, requiring users to pay a monthly access fee.
LACK OF INNOVATION: MEH
Compared to other food-tracking apps, MFP has seen minimal innovation and updates in recent years. The app's features and functionalities may feel outdated or stagnant, failing to keep pace with evolving user needs and technological advancements.
Cost: MFP offers a free version with basic features and a premium subscription option for $19.99/month or $79.99/year.
Cronometer
I remember when Cronometer was the "hot new thing" in nutrition. And honestly, it was a slay. It has warm and inviting colors, is easy to use, and is more visually aesthetic with an easier interface. It's often a crowd favorite among many of my nutrition clients, and I've appreciated the alcohol tracking option so readily available.
PRECISION & ACCURACY: BOTH A PRO AND CON
Cronometer prioritizes accuracy by providing verified nutritional data for its extensive food database. Unlike many apps that rely heavily on user-generated content, Cronometer requires users to submit photos of nutrition labels for review before adding items to the database. This verification process ensures that users can trust the accuracy of the nutritional information they rely on for tracking their food intake and macros. However, despite its focus on accuracy, Cronometer's food database may be more limited compared to MFP. Users may need help locating specific food items or brands. This limitation can be frustrating and may require users to manually enter nutritional information, increasing the time and effort necessary for tracking.
COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT TRACKING: A PRO
In addition to tracking macros like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, Cronometer also offers detailed tracking of micronutrients. Users can monitor their intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, providing a more comprehensive overview of their habits and needs. This level of detail is especially beneficial for individuals with specific dietary requirements or health goals.
CUSTOMIZABLE GOALS & TARGETS: A PRO
Cronometer allows users to set personalized goals and targets for their macros intake based on their needs and preferences.
USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE: A PRO
Despite its advanced features, Cronometer maintains an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user-friendly interface. The app offers streamlined features for logging food and tracking macros, minimizing the time and effort required for users to monitor their intake. For example, users can "copy and paste" previous meals, which may mean less time logging, especially if you eat the same things regularly.
FOCUS ON HEALTH & WELLNESS: A PRO FOR DAT LOVERS
Beyond just tracking macros, Cronometer emphasizes holistic health and wellness by offering features for monitoring biometrics like blood glucose levels. Users can track their progress over time, identify trends, and make informed decisions about their lifestyle habits to optimize their overall health and well-being.
INVASIVE ADVERTISING & PREMIUM FEATURES
Similar to MFP, Cronometer's free version is supported by advertisements, and advanced features and functionalities are locked behind a premium subscription, requiring users to pay a monthly access fee.
Cost: Cronometer offers a free version with basic features and a Gold subscription for $9.99/month or $54.99/year.
MacrosFirst
This has been my current obsession. Perhaps it's my hyperfixation at play, but it's been an EASE to use. Tracking takes far less time than it once did [even as a pro]. The interface is simple, with no unnecessary overload of bells and whistles. Clean, simple, and aesthetic.
SIMPLE & SPECIALIZED FOCUS ON MACROS: A DEFINITE PRO
Unlike many general-purpose food-tracking apps, MacrosFirst is designed explicitly for tracking macros, making it more straightforward for users with specific goals. One of the best parts about this priority? The "auto-calculate portion size." Add the food to your meal, enter your macro goal for the food, and MacrosFirst automatically calculates portion sizes for you.
USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE: A PRO
MacrosFirst features a clean and intuitive interface. The app offers streamlined features for logging meals, entering macros, and monitoring progress, making it easy for users to stay on top of their goals without unnecessary complexity or confusion. After using MFP and Cronometer, this is HANDS DOWN, my favorite part of using MacrosFirst. It makes tracking simpler than any other app and visually and logistically pleasing. The simplicity is the strongest part.
COMPREHENSIVE FOOD DATABASE: A PRO SO FAR
Despite its focus on macros, MacrosFirst does have a comprehensive food database that covers a wide range of food items and brands. It may have a smaller food database than established food-tracking apps like MFP or Cronometer, but I have not had any issues. This limited database may result in users needing help finding and logging specific food items, especially niche products.
LIMITED FEATURES & COMPATIBILITY: A CON FOR NOW
MacrosFirst only includes some of the comprehensive features other food-tracking apps offer. Users seeking additional functionalities, such as integrating with fitness devices or accessing social features, may find that MacrosFirst needs to improve. Limited compatibility with other health and fitness platforms or devices restricts users' ability to synchronize data across multiple apps or devices. Integration may be necessary for users who rely on other tools or devices to monitor their health metrics, such as fitness trackers or health monitoring devices.
Cost: MacrosFirst offers a free version with basic features and a premium subscription for $11.99/month or $79.99/year.
In summary, all three apps have their strengths and weaknesses. MyFitnessPal is famous for its extensive food database and social features, but some entries may need more accuracy. Cronometer offers detailed tracking and verified nutrition data but likely has a smaller database than MFP. MacrosFirst focuses on tracking macros with customizable goals but may have a smaller user base and fewer features than larger platforms.
For absolute simplicity when it comes to tracking your macros, make sure to grab a free copy of Everyday Macros: our macro-friendly meal prep cookbook. It’s full of simple recipes, batch prep tips, and insight into how to make your nutrition as seamless as possible.