Incorporating adequate fiber is a cornerstone of a healthy diet, promoting digestive regularity, supporting heart health, and aiding in weight management. For many using digital tools like MyFitnessPal (MFP) to track their diet, setting and adjusting a specific fiber target is a key feature. However, the process can differ depending on whether you are using the free or premium version of the app. This guide will walk you through the precise steps for updating your fiber goal and help you troubleshoot any issues that arise.
The Difference Between Free and Premium MyFitnessPal
Understanding the capabilities of each version is the first step to successfully changing your fiber goals. The free version of MyFitnessPal automatically calculates a default fiber recommendation, and while you can track your intake, you are unable to set a specific gram-based target. Your macronutrient goals (carbs, protein, fat) are also set by percentage, not grams. For the most precise and personalized tracking, including setting a custom fiber goal in grams, the premium subscription is necessary.
Changing Your Fiber Goal in the MyFitnessPal Mobile App (Premium Users)
For premium users, adjusting your fiber target is a straightforward process within the app.
- Open MyFitnessPal: Launch the app on your Android or iOS device.
- Navigate to the 'More' Menu: Tap the
Moreicon, located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. - Access Goals: Select the
Goalsoption from the menu list. - Find Nutrient Goals: Scroll down to the 'Nutrition Goals' section and tap on
Additional Nutrient Goals. - Edit Fiber: You will see a list of various micronutrients. Tap on
Fiber. - Set Custom Goal: Manually enter your desired daily fiber intake in grams.
- Save Changes: Tap the checkmark or save button to confirm your new goal. Your updated fiber target will now be active.
How to Adjust Your Fiber Goal on the MyFitnessPal Website
Sometimes, using the website is a more reliable method, especially if you encounter syncing problems with the mobile app. This approach is also a workaround for free users who want to closely monitor their fiber intake, even if a formal target isn't possible.
- Go to the MyFitnessPal Website: Log in to your account at
www.myfitnesspal.com. - Access Goals: Click on
My Homeand thenGoalsfrom the top navigation menu. - Edit Nutrient Goals: Find your 'Daily Nutrition Goals' and click the
Editbutton next to it. For premium users, you will find the specific nutrient settings here. - Make Adjustments: Enter your new fiber goal and click
Save Changes. Your goal will sync to the app upon its next refresh.
Adjusting Fiber When You Only Have the Free Version
If you don't have a premium subscription, you cannot set a specific gram-based fiber target. However, you can still improve your fiber tracking.
- Focus on Macros: Use the macro percentage wheel to increase your carbohydrate percentage, as fiber is a type of carbohydrate. This will increase your overall gram target for carbs, which often correlates with a higher fiber intake, though it's not a precise adjustment.
- Track Manually: Keep a manual note of your daily fiber goal and compare it to your tracked intake in your food diary. You can view your current intake by checking your food diary and tapping the
Nutritiontab to view the daily totals. - Use the Web for Visibility: While you can't set a custom goal, using the website allows you to add fiber to your tracked diary view for greater visibility.
Why Your Fiber Goal Might Not Be Saving
It can be frustrating when your carefully set goals seem to disappear. Several factors can cause your fiber goal to reset or not save correctly.
- Exercise-Based Adjustments: If you link your MyFitnessPal account to an exercise tracker, your daily calorie and macro goals might automatically adjust to account for burned calories. This can interfere with manually set targets. Premium users can disable this feature in their settings.
- App Syncing Issues: The app and website versions can sometimes get out of sync. A common fix is to update your goals on the website while the app is closed, and then force-close and re-open the app to sync the changes.
- Temporary App Bugs: Occasionally, bugs within the app can cause settings not to save. Checking MyFitnessPal's
Known Issuespage or community forums can reveal if it's a widespread problem.
Troubleshooting Common Goal-Setting Issues
If your fiber goal is not saving, try these steps:
- Use the Website: Access your account on the MFP website to set your goals. Many users report that changes made on the website are more stable.
- Re-sync Your App: After making changes on the website, go to
More > Settings > Syncin the mobile app to force a synchronization. - Clear App Cache/Reinstall: As a last resort, clearing the app's cache or reinstalling the app can resolve persistent syncing errors.
MyFitnessPal Goal Setting Comparison
| Feature | Free Version | Premium Version |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Fiber Goal (in grams) | No | Yes |
| Macronutrient Goals | Based on percentage increments (5%) | Custom, precise gram increments |
| Daily Goals (by day of the week) | No | Yes |
| Micronutrient Tracking | Tracks automatically based on logged food | Custom goals for additional nutrients like fiber, sodium, etc. |
| Goal Adjustments Based on Exercise | Yes (automatic) | Optional (can be turned off) |
| Website Goal Editing | Allows editing of basic goals | Allows full customization of all goals |
Conclusion
Understanding how to change fibre goal in MyFitnessPal? is a key skill for anyone serious about optimizing their diet for health. While the free version offers basic tracking, the premium subscription provides the granular control needed for precise dietary planning. By following the steps outlined for your specific version, you can ensure your fiber intake is consistently on track, helping you meet your nutritional goals and improve your overall well-being. Don't let technical hurdles stand between you and your dietary success; use these tips to take control of your fiber intake today.
For more information on the benefits of dietary fiber, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's excellent guide on the topic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983.
