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Calories and macros explained

Updated over a week ago

Learn how your daily calorie and macronutrient targets help guide your nutrition and keep you on track toward your goals.

How we calculate your calories and macros

When you set up your profile in Studio Era, we calculate your daily calorie and macros, this includes your protein, fat, and carb targets. These numbers are based on:

  • Your age

  • Height

  • Weight

  • Activity level

  • Fitness goal (like fat loss, maintenance, or weight gain)

These numbers are designed to fuel your results while keeping you satisfied, so you can reach your goals without extreme restrictions.


Why our approach is different

You might be surprised by the number of calories you are allocated, this is intentional.

Unlike extreme deficit programs that often lead to cycles of starving and bingeing, Studio Era uses a moderate deficit to help you feel full, satisfied, and energized every day. This approach allows you to:

  • Burn fat effectively without experiencing energy crashes

  • Avoid plateaus and metabolic slowdowns

  • Build sustainable habits that last a lifetime

Consistency is key to long-term success, and we are here to support you every step of the way.


Why macros matter

At Studio Era, we do not just focus on calories. We pay attention to macro (protein, fats, and carbs) to create a balanced and sustainable plan. Here's what each macro does:

  • Protein - Helps build and maintain muscle, keeps you full, and supports fat loss

  • Fat - Supports hormone health, brain function, and overall well-being

  • Carbohydrates - Provide energy to move, train, and feel good throughout the day

You do not need to track every gram perfectly. The goal is to understand the role of each macro and focus on consistency over perfection.


Activity level and accurate targets

Your activity level is an important factor in determining your calorie and macro targets because it indicates how much energy you burn each day.

Make sure your activity level reflects how often you train:

  • If you are following a three-day program, select the “3-day” activity level

  • If you are training five days a week, switch to the “5-day” activity level

  • If you are taking a break, adjust your activity level accordingly

Keeping your activity level up to date helps ensure your results stay on track.


When your targets update

Your calorie and macro targets will automatically update when you:

  • Log a check-in, such as a change in your weight

  • Update your fitness goal

  • Adjust your activity level

There is no need for spreadsheets or calculators. Studio Era does the work for you so you can focus on showing up and staying consistent.


The role of check-ins

Check-ins help the app know when to update your calorie and macro targets. They are quick to complete and work behind the scenes to keep your plan aligned with your progress.

When you log a check-in:

  • Your weight and progress data help adjust your targets if needed

  • All calculations are done automatically, so no math is required

  • Your plan stays in sync with your real-life results

If you want to learn how to perform a check-in, you can follow this guide.


Meal plan or custom logging

You can reach your calorie and macro targets in one of two ways:

Whichever path you choose, your Food Diary will show you how you are tracking against your daily goals.


Deficit and maintenance phases

We recommend staying in a calorie deficit for up to 12 weeks, followed by a 4 to 8 week maintenance phase. This allows your body to reset and recharge.

To change your goal:

  • Select Lose Body Fat to enter a deficit

  • Switch to Maintenance when you are ready for a break

Taking this strategic pause helps to:

  • Prevent metabolic slowdown

  • Reduce fatigue and hunger

  • Lock in the results you have worked for

If you're unsure when to switch or how the process works, you can follow this guide.


Tips for staying on track

Here are some practical tips to help you stay consistent with your nutrition:

  • Pre-log meals: Use the meal plans or recipe library to plan ahead

  • Stock up: Keep your kitchen stocked with your go-to ingredients

  • Meal prep: Prepare meals in advance to save time and stay consistent during busy weeks

  • Repeat meals: Eat the same breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a few days to simplify tracking

  • Simple swaps: Adjust portions or choose lean proteins and lower-calorie sides as needed

Tip: Small, consistent habits add up to big results.

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