How to Use the Barcode Scanner

Welcome to Logging Your Food with the Barcode Scanner

Now you can log your meals with the new Barcode Reader using the food logger!

What is a Barcode Scanner?

A barcode scanner can read the printed barcodes posted on the packages your food is contained in. It decodes the data contained in those barcodes and sends the data directly to your Food Logger in the Vida App. 

The Vida Health app uses a database called Nutritionix to power our food logging platform. If you'd like more information on Nutritionix, please visit their website at www.nutritionix.com

Let's Get Started!

 Start by opening up your Vida Health app, and navigate your attention to the Home screen located at the bottom of the screen.  Look for the action named Log Food. 

To begin logging a meal, simply press the + sign next to the meal that you would like to log.

You can add a photo, enter a description of your meal to help give your coach a better idea of what you ate during that day. Start by selecting the + icon to search for your food item, on the meal period you wish to log. 

This will bring up a new window in order for you to input your meal description. 

Look for the Barcode Scanner Icon located on the top right-hand corner of the screen. 

After tapping the Barcode Scanner Icon, your mobile device's camera will open. If you have not already done so, you will need to enabled camera permissions if a pop-up appears. 

Hold your camera over the barcode of the meal item you are attempting to log. Once the barcode scanner has located the meal details, you will be directed to the next page. You can edit the portion sizes on this page as well. Once you're satisfied, please select Log located at the bottom of the page.

You will be redirected back to the Food Logger, with your newly added meal item. 

What if I'm logging something general?

If you're logging something general; for example, a cup of Veggie Straws, this is something you can also capture with the new Barcode Scanner. Just start by going back to your food logger, and select the meal period you wish to input for. 

The window to input your meal description will appear. 

Look for the Barcode Scanner Icon located on the top right-hand corner of the screen. 

Then please tap the Barcode Scanner Icon, your mobile device's camera will open. Hold your camera over the barcode of the meal item you are attempting to log. So if it is a general item similar to a bag of chips, just locate the bag's barcode. 

Once the barcode scanner has located the meal details, you will be directed to the next page. 

Here, you can edit the portion sizes on this page to have the general meal item fit more towards what you consumed. Once you're satisfied, please select Log located at the bottom of the page.

You should see your newly added food located on the meal period you selected to log this for.

What if the Barcode Scanner cannot locate my item?

If the barcode scanner is unable to locate the meal item you are attempting to scan, an error will appear. The Vida Health app uses NutritionX as its database to collect nutritional data for meals. Please feel free to search the database if the barcode scanner is not able to locate this information. 

https://www.nutritionix.com/database

https://www.nutritionix.com/brands/grocery

https://www.nutritionix.com/brands/restaurant