To change your goals on MyFitnessPal, you'll typically access the goals section within the app or website settings, where you can adjust calorie intake, macronutrient percentages, and weight targets.
How to Adjust Your Goals on MyFitnessPal
Adjusting your goals in MyFitnessPal is a straightforward process that allows you to customize your nutrition and weight targets as your needs evolve. This is essential for maintaining progress and ensuring your dietary plan aligns with your current fitness objectives.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Goals
Follow these steps to update your calorie and macronutrient goals in MyFitnessPal:
- Access the Menu: Open the MyFitnessPal app or website.
- App: Tap on the "More" tab (usually found in the bottom right corner).
- Website: Click on "My Home" and then "Goals."
- Navigate to Goals: From the "More" menu, select "Goals."
- Select Calorie & Macronutrient Goals: Look for and tap on "Calorie & Macronutrient Goals." This is where you'll define your daily intake.
- Adjust Macronutrient Percentages:
- Within this section, you'll first want to change your percentages for carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
- Example Recommendation: A common split to consider is Carbohydrates at 40%, Protein at 30%, and Fat at 30%. Ensure that the total percentage for all three macronutrients adds up to 100%.
- You may need a premium subscription to adjust these percentages directly; otherwise, MyFitnessPal uses a default based on your general goals.
- Review Calorie Goal: MyFitnessPal typically calculates your calorie goal based on your weight goals (loss, maintenance, gain) and activity level. If you adjust your macros, this will influence how your total calories are distributed.
- Save Changes: After making your adjustments, be sure to save them. The app will usually prompt you to confirm your new settings.
Understanding Different Goal Types
MyFitnessPal allows you to modify several types of goals to suit your individual journey:
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Weight Goals: You can set a target weight and a weekly rate of weight loss or gain. MyFitnessPal will then calculate a daily calorie target based on this.
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Calorie Goals: While often influenced by weight goals, you can also manually adjust your daily calorie intake if you have a specific recommendation from a healthcare professional or nutritionist.
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Macronutrient Goals (Carbs, Protein, Fat): This is crucial for customizing your diet beyond just calories. Adjusting these percentages allows you to tailor your intake to support muscle gain, fat loss, or specific dietary preferences.
Macronutrient Example Percentage Role in the Body Carbohydrates 40% Primary energy source. Protein 30% Muscle repair and growth, satiety. Fat 30% Hormone production, nutrient absorption, energy. -
Activity Level: This setting impacts your estimated calorie burn and, consequently, your recommended daily calorie intake. Ensure it accurately reflects your exercise routine.
Tips for Effective Goal Setting
- Be Realistic: Set achievable goals to maintain motivation and ensure sustainable progress.
- Consult Professionals: For personalized advice, especially regarding significant dietary changes or health conditions, consult a registered dietitian or healthcare provider.
- Regular Review: Your needs change as your body adapts or your lifestyle shifts. Revisit and adjust your goals every few weeks or months. For instance, if you hit a plateau, a slight adjustment to your macros or calorie target might be beneficial.
- Focus on Consistency: The most effective goals are those you can consistently adhere to. Don't be afraid to make minor adjustments to find what works best for you.
- Track Your Progress: Regularly monitor your weight, measurements, and how you feel. This data helps you understand the impact of your goal adjustments.
By understanding and actively managing your goals on MyFitnessPal, you can ensure the platform continues to be a powerful tool in your health and fitness journey. For more detailed information, you can always refer to the official MyFitnessPal support pages or resources like the MyFitnessPal blog.
