How To: Set Calorie and Macronutrient Targets in Nutrition Module

CoachMePlus has added the ability to set calorie and macronutrient targets within the nutrition module. This feature allows coaches, administrators, dieticians, and nutritionists to set caloric goals, macronutrient goals with a manual method, basal metabolic rate calculator, and a total daily energy expenditure calculator.

In this article, you will learn how to set calorie and macronutrient targets for individual athletes using the nutrition module. This will guide you through three different methods to set calorie targets: manual calculation, basal metabolic rate calculation using the Mifflin St. Jeor equation, and Mifflin St. Jeor with an activity level multiplier (Total Daily Energy Expenditure, or TDEE). You will also learn how to customize the macronutrient targets and track the progress of each user. Learn how to manage per-meal calorie and macronutrient targets and create meal recommendations here. 

Watch this video to learn how to effectively set nutrition targets and help your athletes reach their goals.

The following is a step-by-step walkthrough of how to set calorie and macronutrient targets in the nutrition module.

Step 1: From the athlete overview page, select the nutrition module.

Step 2: Select Set Targets to begin customizing your athlete's calorie and macro goals.

Step 3: To enter a Manual goal, simply type your calorie target in on the line under Daily Calorie Target.

Another option is to select the drop down menu under Calorie Target Method and selecting Mifflin St. Jeor to calculate an estimated basal metabolic rate for the individual athlete based on height, weight, age, and gender.

Once you hit Calculate Calories, the system will populate the Daily Calorie Target with the athlete's estimated basal metabolic rate.

The third method is to use the Mifflin St. Jeor: Activity Level TDEE option which will calculate the athlete's basal metabolic rate and then multiply it by an activity level multiplier, which will give an estimated total daily energy expenditure for the individual.

To do this, you will enter the same information as the Mifflin St. Jeor calculation, but you will also select an Activity Level. Once a selection is made, the module will also provide you with a brief explanation of what each activity level is (i.e. Lightly Active = Light exercise 1-2 days/week).

Once you are satisfied with the calorie recommendation, you can further customize the athlete's nutrition goals by editing the Macronutrient sliders. On this screen, you can either click and drag the sliders or you can manually enter the percentage of each macronutrient for the individual.

Once you have customized everything, click on Save.

You can review the athlete's progress towards their targets as they enter their food at any time from their nutrition screen:

Using this feature will allow you to continue to optimize your athletes' performance in and out of your facility by giving them the guidance they need to fuel themselves properly!