Navigating the Process: Free vs. Premium
Changing your protein goal in MyFitnessPal depends heavily on whether you use the free or Premium version of the app. The free version requires you to adjust macronutrient percentages, which must always total 100%, while the Premium version offers the flexibility to enter specific gram amounts. It is crucial to understand this distinction before you begin to ensure you can make your desired changes successfully.
How to Change Your Protein Goal (Free Version)
The free version of MyFitnessPal uses a percentage-based system for setting macro goals. This means you must adjust the percentages for carbohydrates, protein, and fat so that they all add up to 100%. The app distributes the protein calories based on this percentage.
For Mobile App Users (iOS & Android):
- Tap 'More': On the bottom navigation bar of the home page, tap the 'More' button (three dots or lines, depending on your device).
- Go to 'Goals': Select the 'Goals' option from the menu.
- Select 'Calorie, Carbs, Protein & Fat Goals': Tap this option to access your macronutrient settings.
- Adjust Percentages: On the next screen, you will see a wheel with your current macro percentages. Tap on the protein percentage and use the dial to adjust it. Remember to adjust the other macros (carbs and fat) so that the total is exactly 100%.
- Save Changes: Tap the checkmark or 'Save' button to lock in your new goals. The changes will then appear in your food diary.
For Website Users:
- Log In: Visit the MyFitnessPal website and log in to your account.
- Go to 'Goals': Click on 'My Home' in the top navigation, then select 'Goals'.
- Edit Daily Nutrition Goals: Next to the 'Daily Nutrition Goals' section, click the 'Edit' button.
- Change Percentages: Adjust the percentage values for protein, carbs, and fat. Just like the app, these must total 100%.
- Save: Click the 'Save Changes' button to update your profile. The changes will sync with your app automatically the next time it connects.
How to Change Your Protein Goal (Premium Version)
MyFitnessPal Premium offers much more precise control, allowing you to set your protein goal in specific gram increments rather than just percentages.
For Mobile App Users (iOS & Android):
- Tap 'More': Navigate to the 'More' section via the bottom navigation bar.
- Select 'Goals': Tap on the 'Goals' menu item.
- Access Macro Goals: Choose 'Calorie & Macronutrient Goals'.
- Enter Grams: Tap on the protein number and ensure the setting is switched to 'Grams'. Use the clicker wheel to adjust the value to your desired grams per day. The other macro values and your calorie goal will adjust automatically.
- Save Your Goals: Confirm the changes by tapping the checkmark or 'Save' button.
For Website Users:
- Log In: Access your account on the MyFitnessPal website.
- Go to 'Goals': Click 'My Home', then 'Goals'.
- Edit Daily Nutrition Goals: Select 'Edit' next to the 'Daily Nutrition Goals' section.
- Input Grams: As a Premium user, you can now input the specific gram amount for your protein directly. The other macros will adjust accordingly.
- Save: Click 'Save Changes' to update your goals.
Free vs. Premium Macro Tracking: A Comparison
| Feature | Free MyFitnessPal | Premium MyFitnessPal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Goal Setting | Adjusts based on percentages only, which must total 100%. | Set precise protein goals in gram increments. |
| Flexibility | Less flexible. Adjusting one macronutrient requires adjusting others to maintain 100% total. | High flexibility. Can enter specific grams for each macro individually. |
| Convenience | May require some manual calculation or estimation to reach your desired gram target. | More convenient for users with specific gram targets, such as those following a specific diet plan. |
| Customization | Goals can be set per day, but percentages remain consistent throughout the week. | Custom goals can be set for different days of the week to align with varying activity levels. |
Troubleshooting Tips for Goal Changes
If you run into issues when trying to edit your protein goal, consider these common problems and solutions.
- Ensure percentages equal 100% (Free Users): If the app shows a red highlight, it means your percentages are not totaling 100%. You must adjust the other macros to compensate. For example, if you increase protein by 5%, you must decrease a combination of carbs and fat by 5%.
- Check platform syncing: If you edit on the website but don't see the changes in the app, ensure your app has synced. Pull down on the diary page to force a refresh.
- Verify Premium subscription: If you're attempting to enter grams but are being forced to use percentages, double-check that your Premium subscription is active and logged in correctly.
- Look for app updates: A recent MyFitnessPal app update might have changed the user interface. Make sure your app is running the latest version by checking the app store.
- Work with fractions (Free Users): The free version adjusts in 5% increments. If your target doesn't align perfectly, get as close as you can and track the difference manually.
Conclusion
Whether you use the free or Premium version of MyFitnessPal, adjusting your protein goal is a straightforward process once you know where to look. Free users rely on percentage-based adjustments that must always total 100% with carbs and fat, while Premium subscribers can set specific gram amounts for greater precision. By following the steps for your specific version, you can accurately track and manage your protein intake to better meet your nutritional objectives.
To learn more about your protein needs, you can visit the MyFitnessPal Help page.
