How to Change Targets in Cronometer for Optimal Nutrition

Cronometer's default nutritional targets come from initial profile data. Customizing these targets allows users to tailor their calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake for specific health, weight management, and performance objectives.

Quick Summary

This guide provides instructions for customizing calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient targets in Cronometer. It covers adjusting weight goals, setting fixed or ratio-based macros, and editing nutrient levels on both mobile and web platforms.

Key Points

• Access the 'Targets' menu: Begin target customization by navigating to the "More" tab and selecting the "Targets" section on mobile and web.

• Choose your macro method: Decide between "Macro Ratios", "Fixed Targets", or the "Keto Calculator" for macronutrient goals.

• Set a custom energy target: To manually lock a specific calorie goal, override the weight goal calculation by enabling the "Custom Energy Target" in the advanced settings.

• Customize micronutrients individually: Edit the daily target for any vitamin or mineral by tapping it within the "Nutrient Targets" section and toggling on the "Custom" option.

• Schedule targets with a Gold subscription: Utilize the "Macro Scheduler" (Gold members) to create and assign different macro templates to specific days of the week, perfect for varying training schedules.

• Track your progress: After changing targets, monitor progress and make further adjustments as your body adapts or goals evolve.

Navigating the Target Settings in Cronometer

Cronometer offers significant customization for users who want to modify the default targets calculated from their initial profile. The process varies slightly between the mobile and web versions of the app, but the core settings remain the same. Goals can be adjusted for weight, energy (calories), macronutrients (macros), and individual micronutrients (micros). For example, athletes might increase their protein target, while those on a specific dietary plan like keto would use different macro settings.

Customizing Macro and Energy Targets

Cronometer provides several methods for setting macronutrient targets. The default is a percentage-based ratio, but many users prefer the increased control of fixed gram amounts or diet-specific calculators.

Adjusting Targets on Mobile

1. Open Settings: Tap the "More" tab (often a burger menu or three-dot icon).
2. Access Targets: Navigate to "Targets" and then select "Macro & Energy Targets".
3. Choose a Method: Options include "Macro Ratios", "Fixed Targets", and "Keto Calculator".
4. Set Fixed Targets: Select "Fixed Targets" and input desired grams for protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
5. Enable Custom Energy: To manually set a calorie goal, go into "Show Advanced Settings" and toggle on "Custom Energy Target". This overrides any calculations based on your weight goal.

Adjusting Targets on the Web App

1. Access Settings: Click the "More" tab in the left-side menu and choose "Targets + Profile".
2. Edit Macros: Scroll down to the "Macronutrient Targets" section to change your settings.
3. Use Advanced Options: Similar to the mobile app, you can switch between Macro Ratios and Fixed Targets. You can also click "Advanced Settings" to enable a "Custom Energy Target".

Setting Custom Micronutrient Targets

Personalized minimum and maximum values can be set for vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

The Process on Both Mobile and Web

1. Locate Nutrient Targets: Go to the "More" tab, then "Targets", and find the "Nutrient Targets" section.
2. Select a Nutrient: Tap or click on the specific vitamin or mineral you wish to change.
3. Enter Custom Values: A window will appear. Toggle on the "Custom" button and enter your specific daily target and, optionally, a maximum threshold.
4. Visualize Important Nutrients: Cronometer Gold users can select up to eight nutrients to be highlighted in their Diary for easy monitoring.

Using the Macro Scheduler (Gold Feature)

For those with fluctuating nutritional needs, such as carb cycling or varying protein intake on training versus rest days, Cronometer's Macro Scheduler is an invaluable tool for Gold subscribers.

1. Navigate to Scheduler: Go to "More" > "Targets" > "Macro Scheduler".
2. Create Templates: Build multiple macro templates with unique settings for different days.
3. Assign Templates: Assign your custom templates to specific days of the week. This allows you to automatically rotate your targets based on your schedule.

Comparison of Target Setting Methods

Feature	Weight Goal Based	Fixed Targets	Macro Ratios	Macro Scheduler (Gold)
Best For	Casual tracking, weight loss/gain	Precise, consistent macro tracking	Flexible calorie-based goals	Cyclical dietary plans (e.g., keto, carb cycling)
Energy (Calories)	Automatically adjusts with weight changes	Manually set in Advanced Settings	Automatically adjusts with weight changes	Can be customized per template
Macronutrients	Calculated by ratio of total calories	Set manually in grams	Set by percentage distribution	Set by template in grams or ratios
Micronutrients	Default DRIs apply	Default DRIs apply	Default DRIs apply	Default DRIs apply, but can be customized
Cost	Free for basic functionality	Free	Free	Gold Subscription Required

Conclusion

Knowing how to change targets in Cronometer is essential for those with specific dietary needs or performance goals. Whether adjusting calorie goals for weight management, setting precise fixed macronutrient amounts for a ketogenic diet, or scheduling different macro templates throughout the week, the app's flexible settings enable users to control their nutrition fully. Regularly reviewing and adjusting targets ensures tracking aligns with the health journey and personal objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find the target settings in Cronometer?

Find all target settings by tapping the 'More' tab on mobile or the 'More' menu on the web version, then navigating to the 'Targets' section.

Can I set a specific calorie number instead of using a weight goal?

Yes. Within the 'Macro & Energy Targets' or 'Targets + Profile' section, go to 'Advanced Settings' and toggle on 'Custom Energy Target' to manually input your desired calorie intake.

How do I set macronutrient targets in grams?

To set fixed gram targets, navigate to 'More' > 'Targets' > 'Macro & Energy Targets' and select the 'Fixed Targets' option. You can then enter the specific gram amount for protein, carbs, and fat.

Is the Macro Scheduler available for free users?

No, the Macro Scheduler feature, which allows you to set different macro targets for different days of the week, is exclusive to Cronometer Gold subscribers.

How can I change targets for vitamins or minerals?

To edit a micronutrient target, go to 'More' > 'Targets' > 'Nutrient Targets'. Tap on the specific nutrient, enable the 'Custom' option, and enter your new daily target.

What is the difference between Macro Ratios and Fixed Targets?

Macro Ratios calculate your macronutrient intake as a percentage of your total energy target, so they adjust automatically as your energy changes. Fixed Targets remain the same gram amounts each day, regardless of your calorie goal.

How do I change my weight loss or gain goal?

Go to 'More' > 'Targets' > 'Weight Goal'. Here, you can adjust your current weight, goal weight, and the desired rate of change, and Cronometer will recalculate your energy target accordingly.