The MacroFactor app is renowned for its intelligent algorithm that adapts to your metabolism, but your personal goals often change. Whether you are switching from a weight loss phase to a maintenance phase, adjusting your macro split, or moving between program types, the app provides flexible options to ensure your plan aligns with your evolving needs. Changing your plan is a straightforward process accessible through the 'Strategy' tab.
Changing Your Weight Goal or Rate of Progress
If you want to alter your target weight, transition from a deficit to a surplus, or simply change the rate at which you gain or lose weight, you will need to set a new goal. This ensures the app's powerful algorithm realigns your targets with your desired outcome.
- Navigate to the Strategy Tab: Tap 'Strategy' in the main navigation menu at the bottom of the screen.
- Start a New Goal: Tap the 'New Goal' button.
- Define Your Objective: Choose between gaining, maintaining, or losing weight.
- Set Your Targets: Specify your target weight and adjust the desired rate of change using the slider. The app provides visual feedback to help you choose a sustainable rate within the optimal range.
- Confirm the Change: Review the goal summary and tap 'Done' to save. A prompt will appear asking you to also create a new program to implement the changes.
Editing Your Current Macro Program
If you're happy with your overall weight goal but want to tweak the specifics of your macro program, such as your protein target, macro ratios, or calorie timing, you can do so by editing the current program.
- Go to the Strategy Tab: Select 'Strategy' from the main menu.
- Find the 'Edit Program' Button: This button is located both in the row below the 'Strategy' header and within the widget for your active program.
- Select Your Adjustments: Here, you can modify your protein target, change the carbohydrate and fat distribution, or adjust the calorie-shifting strategy.
- Save Your Changes: Once you've made your desired adjustments, save the program to apply them.
Switching Between Program Styles
MacroFactor offers three distinct program styles: Coached, Collaborative, and Manual. You can switch between these at any time without losing your data.
- Coached: The app handles weekly calorie adjustments and provides personalized targets based on your data.
- Collaborative: The app adjusts your weekly calorie budget, but you have full control over your daily macro and calorie distribution.
- Manual: You have complete control and can manually enter your own calorie and macro targets, with no weekly adjustments from the app.
To switch program styles, navigate to the Strategy tab and create a 'New Program'. When prompted, you will have the option to choose a different style from your current one.
Comparison of MacroFactor Program Styles
| Feature | Coached | Collaborative | Manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algorithm-Driven Adjustments | Automatically adjusts weekly targets | Adjusts weekly calorie budget only | None; full user control |
| Daily Macro Control | App-determined targets with some flexibility | Full user control over daily targets | Full user control over all targets |
| Weekly Check-Ins | Yes, with curated coaching modules | Yes, primarily for calorie updates | None; only logging and analytics |
| Best For | New users or those who prefer automated guidance | Experienced users who want more flexibility | Users working with an external coach or with specific, fixed targets |
The Weekly Check-In
For users on Coached or Collaborative plans, the weekly check-in is the primary mechanism for plan adjustments. MacroFactor's algorithm analyzes your weight and nutrition data from the past week to provide highly personalized updates. This means that even if you miss a few days of logging, the algorithm is robust enough to make appropriate, intelligent adjustments without 'shaming' you for not hitting perfect adherence. The app’s 'adherence-neutral' approach means your program will adapt to how you actually eat, not just how you're supposed to eat.
Conclusion
Changing your plan on MacroFactor is designed to be a flexible and stress-free process, aligning with the app's core philosophy of adaptable coaching. By utilizing the 'Strategy' tab, you can initiate a new goal for major shifts or simply edit your current program for minor tweaks to macros or calorie timing. You also have the freedom to switch between Coached, Collaborative, and Manual modes at any point to best suit your needs without losing any of your progress data. The app empowers you with robust, data-driven adjustments, ensuring your plan remains optimized for success throughout your fitness journey.
