The best way to change your eating habits and lose weight is to hold yourself accountable to the food you are eating. Tracking your food is the most effective way to do that. Without tracking it’s easy to think you are eating healthy – or within your means. However, if the scale is not budging or goes up then too much food is usually to blame. When you do not pay attention to the food you eat then most likely you are eating too much. This has been my experience every time my weekly weigh in does not go in my favor.
I hear over and over again that tracking food is tedious and takes too much time. Yes it will take time and some effort. But…I am here to tell you that tracking your food is essential to losing weight. To make changes to your eating habits you must pay attention and be intentional with your food. Tracking helps you do just that. Once you are comfortable with food portions and creat a structure for yourself then you can ease up on the tracking a bit. However, if you are struggling with your eating habits then tracking your food can provide a nice frame work and structure to keep you focused and intentional.
Two popular programs/and or systems people use to track their food are Weight Watchers and My Fitness Pal. There are other programs but those are the two my readers use most.
Anyway, I am often asked if I recommend one program over the other or why I chose My Fitness Pal over Weight Watchers. So in this post I am going to share the 3 reasons I prefer My Fitness Pal over Weight Watchers. Please note this is all based on my experience and by no means am I saying Weight Watchers doesn’t work or I don’t recommend it. Many people love Weight Watchers and rightfully so – it is sound weight loss program that many people can embrace and stick with. I am just speaking on what has worked for me. At the end of the day you need to find the system that works best for you.
My Fitness Pal is free
You can use My Fitness Pal completely free of charge. This was and still is huge for me and I know it is for a lot of my readers too. Let’s face it we like free. However, even though the MFP website and app don’t cost a dime they do not lack any features. They have a huge food database, an awesome recipe builder, progress reports, different apps you can utilize, a community forum, blogs, and tons of other features all free of charge. Everything you could possible need to help you lose weight can be found on My Fitness Pal free of charge.
Weight Watchers also has a great feature rich website and app along with the opportunity to attend weekly meetings – but it costs money. I pay about $20 a month. **please note I am a Weight Watcher member for educational purposes only and to calculate points for my recipes. I like to keep informed on the resources my readers are using.
Besides Weight Watchers meetings and the live chat feature I don’t see much difference between the two websites. If those two things are important to you then it might be worth it. However, in my opinion both websites offer the same basic type of weight loss tools.
My Fitness Pal is super easy to use
The MFP website and app are simple, functional, and easy to use and understand. After you sign up it doesn’t take a lot of effort to navigate and figure things out. I think this is important because most people prefer weight loss not to be complicated. As soon as losing weight becomes confusing most likely you will get discouraged – I know that is how I am. Even as My Fitness Pal evolves and changes their website I find it easy to follow and use.
The Weight Watchers website is a little bit clunky to me. It is still easy to navigate but there is lots of information and many different pages to sift through. This can get a little overwhelming for those just starting out. However, don’t let that discourage you because Weight Watchers definitely provides a lot of great information.
I prefer to track calories over points
This is a big reason why I chose MFP over Weight Watchers. Personally, I prefer to track calories and basic nutritional information over points. I am going to be honest – the points system confuses me. I do figure out the points for all my recipes – because my Weight Watchers readers want that -but I still get confused on the number of points a person should have for meals and snacks. For example, my raspberry overnight oats recipe is 322 calories and 8 weight watchers points plus. Well..I don’t think 322 calories is too much for breakfast. In fact, I think that is about average. However, some of my readers on Weight Watchers have said the 8 points is too much for breakfast. So I get confused with how points should be distributed throughout the day. Also, there are activity points and then fruit doesn’t count towards points. And then every now and then Weight Watchers goes and switches the whole point system up. My brain goes into overload. Therefore, I stick with simple and just track my calories. Calories never change.
I also think it is easier to eyeball the calories of a food rather than try to figure out the points. But that’s just me. Some people love the structure of the points system and if it works for you then stick with it.
Those are the 3 reasons I choose to use My Fitness Pal instead of Weight Watchers. Again, you need to use the program or system that you are most comfortable with. What works for one might not work for another. We are all different people with different needs and learning styles.
With that said, it is important to understand that nothing will work if you don’t work. You can sign up for every program and system under the sun but if you don’t change your lifestyle then you will never lose weight. My Fitness Pal and Weight Watchers are programs that provide the tools to keep you accountable with the food you eat. You have to be consistent with using those tools. But I know you can do it! So keep moving forward.
What about you? Do you use My Fitness Pal or Weight Watchers? I would love to hear your feedback on both of these systems in the comments.
Are you ready to start your weight loss journey? If so, check out my ebook Organize Yourself Skinny for my 5 strategies and some secrets to creating a healthy lifestyle and losing weight. I also provide a bonus 4-week make ahead meal plan to get you started. Read more about it here.
John says
Is there a way where I can import the recipes and/or food diary from Plan2Eat or from MFP to Plan2Eat? I would like to plan a week in advance and then adjust after the fact.
Julie says
I’ve done both, but right now prefer WW. If I eat most fruit and veggies, I know it’s 0 points! If I eat a huge salad, it’s 0 points. But with MFP, I have to figure out the calories, and that is just too much work for me now. I would really prefer free over having to pay, but at this time in my life, WW is better for me. I was reading a book on weight loss by Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, and he recommends taking your total amount of points allowed for the day, divide by 4. I’m at 26, so that would be about 6.5. So you would eat 6 or 7 points per meal (don’t forget you have weeklies) and then divide the last 6 points by 3 (am snack, pm snack, bedtime snack; or by 2 if you don’t eat before bed). That’s how he recommends you distribute your WW points. (Btw, he is the founder and medical director of, the Bariatric Medical Institute which provides non-surgical weight management.) Thank you for sharing this with us.
kristi says
I ‘very done Weight Watchers in the past and it’s a great program but points are harder to keep track of then caleries. I use Sparkpeople.com great Web site and a reps that keep track of calories and exercise. There is a reps lot of info a vailable. Lost 50lbs. Always before a bad day would throw me off and I wound ‘ get back on track. Spark has changed food. I’ve learned that you need to alow yourself to give into your cravings ounce in awhile. You just have to make healthier choices the rest of the week.
Renee says
I am a weight watchers member I do both online and meetings. I love it!!! I only found out about My Fitness Pal this week a friend of mine showed me. I think it’s awesome. Great for accountability. I know for me, I need the actually meetings and the threat of the scale each week to keep me honest.
Marlene says
Thanks for your input on the comparison between MFP and WW. I used MFP for over a year and lost 20 lbs, then hit a plateau. Three weeks ago I joined WW online and have lost 6 lbs already. For me I think the WW tracker helps me with portion control better, and knowing I paid for this adds some accountability. I’m 15lbs from my goal, and will most likely go back to MFP after I reach that milestone because it is free.
Kimberly O thanks for the link on tracking points on MFP!
Jess says
Marlene, I agree with the accountibility! I just joined Weight Watchers today so I”m hoping that because I am paying for it…I will be able to stick with it. I lack will power and it’s discouraging.
easypeasy says
I have used MFP before and it is really easy! I personally don’t think it took too much time. 🙂
Mary Pape says
I’ve been following you for some time. My problem with your menu’s in advance is that it is super heavy in Mexican cuisine. I’m not a big fan, actually I dislike it for the most part. Any suggestions?
Tammy Kresge says
Thanks for the feedback. I am working to switch that up. What are your favorite cuisines?
Jane says
I like WW Simply Filling – THAT plan is easier than even counting calories. Just stick with the list of Power Foods – all other items have to be logged as points. It links with my WW ActiveLink (and also with FitBit I am told). I signed up for MFP too, but I never use it. I also love the blogs on WW. The best thing is that I have only 2# to goal and I really believe I can continue to eat this way…meaning that I won’t have to RELOSE this weight.
Linda says
I lost 35 lbs using the simply filling technique! I am 1 pound away from goal. It is a healthy way to lose and maintain. The bottom line is healthy food choices and reasonable portions.
Larry Goodin says
My Wife And I Are On Weight Watchers And Have Both Lost A Considerable Amount Of Weight. The Points Plus System Seems To Be Working For Us At This Time,But I Am Always Interested In Trying To Learn New Ways Of Eating Healthy And Keeping My Weight In Check. It Has Taken Me A Long Time But I Believe I Have Finally Realized That If I Don’t Take Responsibility For My Own Health And Eating Habits No One Else Will,And I Would Like To Thank You For Your FB Page OYS And For Always Including The WW Points+ Info In Your Recipes,You Have Really Been A Blessing And Inspiration Thank You So Much
Tammy Kresge says
Thank you so much! It is great that you and your wife are working as team in your weight loss effort. That makes all the difference.
Karen says
Excellent article. Thank you for this. I am currently a WW member but the monthly cost is an issue, but I love the weigh-in accountability part of the WW meetings. I feel like that has been a huge part of my weight loss success. But not sure I can afford to keep paying close to $50 bucks for that. I might have to start using MFP. This was very helpful. Thank you again!
Taryn says
I love MFP linked with my Fitbit. I think an important part of losing weight is being totally honest with myself from looking in the mirror and what I put in my mouth. As you said, the calories are there and don’t change. I am not a fan of any diet that says “you can eat what you want, even dessert.” Because, I think one should focus on eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and calories add up fast when one is trying to lose weight. Points is a euphemism for those darn calories. I count every single calorie I eat and am doing really well on a major weight-loss and get fit project. I like to think of MFP as the honest, no-gimmick way to a much healthier lifestyle. FREE and EASY are really hard to beat, too.
Brandy says
I tried MFP and I didn’t lose weight with it. It was very discouraging. When I switched to WW (online only), I lost weight immediately & although slowly, consistently. I am now down 45lbs. I prefer the flexibility of WW with plus points. I would sometimes struggle to stay within my calories with MFP if we attended a potluck or went to a restaurant. With WW,you can use your plus points for those times. Either choice is great but for me, WW has changed my life.
Tammy Kresge says
That is awesome! Thanks so much for your comment. I love hearing everyone’s perspective.
Wenwoo10 says
I totally agree with this post!! I am a lifetime member with WW! I tried MFP as well and didnt lose weight either, joined WW and lost 36lb to get to my goal weight! WW rocks!!
Teresa (Tc4IowaState) says
Great job on you loss and I struggle at 10lbs loss. I love how everyone can do one or the other to loose weight and it works.
Michelle Smith says
Same. MFP is very structured with their calorie system. I could only use 1200 calories in a day, period. Going out to eat with family or friends at most restaurants was a hard no! I couldn’t lose any weight with them either, not sure why. Switched to WW, and not only did I lose weight immediately and steadily, but I stayed motivated because I could still go out and enjoy meals with friends and family using the weekly points. Also, I ate way more fruits and veggies since most of them are zero points. I rarely ate fruit under MFP because of the calorie cost. Using 10% of my daily calories on a banana? No way. It’s weird, because I definitely feel like I ate more with WW, but I still lost weight.
Doc Sarah says
Michelle
I totally agree with your statements about WW. I lost 60 lbs years ago,maintained until quitting smoking and menapause when an alien from the blubber planet entered my body.
I thought I should try something new at this stage of my life. MFP was a choice but the calories never seemed to be enough. I am now back on WW and have lost 4 lbs in the past 2 weeks. Just bought a treadmill so my fitbit is happy with my steps goals being met. I do use MFP to figure out some recipes on occasion but my go o weight loss pal is still WW.
Whatever works as long as it is healthy!!!!
Shannon says
I agree with all of the above. I also tried the calorie tracking only method and was unable to lose weight with it. I feel like Weight Watchers encourages me to chose healthier options, like eating a banana instead of a processed item with the same amount of calories. That is what I like about it. Not all calories are equal. I do wish there was a free option that worked similarly to Weight Watchers though. For those paying $45-$50 for WW, the online only option is a much better deal at $20!
Nickoa Guess says
Try I track bites it’s free service that allows you to choose what weight watchers points you want to follow.
Wendy Campbell says
Like you I never understood the points – it seemed like an extra step for me – it is nice to see that someone feels the same way too!
Joy says
I really enjoy your website! You’re honestly one of my favorites. And, I absolutely agree with you regarding Myfitnesspal. It has been my ‘go to’ for years, especially because of it’s immense data base for both food and fitness. I also have linked it to my Fitbit which is an added bonus! Truely love your mason jars – you’ve got me going crazy when it comes to those. I am a canner, so I’ve always got jars! Cheers! Joy
Tammy Kresge says
Thanks so much! Comments like this keep me going.
Kimberly O. says
You CAN track your Weight Watcher’s POINTS on My Fitness Pal! Here’s a post on how to set it up: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/822197/how-to-track-weight-watchers-points-on-mfp/p16
You won’t see the POINTS values until you add the food to your diary. (So if you are looking up a food’s POINTS value, it will only show after it has been added.) Also, this will only display POINTS on the web version, not the phone app.
I prefer to track my calories and protein intake. When I was doing WW, I did like how simple the POINTS made it seem, but it really seemed like such an extra step to calculate the POINTS. Calorie information is basically “in your face” for most foods that you have the packaging for. 🙂
Teresa (Tc4IowaState) says
I am using that formula and on Firefox and it is a nice on the home computer. I love MFP and this wonderful site. I am really trying to get a grip on moving in the right direction on my weight loss and really glad to see this post about the difference. I need to stay the course and not jump ship back to WW. I miss my fun meeting I went to but I don’t miss getting up at 5:30 to get to the meeting at 7am on Sat anymore. The people at the meeting was very awesome.
Trudy R says
I like the weight watcher program and that veggies and fruit are free foods but I hate their online food diary. MFP has a larger database and is easier to use. I’ve heard that calories are the only thing to use when trying to lose weight. It all gets so confusing but I need to start somewhere again and I think this time I will try one thing…tracking on MFP and see how that goes!
Amanda says
I lost 50 lbs on WW, I think it’s a great place to start. I just wish I could track my total fat/sodium/protein intake on WW like I can with MFP.
Valerie Ferrell says
I lost 106 lbs (246 down to 140lbs) tracking on the free Loseit app. My goal was slow and steady (2lbs per week until 180, 1.5 lbs per week until 150, then 1lb per week until 140). (No cheat meals or days. If I wanted to eat extra I had to exercise first (and I haaate exercise.) It took about a year to go from 246 to 150. When I stopped using the app (instead of using it on the “maintain weight” setting) I slowly gained back to 166 lbs, so I’m back to tracking again. I’m still 80lbs lighter than I was 2 years ago, and the process seems easier than when I first started 🙂 Next time I hit my goal weight, I’m using the maintain feature for sure!
Valerie Ferrell says
I just realized that when you wrote your post, I was 246 lbs. I’m responding to an ooold post with a healthier me.
Tammy Kresge says
That’s awesome!
Leslie says
I totally agree with you and I was a weighwatcher member for over 30 years! I like the idea of simple math and I agree that My Fitness Pal is so much easier to use. It also syncs up with my Fitbit and that is even better. Counting calories, making wise food choices and exercise is really the only way for me to be successful. Thank you for your blog.
Laura says
Completely agree. I have recently started WW, and I am very annoyed at the sad database of food they have compared with My Fitness Pal. I am paying $45 a month for meetings and use of the tools, but I often wind up looking things up on MFP to put in the points tracker. It’s a waste of time and money.
On a more positive note: Thank you so much for your awesome site, your relateable openness, and the mason jar salads that I love just a touch too much. (I can’t help but taking a picture after I make them- they’re so cute!) 🙂
Tammy Kresge says
Thank you! Mason jars are definitely a fav!
Pat says
I’m a lifetime WW member, but I track on both of the websites. I link MyFitness Pal to my Fitbit.
nicole says
Do you know that you can link your fitbit to the Weight Watchers app?
Mary Lou L says
I find WW website harder to use too and their scanning of foods is way more limited as well. That was one of my biggest complaints. That and the cost!
Annette says
I agree – this year is the second year I signed up for Weight Watchers, since so many friends say it works so well. Well, for a retired woman whose husband likes to go out to eat a lot – that is really tough to do with Weight Watchers. With MFP, i just have to watch quantity, and they cover the calories of so many more places. Even having a few of my husband’s french fries, i add a portion and count it in. I also finde with exercise and calories I am better at losing weight – except fot those occasional days you eat too much no matter which plan you are on!
Elsie Walbrook says
I like both ww and mfp. I have lost on both plans. Really like the new freestyle plan on ww. All the free food so much easier to go out to eat with ww. But what happened to old saying you bite it you write it.as u say no plan will work unless u work it. That is why i am having hard time like both plans and they both worked for me.