Why You Might Need to Change Your Calorie Allowance
Your daily calorie budget on the Lose It! app is not a static number. As you progress on your health journey, your body's needs change. For instance, as you lose weight, your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) may decrease, requiring a lower calorie intake to continue a deficit. Alternatively, you might want to switch from a weight loss plan to a maintenance plan, which requires a higher calorie allowance. Lifestyle factors like a change in your activity level, from sedentary to highly active, also necessitate adjusting your budget. The app’s default settings are a great starting point, but a personalized approach is often key to long-term success. Manually setting a custom budget or tweaking your plan can help you avoid plateaus and better align your diet with your fitness routine.
Method 1: Adjusting Your Plan for a Dynamic Budget
For most users, adjusting the fundamental plan is the easiest way to change their calorie allowance. This method is based on the Lose It! app's dynamic budget, which automatically adjusts your calories based on your weight loss rate.
- Open the Lose It! App: Start by launching the application on your mobile device.
- Navigate to the Profile Tab: Tap on the 'Profile' icon, typically found in the top right corner of the screen.
- Access Budget Settings: Scroll down to the 'Program' section and tap 'Budget'.
- Edit Your Plan Details: Within the Budget settings, you can adjust several factors that influence your calorie goal, such as your weekly weight loss rate (e.g., 0.5-2 pounds). Reducing the rate will increase your calories, while increasing it will decrease them.
- Change Activity Level: Your calorie allowance is also affected by your reported activity level. Within the 'Budget' section, tap 'Activity Level' and select the option that best describes your daily movement, such as Sedentary, Light, Moderate, or Active. Be honest with your assessment, as overestimating can lead to a calorie budget that is too high.
Method 2: Setting a Custom, Fixed Calorie Budget
If you prefer to have full control over your daily calorie limit and prevent automatic adjustments, a custom fixed budget is the solution. This is particularly useful for users with specific dietary instructions from a healthcare professional or those who prefer a static goal.
- Go to Profile: Tap the 'Profile' icon in the top right corner of the app.
- Open Budget Settings: Tap on the 'Budget' option under the 'Program' section.
- Select Custom: Look for an option to set a 'Custom' budget. On iOS, you may see 'Change,' while on Android, you might see 'Edit'.
- Enter Your New Budget: Input your desired calorie amount manually.
- Save Your Changes: Tap 'Save' to apply the new custom budget.
Troubleshooting and Additional Considerations
Sometimes, your calorie allowance may change unexpectedly. Here are a few common issues and solutions:
- Unintended Weight Entry: If you accidentally log a new weight that reaches or falls below your goal weight, the app may switch you to a maintenance plan. You can simply edit or start a new weight loss plan to revert this.
- External Device Sync: If you have a fitness tracker like an Apple Watch or Fitbit connected, your exercise activity can increase your daily bonus calories. Ensure your device is syncing correctly and that you understand how exercise calories are added. Some users prefer to disable these bonuses to keep their budget fixed.
- Goal Date Changes: Manually adjusting your calorie budget, particularly increasing it, will push your projected goal completion date further out. This is normal, as it reflects a slower rate of deficit. For more reliable tracking, consistently logging your weight is important.
Comparison of Budget Types
| Feature | Dynamic Budget (Standard) | Custom Fixed Budget | Calorie Schedule (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustment | Automatic, based on weight progress and goal. | Manual, set by the user. | Weekly distribution, with high and low days. |
| Best For | New users, steady weight loss, hands-off approach. | Experienced users, specific medical advice, steady intake. | Flexible dieting, social events, periodic higher calorie days. |
| Control Level | Low to moderate. | High. | High. |
| Pricing | Included in basic plan. | Included in basic plan. | Requires premium subscription. |
Conclusion
Effectively managing your calorie budget in the Lose It! app is a powerful tool for achieving your health goals. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the app's dynamic, automated adjustments or the precise control of a custom, fixed budget, the process is straightforward. By regularly reviewing your goals and adjusting your allowance as your body and lifestyle change, you can ensure your tracking remains accurate and effective. For more comprehensive information and support, refer to the official Lose It! help center.
