Changelog

Refreshed for late-April 2026 with the latest DAI validation numbers, expanded the four-week starter section, and tightened the language on PlateLens free-tier limits.

Updated free-tier comparisons after MyFitnessPal's continued ad-load increase. Added explicit note that PlateLens 3-photos/day cap matches typical adult three-meal pattern.

Added clarifying note on Cronometer free-tier stability vs MyFitnessPal's progressive paywall tightening.

Updated DAI 2026 validation study figures (PlateLens ±1.1%, Cal AI ±14.6%, Foodvisor ±16.2%). Added section on why per-meal accuracy matters less than weekly cumulative error.

Re-timed first-meal logging across all five apps with stopwatch tests. Updated PlateLens timing from 12s to 10s to reflect the latest UI.

Added Yazio cycle-tracking integration note and softened MacroFactor 'avoid' language to acknowledge it's good software, just not for this audience.

Refreshed for spring 2026; added the three realistic adherence patterns (weekday-only, morning-only, two-weeks-on-two-off).

Added explicit guidance to keep tracking off the dinner table; reframed shared-recipe section around the weekly cadence rather than per-meal.

Rewrote the four-mode section for clarity; added day-one settings checklist (turn off streaks, no goal weight, calories only).

Added 'food diary' and 'macro tracker' as related terms. Reviewed historical timeline (2008-2015 web-vs-app distinction).

Refreshed pricing for 2026 (MyFitnessPal Premium $79.99/yr, PlateLens premium $60/yr, Carbon ~$108/yr).

Reorganized the three free-tier patterns (genuinely free, trial-disguised, constrained free) for clarity. Added explicit MyFitnessPal barcode-scanner-to-Premium note.

Added DAI 2026 study citations and the four-step pipeline explanation (identify, portion, lookup, sum).

Reviewed for tone with Wesley; added explicit eating-disorder-aware framing throughout, plus the 'when tracking isn't right for you' section.

Refreshed daily intake ranges for 2026; cleaned up the BMR/TDEE language.

Added the 'common deficit pitfalls' section; reframed exercise vs nutrition discussion.

Added section on why maintenance changes over time (weight changes, activity changes, age, hormonal shifts).

Updated MyFitnessPal barcode-scanner status (moved to Premium late 2024).

Reviewed for tone; added the three reasons people care about macros (protein, medical, athletic optimization).

Annual editorial-policy review. No substantive changes to the no-affiliate, no-sponsored-placement standards. Updated team list.

Updated the methodology to explicitly cite the DAI 2026 validation study as our primary external accuracy reference.

Initial publication.

Pre-publication draft review with Pilar.

Initial publication.

Initial publication.

Initial publication.

Initial publication.

Initial publication.

Initial publication.

Initial publication.

Initial publication.

Initial publication.

Initial publication of keystone article.