Why Adjusting Your Calorie Limit Matters
Your initial calorie target in the Lose It! app is an estimate based on the information you provided when you first set up your account. It's a useful starting point, but your needs will change over time. As you lose weight, your body requires fewer calories to function, and your budget should decrease accordingly to maintain a deficit. Alternatively, if you find your current target too restrictive or not challenging enough, manually adjusting it gives you greater control over your nutritional journey.
Accessing your budget settings
To modify your calorie goals, you'll need to navigate to your program settings, where the main budget controls are located. This is where you can change your weight loss rate, activity level, or enter a custom, fixed calorie target.
How to manually change your calorie limit in the Lose It! app
- Open the Lose It! app and tap the Profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down to the Program section and tap Budget.
- Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of the Budget screen.
- Under the Budget section, you will see your current Budget Type. It is likely set to "Standard (Default)".
- Tap Budget Type and select Fixed.
- Return to the Budget screen, and you will now see an editable Calorie Budget field. Enter your desired calorie number.
- Tap Save to apply your new fixed calorie limit.
How to manually change your calorie limit on the Lose It! website
- Log in to your account at
my.loseit.com. - Click the Goals tab from the menu.
- In the "Plan Details" box, click Edit Plan.
- Click the Budget Type (which is likely "Standard"). Select Fixed.
- Enter your desired calorie amount in the Calorie Budget field.
- Click Update to save your changes.
Adjusting your budget automatically vs. manually
Lose It! offers two primary ways to manage your calorie budget: the automated dynamic method and the manual fixed method. Each has its own benefits and is suitable for different user preferences and stages of their journey.
| Feature | Dynamic/Standard Budget | Fixed/Manual Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustment | Automatically changes based on weight loss rate, activity, and logged exercises. | User-set and remains constant until manually changed. |
| Flexibility | Offers a hands-off approach that adjusts with your progress, but can be less predictable. | Provides full control and a stable target, but requires regular manual updates for accuracy. |
| Best for | Beginners who want the app to guide them, or those who prefer automated tracking. | Experienced users, those who follow specific diet plans, or those who find the automatic updates unhelpful. |
| Pros | Effortless maintenance, keeps you aligned with your goal rate, adapts to your body's changing needs. | Complete control over your daily intake, ideal for specific meal plans, and provides consistent tracking targets. |
| Cons | Daily budget can fluctuate unexpectedly, may drop to levels that feel too low for some users. | Can become inaccurate over time as your body's needs change if not updated regularly. |
Tips for setting your custom calorie goal
Once you know how to change calorie limit on Lose It?, it's important to set a sustainable goal. A healthy and sustainable weight loss rate is typically 0.5 to 2 pounds (0.2 to 1 kg) per week. This generally requires a deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories per day from your maintenance level. To find your current maintenance calories, you can use an online TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) calculator or track your food intake and average weight over a couple of weeks to find a baseline.
How to establish a personalized calorie budget
- Start with a conservative deficit: If you're new to this, a smaller deficit (e.g., 250-500 calories) is a great starting point. This makes it easier to adhere to your plan and avoid burnout.
- Prioritize nutrient-dense foods: Ensure your chosen calorie budget allows for a balanced intake of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. High-protein, high-fiber diets can increase satiety and reduce cravings.
- Listen to your body: If you consistently feel lethargic, overly hungry, or experience other negative side effects, your calorie limit may be too low. Remember that consistency and sustainability are more important than rapid, short-term results.
- Re-evaluate as you progress: Check in with your calorie target every 4-6 weeks, or after significant changes in your weight or activity level. As your body adapts, your needs will change, and your budget may require a further adjustment.
Conclusion
Being able to adjust your calorie limit in the Lose It! app, whether through the dynamic or fixed method, is a powerful feature for personalizing your nutritional journey. While the automated budget is convenient, taking manual control allows for a more intentional approach, especially as your body changes. By understanding your true calorie needs, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, and regularly reassessing your goals, you can effectively use this tool to build a sustainable and successful nutrition plan for the long term. This level of personalized tracking gives you the awareness and accountability needed to reach and maintain your health objectives.
