This is a common concern. You get your meal plan, see your calorie target, and immediately think, "There's no way I can eat that much and lose weight!"
If you've been dieting for years, the idea of eating more can feel completely backward. It's easy to believe that more calories automatically means weight gain.
But here's the thing. Eating less isn't always better, and a higher calorie target doesn't automatically mean it's wrong.
Before you start cutting calories, let's look at where your recommendation comes from, how to give your plan a proper chance, and what to do if something still doesn't add up.
Why is my calorie target higher than I expected?
Your body burns calories all day, not just when you're working out.
Breathing, circulating blood, digesting food, and simply keeping your body functioning all require energy. Add everyday movement and exercise on top of that, and your body may need more calories than you think.
Studio Era estimates your calorie needs using information from your profile, including:
Your age, height, and weight
Your activity level
Your fitness goal
"I used to eat 1300 calories to lose weight, so this plan feels like too much."
I get it. When you've spent years believing that eating less is the answer, a higher calorie target can feel completely wrong.
But your previous diet isn't necessarily the best reference for what your body needs today. Your weight, activity level, goals, and individual circumstances all matter.
The goal isn't simply to eat as little as possible. It's to find an approach that supports your goals without unnecessary restriction.
And remember, your calorie recommendation is an estimate based on your profile, not a guarantee of results.
How can I check if my calorie target is accurate?
If your Studio Era calorie recommendation doesn't seem right, start by checking the information used to calculate it.
1. Check your profile information
Make sure your weight, height, and other profile details are accurate and up to date.
If your weight has changed since you started the program, your estimated calorie needs may have changed too.
2. Review your fitness goal
Your selected goal matters!
A calorie recommendation for maintaining your current weight may be different from one intended to support fat loss.
Make sure your goal matches what you're actually working toward.
3. Check your activity level
This one is especially important.
Your activity level helps Studio Era estimate how much energy you use.
For example, if you're working out five days per week, your activity level should reflect that rather than selecting a six-to-seven-day option.
Overestimating your activity can lead to a calorie recommendation that's higher than your actual needs.
Once you've checked these details, review your calorie target again.
If the recommendation still looks incorrect or has changed unexpectedly, message our Support team so we can help investigate your app settings.
Good to know: Checking your profile helps verify the information behind the app's calculation. It doesn't necessarily establish whether the resulting target is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Follow your plan for three weeks
Here's the reality. It's surprisingly easy to underestimate how much you're actually eating.
A little olive oil here, a spoonful of peanut butter there, a handful of snacks while cooking. These things don't seem like much, but they add up.
That's why accurate tracking matters.
If your profile information is correct and the plan is appropriate for you, we recommend giving it three full weeks of consistent effort before making unnecessary adjustments.
Here's how to make those weeks count:
Follow your meal or macro plan consistently. Avoid constantly changing your calorie target or switching approaches before you've had a chance to assess your progress.
Track everything you consume. Yes, that includes milk, cooking oils, sauces, snacks, drinks, and those little bites that are easy to forget.
Measure your portions accurately. Use a food scale when possible rather than estimating every serving.
Keep your eating routine consistent. Avoid skipping meals just to save calories or trying to compensate for what you ate earlier.
Look at your progress over time. Compare weigh-ins taken under similar conditions and pay attention to the overall trend rather than one day.
Tip: Give your plan three full weeks of consistent tracking. The goal isn't perfection. It's having enough reliable information to understand your intake and progress before making changes.
Three weeks doesn't guarantee weight loss, but it gives you a better starting point than making decisions after a few days.
Should I lower my calories if the target feels too high?
Not necessarily.
Don't automatically assume that cutting more calories is the answer, especially if you're already struggling with hunger, low energy, or maintaining your routine.
If your profile information is accurate, your plan is appropriate for you, and you're feeling well, focus on consistency before making random adjustments.
But if you're unsure whether your calorie recommendation suits your individual needs, a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare professional can help you assess it.
Important: You don't need to continue following a recommendation that raises health concerns just to complete the three-week period. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms or have reason to believe your target isn't appropriate for your health, seek professional guidance sooner.
What if I'm following my calorie target but not losing weight?
First, don't assume a higher number on the scale automatically means you've gained body fat.
Water retention, hormonal fluctuations, and changes in your workouts can all affect your weight temporarily.
"I've been doing the program for a few weeks, but the scale has gone up."
Before making changes, look at your overall trend and what your nutrition logs are telling you. A single weigh-in doesn't give you the full picture.
For a more detailed explanation of weight fluctuations, other factors affecting progress, and what to check when results stall, see Why am I not losing weight?.
Already completed three consistent weeks and reviewed your settings?
Then it's time to consider the next step, not simply repeat the same advice.
If your calorie target appears incorrect: Message Support so we can investigate the app's recommendation.
If your target appears correct but you're still not seeing results: A registered dietitian or qualified healthcare professional can help assess whether your individual nutrition needs differ from the app's estimate.
We don't want you randomly cutting calories every time progress feels slow. We want you making informed decisions based on useful information.
What if my nutrition needs are different?
Every body is different, and an app can't account for every individual factor affecting your health or nutrition.
Studio Era's calorie recommendations are general estimates, not personalized medical assessments.
If you have a medical condition, take medication that affects your weight or appetite, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have other specific dietary needs, speak with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Our Support team can explain how the app calculates your calorie target and investigate potential issues with your settings. We can't diagnose medical conditions, prescribe individual calorie targets, or determine whether a particular diet is medically appropriate for you.
The takeaway? Don't panic when you see a higher calorie target. Check your information, give a suitable plan a fair chance, and use what you learn to decide your next step.
Consistency matters. So does making sure your plan is right for you.