FitBit + MyFitnessPal Usage Questions

[SiberianKhatru]

I currently have a FitBit ChargeHR I use 95% of the time and a One I cycle in during recharging, plus I am a long time MyFitnessPal user.  Since I have them connected properly, IE there is ample evidence they are talking to each other, I have some general questions about methods and practices for those who use both successfully:

1. Where is the more accurate way to log activities, specifically elliptal trainer data?  If I use MyFitnessPall, it requires me to put in the calorie burn data whereas if I log it in FitBit, it seems to predetermine a much lesser amount of calories burned.  Which is better/right?

2. I see that FitBit offers food logging, but it lacks the ability to enter recipes or "meals" (collection of foods) as an option.  Am I missing that, or is MyFitnessPal my best option if those things matter to me?

3. Which total calorie count I can eat for the day is likely to be more accurate -- the one in MyFitnessPal where I track my food or the one in FitBit where I track my steps and other activities?

My overarching goals are to maintain a healthy weight and BMI, plus keep my HBP and cholesterol numbers (which are slightly elevated) at bey, so it's important to me to use these products in the best way possible to get the most accurate picture of my health and fitness status.  Any help and advice would be appreciated.

[tastybrew]

1. Personally, I go with the 'activity' that has my HR measured. If you're using the Charge HR then I would go with Fitbit. If you're using a chest strap or another mechanism to measure HR, I would use an 'activity' that can leverage that data.

2. IMO, continue using MFP for food logging. If Fitbit ever gets serious about its food database, I might consider using Fitbit for tracking food. Until then, MFP.

3. I use Fitbit because I have MFP synced with Fitbit so meal summaries are transferred to Fitbit for calorie calculations.

[HelenaFitbit]

Welcome to the forums @SiberianKhatru! I'm also a MyFitnessPal user and I'll be glad to explain some details on its use. 

If you use MyfitnessPal, you need to make all food and water intake entries through their platform; this way your caloric budget for the day won't be affected. Fitbit will receive the MFP data.

If you were to log in any activities, they must be done through Fitbit, since logging them through MFP doubles them on your account.

MyFitnessPal's Caloric intake should be the most updated at the end of the day. 

Let me know if you have any questions! 

[tastybrew]

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@helenarriaza wrote:
If you were to log in any activities, they must be done through Fitbit, since logging them through MFP doubles them on your account. 

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That's not accurate @HelenaFitbit. If the accounts are synced and times set correctly, there's no duplication. I have almost daily MFP activities that don't duplicate in Fitbit. I don't log activities in Fitbit, at least originally.