Coaching modules, BMR article series, and a home for your step data

New and Noteworthy

The MF Coach and Coaching Modules

Earlier this month, we released one of the biggest updates to the app since it launched three years ago and introduced the next generation of MacroFactor’s cutting-edge nutrition coaching.

From inception, the foundation of MacroFactor’s nutrition coaching has been its weekly in-app nutrition “check-ins” for users. During the check-in, MacroFactor makes any necessary updates to your calorie and macro targets based on the last week of weight and nutrition data – ensuring that your dietary targets are aligned with your stated goals and unique metabolism.

Until this release, the check-in has consisted only of that functional, quantitative adjustment. This system produces smart, industry-leading recommendations that have helped thousands of people reach their diet goals, but the experience of checking in lacked personalization, flexibility, and personality.

With this update, the Weekly Check-In transformed into a more dynamic and personalized experience, driven by the intelligent “MF Coach.” The Check-In now consists of curated “Coaching Modules” that will help you resolve diet challenges you are facing and optimize your diet through further personalization.

Here’s how it works:

• The MF Coach observes your logging behaviors and analyzes your data and progress each week, then curates a custom Check-In experience with experientially rich Coaching Modules.
• During the Check-In, the MF Coach will ask you relevant questions, suggest novel changes to your macro program, and make personalized adjustments based on your data and feedback.

The result? In-app diet coaching that feels more customized, flexible, and attentive to your unique journey – like working with a high-quality human coach.

Version 3.0.0 included MacroFactor’s first six modules, but there’s (much) more to come.

With the coaching module framework now built into MacroFactor’s check-in system, our team plans to begin releasing new modules regularly, ensuring fresh experiences and added value for years to come.

The MacroFactor BMR Equation

This month, we introduced the new MacroFactor Equation for calculating a user’s initial Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

This new equation improves upon the strong foundation of existing BMR science by accounting for metabolic adaptation during weight loss, non-linear decrease in metabolic rate due to aging, and other factors. 

You can switch to using the MacroFactor Equation for your initial expenditure estimate by going to More > Expenditure > BMR. 

• As a note, if it has been more than 30 days since you started using the app, the impact of the initial expenditure is likely to be minimal, as the app is using your nutrition and weight data to determine your current expenditure.

The BMR article series

In order to create this new equation, we performed a thorough review of the literature on the latest BMR science, digging into the research on factors that affect BMR.

What we found – and our journey to design the MacroFactor Equation – was pretty fascinating. So, to complement the new feature in the app, we also published a series of articles that explains the “whys” behind MacroFactor’s BMR formulas. This series will also serve as a comprehensive resource to teach you everything you need to know about resting energy expenditure.

There are 10 total articles in the series: 

BMR Calculator: How many calories does your body burn at rest?

In addition to the article series and new equation in the app, we also created a free calculator on the MacroFactor website that uses the new equation to calculate BMR. 

Check out the BMR calculator tool on the website here. 

New Article: Tips for Hitting Lower Calorie and Macro Goals

If you’re struggling to adhere to lower Calorie and macro targets, a change in your strategy may help. For example, you might explore the possibility of increasing overall daily energy expenditure or decreasing the loss rates of your targets (or perhaps both).

But what if those strategies are not feasible for you? Or perhaps you’ve already tried those methods and are still having challenges with those targets?

In this article, we discuss some practical tips to navigate those lower days to decrease hunger and help with the sustainability of your goal.

Success Story: Mike N.

Mike N. decided he wanted to move from a cut to maintenance and he used MacroFactor to take him all the way.

“I’ve been able to manage my weight better than I ever have. From cutting to maintaining, MacroFactor has made manipulating my weight incredibly easy. It’s by far the best nutrition/calorie-counting app I’ve ever used. In fact, I wouldn’t even call it a calorie-counting app. It’s much more than that. It’s a weight management app. It makes losing, maintaining, or gaining weight incredibly simple and straightforward. Tell the app what your goal is, give it accurate data, and enjoy the progress!”

When asked what his biggest win with MacroFactor was, Mike said:

“A few months ago, I thought my 18-pound cut from 202 to 184 from Feb 5 to April 15 was my biggest “win,” but I think maintaining 190-192 for four months is an even bigger win. In the past, I had always struggled to maintain weight for more than a month or two. With MacroFactor, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to maintain my weight, even through periods of very high-volume training and periods of lower-volume training.”

Success Story: Clayton Dineen

Clayton Dineen wanted to lose a few pounds and he chose MacroFactor to help him. In six months he was able to lose 27 pounds. When asked what his biggest win with MacroFactor was, Clayton said: 

“My biggest win with MacroFactor has been its personalized approach to achieving my goals along with an easy to use and well-made food tracking system. From the app design to special features in the app, it has made food tracking SO easy and convenient.

I would highly recommend this app to anyone who wants to track macros or is thinking about starting.”

In Case You Missed It

We share a lot of informative content on our Instagram and in our groups on Facebook and Reddit throughout the month. 

Here are some of our favorites from the past few weeks, in case you missed them.

What We’re Working On

A home for your step data in MacroFactor

You’ll soon be able to track your step data in MacroFactor alongside your nutrition and weight data in the Habits panel. 

Using our integrations with Health Connect and Apple Health, you’ll be able to sync your step data from your smart device to MacroFactor. 

This feature will enable us to make some other cool enhancements elsewhere in the app, which we’re excited to tell you about very soon. 

Expenditure V3 is coming soon

After a round of beta testing last month, we’ve been thoroughly reviewing our testers’ feedback and dialing in the final version of Expenditure V3. 

We’re happy to say that no further testing is needed, and we’re ready to release Expenditure V3 to all users in the next couple of weeks.

Development plans for Year 4

On the occasion of MacroFactor’s third anniversary earlier this month, we published our MacroFactor Annual Report.

In the report, we reflect on the improvements made to MacroFactor in its third year, and provide a sneak peek at the development we’re planning for Year 4.

In addition to our continued focus on improving the depth and accuracy of our food database AND expanding the coaching modules for more personalized, thoughtful check-ins, we also are excited to announce that we’re working to bring MacroFactor to Apple Watch, and we’re building a brand new workout app. 

Read the full Annual Report to learn more. 

To learn more about what we’re working on, check our public roadmap​ to see our plans for new features and improvements. You can also submit features for consideration and vote on the upcoming features that are the highest priority to you.