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Posted by u/fivemilegrinder路

MyFitnessPal's food database is a mess for Europe, is Yazio any better?

TL;DR: Is Yazio better than MyFitnessPal for finding European foods while traveling? I'm frustrated with MFP's database accuracy.

I've been using MyFitnessPal for a while now, especially as I train for my next marathon. The app is pretty decent, but lately I've been really frustrated with its food database when it comes to European foods. I travel quite a bit for races and holidays, and I swear half the time I can't find basic items like regional snacks or even common meal options. I feel like I'm constantly scanning barcodes just to log a simple meal, and sometimes the entries are just flat-out wrong! It's so tiring to not be able to trust the data, especially when I'm trying to stay on top of my macros.

I recently tried Yazio to see if it would be any better, but I found that it has its own issues. Some of the foods are there, but then they have paywalls for certain features that I thought would be included. I get it, apps need to make money, but when I'm in a foreign country trying to track my nutrition on the go, the last thing I need is to hit a paywall for a basic feature like food logging.

So, I'm wondering, has anyone had better luck with Yazio when it comes to finding European foods? Or is there another app you all would recommend that doesn't leave you feeling like you're fighting against it? I just want something that makes my life easier, not more complicated. What's the scoop?

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u/fivemilegrinder路

I totally get your frustration with MyFitnessPal's database! I was training for my last marathon and encountered similar issues while traveling in Europe. I tried to log my meals, and half the time I couldn't find common snacks or local meals. I ended up scanning barcodes constantly, which took way too much time. I ended up relying on my own cooking more, which is great, but not always feasible on the go. If Yazio has issues too, it's just tough to find something that makes tracking easier

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u/macrosninja44路

Facts. The accuracy of food databases can vary greatly between apps. Yazio might have some entries, but paywalls can be a pain. Consider using Cronometer if you want a more extensive database that includes a lot of European foods. They tend to have accurate entries and a good breakdown of nutrients.

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u/oldschoolgains路

While I agree that Yazio has its flaws, I think it's essential to keep in mind that these apps are evolving. I remember back in the day, I had to log everything manually. Sometimes, it's worth giving feedback directly to the developers so they can improve. I've seen improvements in apps based on user feedback, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts!

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u/crunchygranolafit路

Yeah, I've tried Yazio and had mixed results too. While the design is pretty slick, the food database was hit or miss. I ended up using it more for recipe inspiration rather than strict logging. It's better to find a balance with intuitive eating sometimes!

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u/crunch_time_gains路

I feel you! I've had to log food in a rush too. I switched to MacroFactor recently and honestly, it's been a breeze. No paywalls like Yazio, and I love the barcode scanning feature. Plus, they have a lot of international foods, so I didn't have to guess my macros when traveling.

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u/fitnurse21路

I understand the frustration about features being locked behind paywalls. It's a common issue in many apps. As a nurse, I've found that logging manually with a simple journal works well too. You might miss out on some tech features, but you gain clarity and can actually focus on your nutrition without the stress of an app.

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u/squatloweatbro路

Bruh, just make your own meal! Just get some pasta and add whatever meat or veggies you find. Food logging doesn't need to be complicated if you keep it simple! 馃槀

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u/gymchickennuggets路

I can't believe you guys are having such issues! I just search for food items and usually find what I need. But if Yazio's database isn't reliable, maybe try another app like FatSecret? It's super user-friendly and has a decent database too.

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