How to Set a Custom Calorie Budget on Lose It!
Yes, you can absolutely set your own calorie goal on Lose It!. While the app's default functionality automatically calculates a daily calorie budget based on your height, weight, and weight-loss goal, the 'Custom Budget' option allows you to override this dynamic setting and manually enter a fixed daily calorie target. This feature is ideal for users working with a dietitian, following a specific medical recommendation, or simply preferring a static calorie number over the app's automatically adjusting figure. The process is straightforward and can be done through both the mobile app and the website.
Step-by-Step Guide for the Lose It! App
- Open the app and go to your Profile. Look for the profile icon, typically in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Navigate to the Program section. Here, you will find an option labeled 'Budget'. Tap on it.
- Select the 'Custom' Budget Type. In the budget settings, you'll see different options. Choose 'Custom' to override the default settings.
- Enter your desired calorie goal. You will be prompted to enter your specific calorie target. Input the number recommended by your health professional or your desired fixed daily budget.
- Save your changes. After entering your new budget, tap 'Save' to apply the change. The app will now use this manual calorie count instead of its own calculation.
Using the Lose It! Website for Custom Goals
- Log in to your account at my.loseit.com. Access your profile using a web browser and your login credentials.
- Access your goals. Once logged in, navigate to the Goals section from the sidebar menu.
- Edit your plan. Look for the 'Edit Plan' button within the 'Plan Details' box and click it.
- Change the Budget Type. Find the 'Budget Type' option, which is likely set to 'Standard (Default),' and switch it to 'Fixed'.
- Set the fixed calorie budget. A field will appear where you can enter your new, custom daily calorie budget.
- Update your plan. Click 'Update' to finalize and save the new, custom calorie goal.
Why Choose a Custom Calorie Goal?
Setting a custom budget gives you greater autonomy over your diet plan, allowing for a more personalized approach than the app's standard weight loss rate calculations. The default, dynamic budget automatically decreases your daily calorie goal as you lose weight, which can feel restrictive over time. A custom, fixed goal can provide more consistency. For example, if a medical professional has determined a specific safe calorie intake for your health needs, using a custom budget ensures you adhere to that precise number. This level of control can empower users who feel confident in their own dietary calculations or are following a specific plan. However, it's always recommended to consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before setting an aggressive or very low calorie goal to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your body.
Navigating the Budget vs. Goal Setting
Understanding the distinction between the overall budget and other goals is crucial. The custom budget is a fixed daily calorie target, whereas the 'Set Another Goal' feature is for setting non-caloric health objectives. You can set custom goals for macronutrients, such as protein or carbs, in addition to your overall calorie budget. This allows for an even more tailored diet plan where you can manage both your total energy intake and the nutrient composition of your meals.
| Feature | Standard (Dynamic) Budget | Custom (Fixed) Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation | Automatically adjusts based on weight changes and target weight loss rate | Manually set by the user to a fixed daily number |
| Consistency | Budget decreases as weight is lost, requiring frequent adjustment to your meal plan | Remains constant until manually changed, providing stability |
| Best For | Users who prefer an automated system and gradual calorie reduction for weight loss | Individuals with specific dietary recommendations or who prefer full manual control |
| Setup | Requires setting a weight loss rate (e.g., 1 lb or 2 lbs per week) | Requires selecting the 'Custom' or 'Fixed' budget type and entering a specific number |
| Warning | App may warn if the goal is set too aggressively | The app will not automatically warn you if your custom goal is too low, so professional consultation is advised |
Advanced Budgeting with Calorie Schedules
Lose It! Premium users also have access to a 'Calorie Schedule' feature, which can be combined with a custom budget to further personalize a dietary plan. This allows for calorie cycling, where you can have higher and lower calorie days within a week while still maintaining your overall average budget. This flexibility can help prevent burnout and align with social activities on weekends. When using a custom fixed budget with a calorie schedule, the app distributes your manually entered total weekly calories based on the high and low days you define, providing a powerful tool for advanced dieting strategies.
Conclusion
In summary, while Lose It! defaults to an automated calorie budget, it provides a powerful, user-friendly option to set your own calorie goal through the 'Custom Budget' feature. This capability gives you complete control over your daily calorie intake, ensuring your tracking aligns perfectly with a specific plan from a health professional or your own calculated needs. Whether using the mobile app or the website, the process is simple and empowers you to customize your weight-loss journey beyond the standard settings. Remember to always seek professional medical advice before embarking on any new diet, especially if considering a low-calorie plan. For more information, refer to the Lose It! Support Website.
Keypoints
- Custom Budget Option: Lose It! allows users to override the automatic calorie calculation by selecting the 'Custom' or 'Fixed' budget type in their profile settings.
- Accessible on Multiple Platforms: The custom calorie goal can be set through both the Lose It! mobile app and the official website.
- Manual Control: This feature is for those who prefer a fixed, static calorie target instead of the app's dynamically adjusting budget.
- Useful for Specific Plans: It is particularly helpful for individuals following a specific meal plan recommended by a doctor or dietitian.
- Calorie Cycling for Premium Users: Premium subscribers can combine a custom budget with a 'Calorie Schedule' to implement calorie cycling, featuring high and low calorie days.
- Empowers User Autonomy: Setting a custom goal gives users more control and allows for greater personalization of their dietary approach.
Faqs
Q: Is the Custom Budget feature available in the free version of Lose It!? A: The search results indicate that manually setting a custom calorie budget might be a Premium feature, though you can still influence the automatically calculated budget by adjusting your profile details like activity level and target weight loss rate.
Q: How is the Custom Budget different from the Standard Budget? A: The Standard Budget automatically changes your daily calorie target as your weight decreases, while the Custom Budget is a fixed daily number that you manually set and remains constant.
Q: Can I adjust my calorie goal after setting a custom budget? A: Yes, you can return to the Budget settings at any time to edit the custom calorie number you entered or switch back to a Standard (dynamic) budget.
Q: What is a Calorie Schedule, and how does it work with a custom budget? A: A Calorie Schedule, a Premium feature, allows you to set different calorie amounts for different days of the week, like having higher calorie days on weekends. When combined with a Custom Budget, it distributes your fixed total weekly calories according to your high and low day settings.
Q: Do I need a doctor's recommendation to set a custom calorie goal? A: While not required by the app, it is strongly recommended that you consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before setting your own calorie target to ensure it is healthy and appropriate for your specific needs.
Q: What happens if my custom calorie goal is too low? A: The app may have certain minimum calorie budget thresholds and might not allow a dangerously low number. If a medical professional recommends a very low-calorie diet, you might need to adjust the minimum average budget setting, but this should only be done under professional supervision.
Q: How do I change my activity level to influence the standard calorie budget? A: You can change your activity level within the Program > Budget section of the app or website. Adjusting this will change the app's calculation of your daily energy expenditure and, consequently, your standard calorie budget.
