As a registered dietitian who regularly uses MyFitnessPal for tracking and with clients, I’ve seen how time constraints can make consistent recording a challenge. But MyFitnessPal’s new voice recording feature really simplifies the process, making it faster and easier for busy users.
For example, I’ve been using the feature to track my typical breakfast: two scrambled eggs, a slice of whole wheat toast, chicken sausage, and avocado, plus a cup of coffee.
It only takes about 15 seconds to speak and view in the app– a time frame that even the busiest people can manage!
Read on to learn more about MyFitnessPal’s new voice recording feature and how to get started as soon as possible.
What is the voice recording function?
Voice recording is a premium feature and is new to the MyFitnessPal app. Not a premium member yet? no problem! Try the premium version for free for 30 days.
This feature makes it easier to keep track of a variety of foods, meals, and portion sizes. You don’t need to manually type and search for items, all you need is your voice (and a few clicks).
Watch a magic show:
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Record Meals Using Voice Recording
If you are a free membersee if you qualify for a free 30-day Premium membership to try out the new voice recording feature (plus barcode scanning, meal scanning, and more!)
If you are already on trial or a premium memberyou can start using the voice recording function! Just follow these steps:
- Step one: Open the MyFitnessPal app.
- Step 2: Click the Add button (+) in the navigation bar at the bottom of the app.
- Step 3: Select the Voice Log option.
- Step 4: If this is your first time using this feature, you must allow MyFitnessPal access to your microphone and grant MyFitnessPal access to the voice recognition feature.
- Step 5: When you see the gray arrow, start describing the meal (or meals!) you want to record. The more detailed the better! Include the brand name, serving size instructions, and the meal you want to record (breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack). You will know that the app is listen When the arrow turns blue.
- Step 6: After describing the meal, click the blue arrow.
- Step 7: The best matches will be automatically populated. From here, you can choose to delete the item, click “Retry,” or click “Log” the item and/or meal into your journal.
Benefits of using voice recording for tracking
The voice recording feature provides several benefits for meal tracking in MyFitnessPal:
- Take the guesswork out of portion size: It’s hard to know how much food you consume (in ounces, grams, or other measurements). Now, describe your portion size with your hands. For example, “I had a fist-sized portion of chicken for lunch.” or “I grabbed a handful of blueberries for a snack.” (See portion size guidelines below!)
- save your time: Voice logging replaces the need to enter food in search, making it faster and easier to track your meals and snacks. You can also describe your meals out loud to record multiple foods at once. Even better, you can log multiple meals at once! At the end of the day, open your app, tap Voice Log from the recording menu, and describe your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Check, revise (if necessary) and record!
- Allows you to log in anytime, anywhere: Multitasking? no problem. This feature is great for making sure you keep track of your food, even if you only have a few seconds to spare.
- Can improve consistency: Finding a way to track your meals that can easily fit into your daily routine can help you stay consistent. When you stick to your healthy habits, you have a better chance of achieving your goals.
FAQs about voice recording in MyFitnessPal
What types of entries can I record using my voice?
You can record food and drink items available in the MyFitnessPal database, one of the largest. Currently, it is not possible to record weight, exercise, and customized food and recipes through voice commands. Water can be recorded but only as part of breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks.
Do I need to use a specific phrase to record items via voice?
It works best when you describe what you ate (or drank), how big the portion was, and which meal you ate (or drank). For example, “I had a cup of plain Greek yogurt, a splash of honey, a handful of blueberries, and a small cup of coffee for breakfast.”
Does voice recording work on all devices?
Voice Recording is available on iOS and Android devices, but may require an update to be fully compatible with all models. To make sure you have the latest version of the app, please visit the App Store.
Can voice recordings be used offline?
No, the MyFitnesspal voice recording feature requires an Internet connection to process voice commands.
Are voice recordings available in all languages?
Currently, the voice recording feature is only available in English and is limited to the US market.
The post How to Use the New Voice Recording Feature in MyFitnessPal appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.