LoseIt! vs. MyFitnessPal Update

Last week I decided I would compare LoseIt! vs. MyFitnessPal to see which one was a better fit for me. Of course, one week is not going to be a huge determining factor in which one is better, so I will continue to compare both and give my final update next week.

This week I want to focus on what I have noticed (difference and similarities) between the two programs.

Layout
Both weight loss programs operate online and through an app. The homepage for LoseIt! has a simple layout with everything in an easily identifiable location. Information such as your daily totals, weight progress, activities, meal breakdown, etc. are all on the home page. (Image shows only half of homepage)

MyFitnessPal (MFP) runs adds on their home page, which I don't like, but it doesn't kill me to go on there. The homepage for MFP gives your daily summary, diet tools, news feed, weight loss progress, etc. (Image shows only half of homepage and to protect the identities of those on MFP, their names and pictures have been crossed out)

Mobile App

The mobile app for LoseIt! also has a simple interface. When you first bring the app up it brings you to your daily log, similar to the homepage on the website. MFP just released their update to mobile app yesterday (and trust me, it is much better than what they were working with before) which has made everything even more simple. You are taken right to your summary (essentially a mini website homepage) but the design is more user friendly. 

Food Database

When it comes to logging "brand name" foods into LoseIt!, you have the option of choosing between supermarket foods or restaurant foods. Supermarket foods are based on names (example - 100 calorie, Birds Eye, Lean Cuisine, etc.). Whereas restaurant foods are broken down by restaurant name (example - Arby's, Bojangles', Chick-Fil-A, etc.). 

When it comes to logging "brand name" foods in MFP, you have to literally type the name of the restaurant or supermarket food to get results. 

Luckily both LoseIt! and MFP have barcode scanners which makes scanning non-restaurant foods much easier. 

Calorie Allotment

At this stage in my journey LoseIt! is allowing me 1783 calories, while MFP is allowing me 1780. A deficit of 3 calories doesn't seem like much of a difference, but at the end of the week, one program is giving me 21 additional calories. 

Your calorie allotment is based on the information that you put into the database (it may be your age, height, current weight, goal weight, the pounds you want to lose per week, etc.). Everything is calculated for you, the only thing you have to do is log your foods and exercise.

Weight Loss

I had been stuck in a rut, and gained a little, while using LoseIt!. When I switched to using MFP I lost a pound in my first week! I don't know if that should be attributed to MFP, clean eating, exercise or all three; but what I do know is that I was pleased with what I saw and hope to see it again. 

Support System

Both programs have great support systems, known as communities. You have the chance to connect with so many people who are going through the same things that you are going through. 

Both have groups that you can join, which offer additional support. There are challenges on LoseIt! and MFP (you have to search through groups on MFP) and MFP gives you the option of creating a blog on their site!

Initial Thoughts

Right now, I am really enjoying MFP and once I have used it for another week, I will be able to give my final thoughts on which program I like the best and which one really works for me. 

If there is something I didn't cover in this review that you would like to know about, let me know and I will jump right on it!