Could MyNetDiary Help Me Lose Weight? My Honest Review

The weight loss industry offers numerous diets and tools, each claiming to be effective. One such app that has recently gained my attention is MyNetDiary. This app boasts extensive food-tracking options and activity-tracking features, all designed to help users lose weight. As a nutritionist, I usually approach such claims with skepticism.

While monitoring calorie intake and expenditure is critical to weight management, the question is: Can the average person realistically stick to an app and diligently track their food and exercise?

To find out, I decided to try the free version of MyNetDiary and evaluate its suitability for supporting my personal weight goals.

Summary

MyNetDiary is a popular calorie tracker with barcode scanning and custom food logging. It includes a vast database of approved foods and premium meal recommendations with support for all the popular diet types. It also provides access to a community of like-minded users and weekly nutritional and health reports. There’s even a virtual coach offering useful nutritional and lifestyle tips.

⭐ Rating	4.4
🍎 Included barcode scanning?	Yes
📱 Operational system	iOS, Android
⌚ Compatibility with watches	Fitbit, Garmin, Withings
📱 Where to get it?	mynetdiary.com
💰 Price	From $8.99

What Is the MyNetDiary App?

As the name suggests, MyNetDiary is an online journal where you can track everything from your food intake to exercise, water consumption, and even medication. You set a weight goal, and the app holds you accountable through a personalized approach.

Calories are tracked based on height, weight, age, and target weight. This data-driven approach also ensures that your calorie intake aligns with your daily requirements.

A notable feature of MyNetDiary is its food library, with more than 1,250,000 verified entries, making it one of its most comprehensive apps. The app also goes the extra mile to simplify food tracking by allowing users to scan barcodes and save frequently consumed foods.

The free version of MyNetDiary provides robust calorie and macro tracking. For those seeking additional features and customization options, the premium version is available at a reasonable cost of $8.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

The app is available on iOS and Android devices and can also be accessed via web browsers on computers.

Who Is MyNetDiary App for?

MyNetDiary works just as well for men as for women. You can use it as your food-tracking app or as an alternative to similar solutions.

As mentioned previously, this app helps you work toward a target weight by logging food and exercise. It can help you lose, gain, or simply maintain your weight. 

Even without specific goals, you can still track your workouts, water intake, and even medicines you take right in the app. And since MyNetDiary runs on the Apple Watch, too, you can take it with you everywhere you go.

How I Started With the MyNetDiary App

Starting with MyNetDiary was a breeze. I began by registering on the app, but you could also do this on the website. The app asked me to enter personal information, such as my height, weight, and age, and set a target weight.

Then, the app crunched some numbers and gave me a report on how quickly I could reach my goal. It also gave me a daily calorie budget, which is the limit for how many calories I should eat each day.

From there, the app started tracking and updating my progress every time I entered my calories, macronutrients, water intake, and exercise. MyNetDiary also has an intuitive display and a fun way to track my progress.

The dashboard shows an apple that represents my calorie budget for the day. If I stay within my calorie goals, the apple will stay green. The apple turns yellow if I am about to go over my calorie budget for the day. And if I exceeded my calorie budget, the apple would turn red.

Within the app, I could easily log the foods I ate manually or by scanning barcodes. I could also add frequently logged foods or my recipes. The extensive database made it even easier to create accurate food logs.

Another element of MyNetDiary that I found amazing is the food grade, which ranks foods nutritionally on a range of A to D. Studies show that such systems help promote healthy nutrition. This feature helped me make healthy food choices without having to read the ingredient list of every product I buy.

MyNetDiary also has an online component. The app isn’t just about numbers but also about connecting with others. They have online discussion boards where I could chat with people who have similar goals. These channels are constantly monitored by registered dietitians who ensure everyone is getting good advice and support.

In the paid app, you also get a virtual coach to provide nutritional advice. However, it’s not a real human coach or a substitute for one.

What Are the Main Features of This App?

While exploring the MyNetDiary app, I came across a few key features that make it a valuable tool for better health and nutrition. Let’s take a look at those.

#1 Calorie logging

In my experience, logging food is perhaps the most challenging part of calorie counting. Most patients report the process being so cumbersome that they stop using the app.

That’s not the case with MyNetDiary. The whole process of counting food calories is simple and intuitive.

The app gives you a barcode scanner and a huge food database with over 1 million entries to easily track your food intake. If you’re a picky eater, the app allows you to easily log frequently eaten foods or custom dishes, including your recipes. 

You can also import your own recipes and calculate their nutritional information using the web recipe import tool.

The app then subtracts the calories you eat from your daily calorie budget, so you know how many calories you have left for the day. Tracking calories on the go couldn’t be easier or less time-consuming.

#2 Activity tracking

Losing weight isn’t just about what you eat but also about your physical activity. It is important to understand the balance between calories consumed and calories burned. 

This food log app, in addition to water intake, allows you to log calories burned. (Curious what sport burns the most calories?) 

You can either do this manually or sync data from popular fitness apps like Garmin, Fitbit, and Withings devices to save time.

#3 Like-minded community

As a nutritionist, I often see my patients stick to their weight loss goals better when they work in groups. Even studies indicate that peer support groups can increase the success rate of weight loss programs. After all, being alone in your weight loss journey isn’t fun.

MyNetDairy recognizes this aspect of weight management and features discussion boards and other social resources. 

The forums, accessible through the iOS or web app, are moderated by registered dietitians and offer support every step of the way. These communities provide a space to connect with people who share similar goals, allowing you to share experiences and seek advice from a community that understands your journey.

#4 Premium menus

Most people struggle to eat right when trying to lose weight or put on some. MyNetDiary takes the hassle out of this by providing premium menus created by registered dietitians.

For instance, you can find a 1,500-calorie daily menu with well-rounded meal recommendations on the app. This takes the guesswork out of your daily food choices and helps you eat healthily.

If you’re considering an upgrade to the premium version, the premium menus are one of the standout reasons to make the switch.

#5 Blood glucose tracker

I always tell my patients to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels when they are trying to lose or gain weight. This is important because sudden spikes or lows can lead to negative health consequences.

Fortunately, with MyNetDiary, you don’t need a different app or platform to do this. It comes with a blood glucose and insulin tracker that reminds you to check your blood sugar. Then, it gives you detailed summary reports to understand the relationship between your diet, exercise, and blood sugar levels.

What I Liked About MyNetDiary

During my journey with the MyNetDiary app, there were several things I absolutely loved about the platform.

#1 You can learn to improve the quality of your diet

The food grade system is easily one of the standout features of the MyNetDiary app. It is something I haven’t seen on other calorie trackers, and I think it should be mandatorily incorporated into all nutrition-tracking apps.

The food grade feature assigns a grade from A to D to all food items based on how healthy it is, which makes it easier to evaluate the quality of your diet. 

For instance, if you’re unsure what to have for breakfast, you can input various food choices into the app and have it assign a grade to each based on nutritional value. If you search for a slice of cake, a grilled cheese sandwich, or oatmeal, the app will tell you that oatmeal is a healthier option.

While you can eat anything and be within your calorie budget, the food-grade feature incentivizes you to choose healthier options.

#2 It’s easy to log your meals and track progress

MyNetDiary goes above and beyond to ensure the user sticks to their weight management goals. They do this by making it extremely easy to log your meals – whether you prefer to type them in manually or use a barcode scanner.

The app also remembers the food you log in frequently. In addition, you can use a voice-enabled option to log meals. What more can you ask to stay accountable to your dietary goals?

#3 There are thousands of recipes to choose from

Eating the same meal every day or frequently can be boring. It also makes it hard to stick to your weight management goals.

MyNetDiary offers an extensive library of recipes, allowing users a multitude of options to choose from. They feature everything from quick and easy meals to gourmet recipes and come with nutritional information, helping you plan balanced meals.

As a nutritionist, I appreciate this accessibility to different tasty meal ideas as it will keep my patients engaged and motivated in their journey.

#4 The free version has decent features

A lot of apps limit functionality in their free versions. However, MyNetDiary offers a robust set of features that helps you efficiently achieve your weight management goals without needing a premium subscription.

It is a significant advantage for my budget-conscious patients who still want to take charge of their nutrition and health.

Where MyNetDiary Fell Short

In my experience with MyNetDiary, I did come across a few areas where the app has room for improvement.  

#1 Macro breakdown is not easily accessible

One area where MyNetDiary falls short is providing a detailed macronutrient breakdown for each meal. Macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are essential for nutrition. And information about your daily macro intake is necessary to make healthy choices.

Currently, the free version of the app doesn’t provide macro breakdown – it is only available in the premium version. I think this is a basic feature that any calorie-tracking app should have.

#2 It could motivate and educate people more

While MyNetDiary is a great app with essential tracking features, it could go a step further in motivating and educating users.

Weight management and nutrition aren’t just about numbers. They also involve a psychological component. If the app doesn’t provide a reason for people to log their meals, they will start feeling obligated and lose interest after a short while.

I would love to see MyNetDiary integrate challenges or gamification functions for my patients. This will encourage users to reach their goals while fostering a sense of achievement. It also makes the process of calorie tracking rewarding.

Is MyNetDiary Premium Worth It?

MyNetDiary is available in a free as well as a paid version. My patients often ask me if they should opt for the premium version for better results.

From what I have seen, the free version offers essential food intake tracking features that will enable you to set and follow realistic weight loss goals. 

Though it features advertising, which hinders the app’s functionality and user experience, the core functions are incredibly valuable for anyone looking to manage their weight or make healthier nutritional choices. 

But that is not to say that the premium version isn’t worth it. Available for $8.99 a month, the premium app enables you to customize and track your macronutrient goals and provides meal plans for specific types of diets, such as keto diet, vegan, etc.

The premium version also introduces various charts and reports, allowing for more comprehensive data analysis and spotting potential nutritional deficiencies.

So, while the free version of MyNetDiary doesn’t feel limiting, the premium app lets you tap into its full potential. The meal recommendations, macronutrient tracking, and ad-free experience provide great value compared to the basic version.

MyNetDiary vs. Alternatives

How I Tested

I typically use a set of criteria to review every nutrition app for my patients. I will explain how I evaluated each aspect to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Quality

An app that runs without interruption and provides a good user experience will make the users more likely to continue using it. MyNetDiary gets extra points in this case.

It has a well-put-together online ecosystem. The app runs smoothly across platforms and devices. It also exhibits a high level of quality in its design and functionality. The same extends to its premium offerings.

Effectiveness

If an app doesn’t do what it claims, using it is just a waste of time. MyNetDiary is effective on both the micro and macro levels. On a micro level, it operates as a fast and intuitive calorie-tracking application, even in its free version. 

On a macro level, the app provides reliable features designed to support weight management effectively.

Price

Price is a huge factor when evaluating calorie trackers. Not all of my patients want to pay for an application, and those who do don’t have a huge budget.

The basic version of MyNetDiary provides a valuable selection of features at no cost. You can upgrade to the premium version for $8.99 or less based on the duration of the subscription. 

The paid plan provides value through meal recommendations and macronutrient tracking, making it a reasonable investment for those serious about good-quality nutritional support.

Brand reputation

I always make sure that the brand behind an app is trusted and experienced in the industry. 

MyNetDiary enjoys a positive online reputation. It has good reviews in app stores and on independent review aggregators. It truly is an established brand you can trust in a landscape saturated with questionable weight loss apps.

FAQs

A Word From Our RD

Conclusion

MyNetDiary is a user-friendly food intake tracker that can be valuable to your weight loss journey. Beyond counting calories, it grades foods based on their nutritional value, encouraging you to eat healthy. Furthermore, its vast database, barcode scanner, and intuitive interface make it one of the most accessible apps of its kind.

Though MyNetDiary is often placed next to WeightWatchers for its convenience in logging meals, its effectiveness relies on your commitment to regularly and accurately log your meals.

In addition, to access meal ideas and macro breakdown, you need a premium subscription, which is a paid feature. While it is worth the investment, there are other apps on the market that may suit your needs better, such as MyFitnessPal, Keto Cycle, and DoFasting. So, take your time exploring different options before settling on one.