How to Switch from Lifesum to MyFitnessPal (2026 Guide)

Reasons for Transitioning from Lifesum to MyFitnessPal

The primary motivation identified in our reader survey is typically the extent of the database, especially concerning US/UK chain restaurant options. Lifesum has a stronger European database but lacks depth in North America, leading users who travel or relocate to these regions to notice the limitations.

Additional factors include:

• Desire for AI photo logging (MyFitnessPal Premium features Meal Scan, while Lifesum does not offer this).
• Discontent with Lifesum’s diet plans, perceived as more marketing than effective tracking.
• Family plan options (MyFitnessPal provides family plans, whereas Lifesum does not).
• Returning to the app after a break and discovering that previous MyFitnessPal accounts remain active.

This transition is a lateral move within the same accuracy category, as both applications are mid-tier, so ensure that the broader features or additional functionality address your specific needs.

Important Information Before Migrating

Lifesum and MyFitnessPal are comparable mid-tier trackers that share similar accuracy levels (estimated ±15-20% MAPE for both). The distinctions lie in the finer details:

• Database size: MyFitnessPal outperforms with 14M entries versus 3M.
• Coverage of US/UK chains: MyFitnessPal excels.
• European packaged goods coverage: Lifesum takes the lead.
• Availability of diet plans: Lifesum provides these, while MyFitnessPal does not.
• Photo AI capability: MyFitnessPal includes this for Premium users; Lifesum lacks it.
• Visual aesthetics: Lifesum is superior.
• Habit coaching features: Lifesum excels in this area.
• Cost: Lifesum is more affordable at $44.99/yr compared to MyFitnessPal Premium at $79.99/yr.

If your motivation for leaving Lifesum is accuracy, neither option improves that. Consider alternatives like Cronometer or Nutrola instead.

Step 1: Export Your Lifesum Data

1. Visit lifesum.com on a web browser.
2. Go to Settings → Privacy → Export Data.
3. Initiate the export request.
4. Expect an email within 24-72 hours.
5. Download the ZIP file containing: food log CSV and weight history.

A Lifesum Premium subscription is necessary for a complete export.

Step 2: Import Data into MyFitnessPal

1. Run lifesum-to-mfp from github.com/calorie-tools/lifesum-to-mfp on the Lifesum CSV file.
2. Log into myfitnesspal.com → Settings → Import.
3. Upload the modified CSV file.
4. Check the Pending folder.

Users from the EU may notice a larger Pending folder than usual due to the lack of direct MyFitnessPal equivalents for many European packaged goods.

A MyFitnessPal Premium subscription is needed for the CSV import process.

What You Will Lose

• Lifesum’s diet plans (e.g., keto, Mediterranean, paleo).
• History of habit-coaching lessons.
• Entries for EU packaged goods without MyFitnessPal equivalents.
• Visual quality: MyFitnessPal's interface is more cluttered.
• Lifesum’s recipe collection.
• Streaks.

Advantages of MyFitnessPal

• Database size: 14M entries available.
• Coverage of US/UK chains: The best in this category.
• Photo AI feature: Meal Scan available for Premium users.
• Family plan options: Offered.
• Community engagement: Active features available.
• Value of free tier: Comparable to Lifesum without upselling on diet plans.

Disadvantages of MyFitnessPal

• Premium subscription cost: Nearly double the price ($79.99 compared to $44.99).
• Visual design: More cluttered than Lifesum.
• Lack of diet plans: If structured plans helped you, note this absence.
• Ad presence in the free version: More aggressive advertising.
• Coverage of EU packaged goods: Less comprehensive than Lifesum.

Initial Setup in MyFitnessPal During the First Week

1. Set your goals under the Goals section.
2. Address the Pending folder for your top 30 imports.
3. Create custom entries for your top 20 EU packaged products if needed.
4. Pin your favorite items.
5. Establish integrations.
6. Experiment with Meal Scan on Premium, keeping realistic accuracy expectations in mind.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from Lifesum to MyFitnessPal is a lateral shift that offers broader coverage and photo AI capabilities, albeit at the expense of design quality, diet plan structure, and EU content. This option is suitable for those focused on chain restaurant coverage or photo AI. However, if your main concern is accuracy, neither application provides a satisfactory solution.

For users prioritizing accuracy, consider Cronometer (±5.2% MAPE, $54.95/yr Gold, excellent free tier) or Nutrola (±1.2% MAPE, $29.99/yr Premium with a generous free tier and over 35 free micronutrient options). Both options outperform Lifesum and MyFitnessPal in terms of precise measurement.

Step 1: Export from Lifesum

1. Access Lifesum on the web at lifesum.com (export functionality is web-only).
2. Log in and navigate to Settings → Privacy → Export Data.
3. Request the export.
4. An email will arrive within 24-72 hours with a download link.
5. The export includes food log CSV, weight history, and any active diet plan history.
6. A Lifesum Premium subscription is necessary for complete export; free tier export limits to 30 days.

Step 2: Import to MyFitnessPal

1. MyFitnessPal lacks a dedicated Lifesum importer.
2. Utilize the community converter 'lifesum-to-mfp' from github.com/calorie-tools/lifesum-to-mfp to reformat the CSV data.
3. Log into myfitnesspal.com → Settings → Import.
4. Upload the reformatted CSV file.
5. Check the Pending folder for your imports.
6. European packaged goods may require manual mapping in MyFitnessPal, with coverage shifting towards US/UK post-migration.
7. MyFitnessPal Premium is required for CSV import functionality.

What you will lose during migration

• The structured diet plans from Lifesum (keto, Mediterranean, paleo, etc.) will not transfer, as MyFitnessPal does not offer built-in diet plans.
• Habit-coaching materials and lesson history will not be included.
• There will be a reduction in European packaged goods coverage; many local EU brands will require manual entry in MyFitnessPal.
• Custom food entries will need to be adjusted according to MyFitnessPal’s serving size formats.
• Recipe history may not transfer smoothly, necessitating reconstruction.
• Streaks will reset.