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It’s "Not That Toxic"... Or Is It? What MyFitnessPal Might Be Doing to Your Eating Disorder Recovery

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I keep using MyFitnessPal? It’s not that toxic…,” you’re not alone. I hear this from clients all the time. On the surface, food tracking apps feel harmless, even helpful. They give you a sense of control and reassurance, especially if you’re trying to “stay on track.”


But here’s the truth: just because something feels safe doesn’t mean it’s supporting your healing. When it comes to eating disorder therapy and recovery, food tracking apps like MyFitnessPal can quietly keep old patterns alive. (It’s literally marketed as a weight loss app.) And that makes it much harder to build a peaceful, trusting relationship with food.


In this post, we’ll break down why that happens, what to watch out for, and what you can do instead.


And if this topic resonates, I’m hosting a Food Freedom Workshop on Nov. 5th where we’ll go even deeper into how to break free from tracking apps and diet rules. (Details at the end of this post!)


food tracking app

Why Food Tracking Feels “Safe”, and Why That’s a Trap


Food tracking apps like MyFitnessPal can feel like a safety net. They promise clarity and accountability. You can see exactly what you’re eating and feel like you’re “staying in control.”


And in a culture that constantly tells us to count calories, track macros, and earn our food (hello, diet culture), using an app can feel like the “responsible” and “disciplined” thing to do.


Here’s the tricky part: when you’re in recovery or trying to heal disordered eating, that sense of control can actually keep you stuck. Tracking keeps your focus on numbers and rules instead of your body’s natural hunger cues, satisfaction, and emotional needs.


So while an app may feel “not that toxic,” it’s still interfering with the deeper work of recovery. Even if you don’t meet criteria for an eating disorder and simply have a complicated relationship with food, tracking can reinforce those patterns and make that relationship even harder to heal.


And remember: these apps weren’t designed with your physical or mental health in mind. They’re designed to keep you doubting yourself so you keep coming back (and spending money). The less you trust your body, the more you rely on them. But your body already knows how to guide you — what would it feel like to trust it again?



The Hidden Ways Food Tracking Can Keep You Stuck


Even apps that seem harmless can impact your recovery in ways you might not notice. Here are some of the most common ways apps like MyFitnessPal can get in the way:


1. Reinforces All-or-Nothing Thinking

Missed a log or went over your target? Shame and guilt can spike. Tracking reinforces that mindset of perfect control, which is the exact opposite of what healing disordered eating is about. This can keep you stuck obsessing over numbers & macros instead of tuning into your body,


2. Disconnects You From Internal Cues

Recovery is about learning to trust your body — hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues. When your focus is on calories and numbers, it’s easy to ignore those internal signals.


3. Keeps the Focus on Control, Not Healing

True healing isn’t about perfect tracking or restriction. It’s about building freedom, flexibility, and trust with food. Apps like MyFitnessPal can keep the focus on control instead.


4. Masks Progress

Recovery looks different than dieting. Progress shows up as less anxiety, more ease with meals, and trust in your body. But tracking apps measure calories, not peace of mind. That can make it feel like you’re not “getting better” even when you are.


What I Tell Clients in Eating Disorder Recovery Who Ask If They Can Keep Using It


When a client comes to me wondering if they can keep a food tracking app, I always start with curiosity and compassion. It’s normal to feel attached to tools that gave you structure for years. But I also explain that letting go of these tools is often a crucial step in healing disordered eating.


You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Recovery is about exploring ambivalence, noticing how tracking affects your thoughts and feelings, and gradually shifting toward freedom. Therapy gives you a space to do that safely, with support.


An important caveat, sometimes in eating disorder recovery, clients do keep food logs or use apps to log meals. The distinction is that these logs are used as a therapeutic tool, not a tool of control. 


For example, using an app like Recovery Record to log meals can help you and your therapist or dietitian track whether you’re getting enough fuel, notice patterns in hunger and emotions, and provide accountability as you work toward more consistent nourishment. The intention here isn’t about micromanaging calories, it’s about supporting your body’s healing and building awareness in a structured, compassionate way.


What to Try Instead of Food Tracking Apps

If you’re ready to step away from MyFitnessPal or other food tracking apps, there are ways to rebuild trust with your body without feeling lost:


  • Gentle Self Check-Ins: Ask yourself, “How hungry am I? What would feel satisfying?” instead of tracking calories.


  • Journaling About Your Relationship With Food: Reflect on emotions, cravings, or patterns instead of numbers.


  • Working With a Therapist or Dietitian: Professionals can help you navigate triggers and develop new coping strategies. Learn more about how I can support you here.


  • Practicing Intuitive Eating Principles: Focus on listening to your body, honoring cravings, and giving yourself unconditional permission to eat.



Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Food Freedom?

If this blog hit home and you’re craving more support in breaking free from food rules, I’d love to invite you to my upcoming Food Freedom This Holiday Season Workshop on November 5th at Challenge Fit Studio in Cross Plains, WI.



It’s a workshop designed to help you navigate holiday food stress and find food freedom. You'll:

✨ Learn practical tools from intuitive eating to reduce holiday food stress

✨ Explore how to honor your body’s needs without restriction or guilt

✨ Walk away with strategies for enjoying holiday meals with more peace & freedom


Whether you’re just starting to heal disordered eating or you’re deep in recovery, this workshop will give you tangible strategies and support for creating a more peaceful, empowered relationship with food.



Closing Thoughts


If you feel nervous about stepping away from food tracking apps, know this: you are not alone. Many people worry about “losing control” when they stop logging, but the real control comes from trusting yourself, not an app. Healing disordered eating isn’t about perfection — it’s about freedom, flexibility, and peace with food.


If you’re ready to explore what recovery could look like for you, I offer virtual eating disorder therapy, helping you break free from diet culture and build a healthier relationship with food. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to get started and see if we’re a good fit.



 
 
 

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