MyFitnessPal food database instead of fitbit?

[doginabag]

I am finding it a bit of a pain to record food intake using the fitbit app.  The barcode scanner doesn't recognise anything, I understand this is a known long term issue, but even searching manually the database still seems limited.

Is it possible to instead use MFP (from what I recall using it years ago the food database is much better and the barcode scanner works) and have this information automatically sync with the fitbit app?

[SteveH · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can use MFP and have it sync to fitbit. I've been doing this for years as the database for UK foods is much better.

Note that when the data comes across to fitbit from MFP it is summarised at meal level e.g. total for lunch, rather than the individual items.

It's been a while since I linked accounts but this is fitbit's guidance:

To connect your accounts:

1. Log in to your account on the app or website of a company that offers Fitbit integration, such as MyFitnessPal, Endomondo, or Runkeeper.
2. Find the section for connecting another account. This section is often called "Apps" or "Connect."
3. Enter your Fitbit credentials and authorize the connection.

[doginabag]

Thanks.  I have given it a go myself and all seems to be working ok.  It's a shame to have to jump between two app and loose the detail, but still better than struggling to find food on the fitbit database.

Will be interesting to see if the macronutrients data still copies over.

[Lilbiddy]

I still think that it is not good enough that we are not getting the full service that we are given to expect when purchasing the fibbit. 

This is a long term complaint of many users. Why should a third party have to be used why not just sort it out?  It's not as if they don't know we want a fully functioning food log.

[SteveH]

@Lilbiddy to me it's just a question of degree. Fitbit do provide a UK database and it does the job. It's just that MyFitnessPal does it better (in my view). I choose to use MFP and I'm glad that fitbit and MFP have made that choice possible.