Noom vs. MyFitnessPal

Noom vs. MyFitnessPal – Weight loss is easier than ever before, thanks to technology. You can now log the foods you eat, track your physical activity, and plan meals directly from your smartphone. Both Noom and MyFitnessPal offer mobile calorie-tracking tools, but which plan is more effective?

We compared Noom vs. MyFitnessPal to see which app-based weight-loss plan comes out on top.

What is Noom?

Noom is one of the world’s most searched diet plans that focuses on the principles of psychology to help users lose weight. This 16-week program teaches users how to adopt healthier behaviors that may last a lifetime. Noom offers a fitness tracker, food logging tool, personalized Noom coach, and educational resources. If users commit ten minutes a day to understanding the fundamentals of nutrition and weight loss, they’re more likely to achieve permanent weight loss.

The Centers for Disease Control compiled a list of lifestyle programs that promote positive changes. Noom is honored to have been included on that list.

Check out this lifestyle program for yourself today with an exclusive free trial offer available to Dietsupplement readers.

What is MyFitnessPal?

MyFitnessPal is an app that tracks physical fitness and calorie intake. It offers a free version and a premium version. The premium version contains fewer advertisements than the free version. It provides more in-depth information about a user’s nutritional intake.

Through the app, you can track calories, breakdown caloric value, explore detail nutritional content, and more. The extensive MyFitnessPal database includes over 11 million foods. Additionally, you can create and save recipes to make future food logging easier.

The MyFitnessPal app connects to 50 different apps, including Fitbit, MapMyRun, Apple HealthKit, and Samsung Health. The app can be used with many popular diets.

Noom vs. Trim Down Club – History

Brief History of Noom

Noom was first launched on July 25, 2008. The New York-based company spent the next eight years researching and developing the Noom app. Funding from investors that include Samsung and Sequoia Capital allowed Noom to consult with industry-leading psychologists, physicians, and nutritionists to create the app that Millennials call a “game-changer.”

Since its launch in 2016, the Noom app has helped 50 million members make positive behavior changes that lead to permanent weight loss.Noom now employs thousands of employees and has offices in New York, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Brief History of MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal went live in 2005. Ten years later, the company was acquired by Under Armour for $475 million. MyFitnessPal had 80 million users at the time of the acquisition.

A data breach put 150 million MyFitnessPal accounts at risk in 2018. Under Armour learned of the breach in the middle of March, and users were notified by email the following week.

Noom vs. MyFitnessPal – Who’s Behind the Plans?

Who Created Noom?

Saeju Jeong and Artem Petakov are responsible for developing Noom. The two tech gurus met in New York and became best friends when they realized that they both shared a passion for changing the world through technology.

Saeju Jeong was born and raised in South Korea, where he attended Hongik University. Petakov grew up in Ukraine and later relocated to the United States to attend Princeton University. Both men have impressive employment histories, having worked for companies that include Google, Microsoft, and Sun Microsystems.

Who Created MyFitnessPal?

MyFitnessPal was designed by Mike and Albert Lee. Mike Lee wanted to lose weight for his wedding, and he was shocked to find that there were no apps available to track calories. So, Mike set out to develop his own. He partnered with his brother, Albert, and they came up with the concept for MyFitnessPal.

MyFitnessPal was eventually sold to Under Armour. For two years, the Lee brothers continued working for MyFitnessPal/Under Armour before deciding to branch out.

Noom vs. MyFitnessPal – The Rules

Rules of Noom

Noom encourages sustainable weight loss through positive behavioral changes. This means that users aren’t constrained by strict rules and boring diets. There are three fundamental aspects to Noom: education, diet, and fitness.

Education

Noom differs from its competitors in that it offers a seemingly endless array of educational resources. Users learn how their mood affects their dietary habits, how to cope with stress, the key to more restful sleep, and how to plan healthy, delicious meals.

Noom encourages members to spend ten minutes a day learning about nutrition to help them form positive habits. The coaches are always available to answer any questions and motivate users when they’re in a slump.

Nutrition

Noom groups foods into one of three color-coded categories. The food database contains nutrition facts on 3.5 million foods. You can enter foods manually or scan packages with your smartphone. Noom will provide nutrition facts for the foods you enter, tell you which category it belongs to, and make suggestions for smart substitutions.

When you first sign up for Noom, you’ll be asked a series of questions. Your answers to these questions help determine your daily calorie goal. Your daily calorie goal may change as you lose weight and build lean muscle.

Healthy foods often contain fewer calories than junk food. Since you can eat more when you choose healthier foods, using the Noom app can train your brain to find healthier foods so that you can eat more and stay full longer.

The three Noom food groups are green, red, and yellow. The groups are based on a familiar symbol: the traffic light. When you see green, you go. Green foods are healthy. They don’t contain unhealthy fats or added sugars. You can eat green foods when you want a snack or use them as ingredients in your meal plan.

Yellow is the symbol of caution. Yellow foods are healthy, but calories can add up fast. That’s why portion control is essential when you’re eating yellow foods.

Red is the universal symbol for “stop.” Stop and think before you eat red foods. You can still enjoy your favorite red foods on the Noom diet, but make sure you have room in your daily calorie allotment before you indulge.

Physical Fitness

When you follow the Noom diet, you’ll lose weight by creating a calorie deficit. A calorie deficit is possible through diet alone, but adding regular exercise to your diet plan can help you lose weight faster. Physical activity also boosts your mood and enables you to sleep better at night.

When you use the app’s fitness tracking tool, the program will add 50% of your calories burned to your daily calorie goal. So, if you burn 400 calories on Monday, you can eat an extra 200 calories that day.

Why does Noom only add half of your calories burned to your daily calorie goal? It’s science. Research suggests that most fitness trackers are inaccurate because of human error. The program adjusts for these errors, so users get an accurate reading every time.

The best way to learn more about Noom is to download the app today. Take it for a drive with a free trial offer available to Dietsupplement readers for a limited time.

Rules of MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is a tool for tracking calories, so there aren’t any rules associated with this app. Users log in, enter the foods they ate throughout the day, and the app provides a calorie profile. Users who choose to pay for the premium service will have access to a macronutrient profile.

The MyFitnessPal Blog offers recipes and inspiration. The app also has a forum where users can chat with like-minded individuals, find motivation, and ask for advice on technical issues. However, there are no coaches available to steer you in the right way.

Noom vs. MyFitnessPal – Eating Plans

The Noom Eating Plan

The Noom eating plan prepares you to make smarter choices long after you’ve completed the 16-week Healthy Weight Plan. All foods are categorized in one of three food groups.

Green

Green foods are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and they are low in calories, so you can eat more and stay full longer. Most of your diet will include foods from this group.

The green foods list includes:

• Blueberries
• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Bananas
• Peaches
• Apples
• Oranges
• Tomatoes
• Peas
• Onions
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Lettuce and salad greens
• Brussels sprouts
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Yogurt (non-fat)
• Almond milk
• Cottage cheese (non-fat)
• Tofu
• Shrimp
• Egg whites
• Tuna (canned in water)
• Brown rice
• Bread (whole-grain)
• Pasta (whole-grain)
• Quinoa
• Black coffee
• Unsweetened green tea
• Zero-calorie flavored water

Yellow

Yellow foods also contain vital nutrients, but they have more calories than green ones, so you’ll want to practice portion control when you plan your meals with yellow ones.

The foods in the yellow group list include:

• Yellow rice
• Basmati rice
• Wild rice
• Tortillas (corn)
• Bagels (whole-wheat)
• English muffins
• Couscous
• Milk (low-fat)
• Cheese (low-fat)
• Olives
• Beans
• Pineapple (canned)
• Fruit cups
• Fruit cocktail
• Avocados
• Figs
• Fruit juice
• Guacamole
• Grilled chicken (no skin)
• Lean cuts of pork
• Lean cuts of beef
• Turkey breast
• Salmon
• Tempeh
• Eggs

Red

Red foods are loaded with added sugars and/or unhealthy fats. Don’t lose hope when you see this list; Noom allows you to eat all the foods you enjoy most. You can eat red foods as long as you have room in your daily calorie budget.

These foods include:

• Soda
• Sweet tea
• Sports drinks
• Chips
• French fries
• Nachos
• Beef tacos
• Hamburgers
• Cheeseburgers
• Hot dogs
• Sausages
• Bacon
• Pizza
• Onion rings
• Salami
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Protein bars
• Trail mix
• Ice cream
• Cake
• Cupcakes
• Granola
• Sugary cereals
• Chocolate
• Gummy candies
• White bread
• White rice
• White pasta
• Whole milk
• Chocolate milk
• Pretzels

These lists are intended to give you an idea of what you’ll be eating on the Noom diet. The Noom database contains millions of foods, so you’ll always be able to find something you enjoy.

The MyFitnessPal Eating Plan

MyFitnessPal is a mobile calorie tracking tool. There is no specific diet associated with this app, so we decided to check out their blog for an example of what you might eat if you’re using MyFitnessPal to lose weight.

If you’re counting calories to lose weight, preparing meals ahead of time is a great option. MyFitnessPal’s Kiwi Mint Oat Soak is perfect for breakfast or lunch when you’re short on time.

Soaked Oats

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup skim milk
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 cups (288g) strawberries, divided
• 2 medium kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons fresh spearmint, thinly sliced

Combine 1 1/2 cups of strawberries with the oats, milk, and yogurt in a large bowl. Mash everything together and add the maple syrup and lemon zest. Refrigerate the mixture overnight.

Combine the remaining strawberries with the mint and kiwi to make a fruit topping.

This recipe can be enjoyed warm or cold for a protein boost to help you feel full longer.

Spinach-Blueberry Power Salad

MyFitnessPal recommends a Spinach-Blueberry Power Salad to get you through the workweek.

Blueberry Dressing

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 2 teaspoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Sea salt

Spinach-Blueberry Salad

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas (low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 avocado, chopped
• 2 tablespoons raisins (golden raisins)
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (salted and roasted)

Blend all salad dressing ingredients together and pour over the prepared salad.

No matter what food or recipe is available, users are able to enter their food to track calories and nutritional intake.

Noom vs. MyFitnessPal – Plan Duration

How Long Does Noom Last?

The Noom Healthy Weight Program can be completed in as little as 16 weeks. The Noom Diabetes Prevention Plan can be completed in 24 weeks. Users can continue to use Noom indefinitely to ensure they reach their weight-loss goals or maintain weight-loss.

How Long Does MyFitnessPal Last?

You can use MyFitnessPal for as long as you need to track calories. MyFitnessPal lasts as long as your diet does.

Most modern diet plans last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Unfortunately, the app itself does not offer a meal plan or program to follow.

Significant Differences Between Noom and MyFitnessPal

The most significant difference between Noom and MyFitnessPal is the available features. MyFitnessPal offers a calorie counting tool and a fitness tracker. Noom offers educational resources, a private Noom coach, calorie counting, food categorization, a customized diet plan, and a science-based fitness tracker.

MyFitnessPal pairs well with other diet plans. Noom has its own diet plan, and this diet plan was developed by psychologists, nutritionists, physicians, and physical trainers.

MyFitnessPal may help you lose weight, but Noom changes the way you think about diet and fitness for permanent weight loss. Noom lessons teach members how to improve their mental health, get more restful sleep, and to avoid reinforcing negative dietary habits.

Can You Use MyFitnessPal on Noom?

Noom has all the same tools as MyFitnessPal, as well as some additional features, so there is no need to use MyFitnessPal when you subscribe to Noom. In fact, Noom has plenty more features available to make losing weight easier.

Possible Side Effects of Noom vs. MyFitnessPal

Neither Noom nor MyFitnessPal will cause side effects. Both apps are used to promote a healthier lifestyle. Talk to your physician if you have any concerns about starting a new diet or increasing your daily physical activity.

Noom vs. MyFitnessPal – The Research

Clinical Research on Noom

The Noom app spent eight years in the research and development phase, so it’s safe to say that this program has undergone extensive testing.

Researchers followed 35,000 Noom users for nine months to test the app’s effectiveness. Nearly 80% of participants lost a measurable amount of weight during the trial period. An impressive 23% of participants lost more than 10% of their body weight. This research appeared in Scientific Reports.

Noom promotes behavioral changes. Experts believe that without permanently changing bad behaviors, dieters will regain any weight they lose. Research published in the International Scholarly Research Network – Obesity shows that people who adopt positive behaviors related to their diet are more likely to maintain a healthy weight after dieting.

Noom matches users with a trained health and wellness coach to guide them on their journey to healthier living. An analysis published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research confirms that patients who have access to a health coach, whether virtual or in-person, are more likely to succeed in any weight-loss program.

Clinical research published in the Journal of Diabetes Research suggests that using a mobile app to track your diet can significantly increase your odds of losing weight.

There’s no doubt that research supports Noom and the psychological processes that go into losing weight on the program. For a limited time, we’re thrilled to offer our readers a free trial offer.

Clinical Research on MyFitnessPal

Clinical research published in Eating Behaviors suggests that calorie counting can contribute to eating disorder symptomatology, especially when calorie counting is used without a specific diet plan.

A randomized controlled study regarding calorie counting and fitness tracking was published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. The study found that people who use apps to monitor the calories they consume and burn were more likely to lose weight and keep the weight off.

It appears that calorie counting can work, but only when it is done properly.

The Facts About Noom vs. MyFitnessPal

Quick Facts on Noom

• Utilizes cutting-edge technology to create a personalized fitness and diet plan for every user.
• Users spend 10 minutes each day learning lessons they’ll use for a lifetime.
• Zero food restrictions and zero side effects.
• 50 million people have used Noom to meet their target weight.

Quick Facts on MyFitnessPal

• MyFitnessPal is a digital calorie tracker.
• Users can choose between the free version and the paid premium version.
• MyFitnessPal syncs with other fitness apps.
• MyFitnessPal has been owned by Under Armour since 2015.
• MyFitnessPal hosts one of the largest fitness forums in the world.

The Final Take on Noom vs. MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is great for the casual user, but it doesn’t provide the support and behavioral training that Noom offers. Noom is a more well-rounded program that focuses on every aspect of your health and wellbeing.

When we read the research showing more than 77% of Noom users reported significant weight loss when using the program, we knew we needed to partner with the company. So, for a limited time, Dietsupplement readers can access a free trial offer to try it for themselves.

Noom vs. MyFitnessPal Questions and Answers

What is the Noom diet?

Noom is a tech-based approach to weight loss that uses psychology to retrain the brain to choose healthier foods, give food less power over emotions, and provide healthy tips, tricks, tools and skills to fight cravings, stress eating, emotional eating and more.

Is Noom free?

No, Noom is not a free program though there is a trial available so you can test drive the program before subscribing.

How much is Noom?

There are several payment options available with Noom. You can choose to pay one month at a time for $59 a month. Or, you can choose a recurring extended plan to reduce the monthly price. The packages that are currently available from Noom are:

2-month: $99
3-month: $129
4-month: $139
5-month: $149
6-month: $159
7-month: $169
8-month: $179
12-month: $199

What is the Noom app?

The Noom app is how users access the lifestyle and weight-loss program. 100% of the program is available on the app.

Does Noom work?

Yes, clinical research on more than 35,000 people using the Noom app proved that nearly 80% of users lose a significant amount of weight on the program. The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.

How does Noom weight loss work?

Noom weight loss is all about learning how to eat right and why making certain changes work and why others don’t. You’re taught about everything from the psychology of eating to skills and tools that can help you make the best decisions for lasting weight loss.

How do I cancel Noom?

If you’ve decided to cancel Noom, send a message to your coach from inside the app. The coach will handle the cancellation process.

What does Noom stand for?

The story behind Noom shares that the program was named after the Moon. The moon is a guiding light to people who need help at night. Noom, which is moon backward, is the same guide for those wanting to lose weight and live healthier.

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