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How to log food to your diary

Updated

This article explains how to add a food entry to your diary on iOS, Android, and the website.

Logging a meal only takes a few taps once you know where to look. Whether it's a quick snack or a full dinner plate, here's exactly how to get it into your diary — on whatever device you have in hand.

How to start logging your food

iOS and Android

  1. Open the MyFitnessPal app.
  2. On your Today page, tap the blue Log button next to the meal you want to log, or tap the Plus (+) button in the bottom right corner. 
  3. Type the food name or brand into the search field, or use another add food option at the top of the screen. Available options vary by app version and may require MyFitnessPal Premium. Read more about Barcode Scan, Voice Log, or Meal Scan.
  4. Tap the plus icon next to a result to log it directly, or tap the food name to see full nutrition details first.
  5. Adjust the serving size, number of servings, and meal as needed. Premium subscribers can also set a Timestamp or log the food for multiple days at once.
  6. Tap the Check mark (Android) or the Log button (iOS) at the top right of the screen to save the entry to your diary. 

 

Website

  1. Log in to the website using the same email and password you use with the app.
  2. Click the Food tab near the top of the page.
  3. Click Add Food under the meal you'd like to log.
  4. Search for the food by name or brand, click on the matching result, then click Add Food To Diary.

 

Pro tip: Our database has millions of food items. If your first search doesn't turn up the exact match, try adding a word like "cooked," "raw," or "generic" — for example, "apple generic."

Bonus tip: Create a Saved Meal or Recipe for foods you eat together often, so you're not searching for every item each time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need MyFitnessPal Premium to add food to my diary?

No. Logging food is free. Premium unlocks extras like timestamps and the ability to log the same food across multiple days at once.

Can I log the same food to more than one meal in a day?

Yes. Just repeat the logging steps and choose a different meal each time.

Can I search for a food using its barcode instead of typing?

Yes. Learn how in our Barcode Scan article.

What if I can't find the exact serving size I need?

Try adjusting the number of servings, or see our article on logging a food that isn't in the database.

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