Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the contents of this FAQ:
1.   How do I delete foods/meals from my database/log?
2.   I have added a food to my personal database, but I cannot find it to modify/delete it.
3.   Is there a limit to the number of meals and foods I can put in my database?
4.   Is there a way I can plan and log tomorrow's meals today?
5.   What is my day budget exactly?
6.   How can I increase my day budget?
7.   My Basal Metabolic Rate seems too low, what's up with that?

[Q:] How do I delete foods/meals from my database/log?

[A:] Click on "modify" next to the food's/meal's name. On the next page click on "delete".

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[Q:] I have added a food to my personal database, but I cannot find it to modify/delete it.

[A:] Click on the "foods" tab, then on the "personal foods database" table click on the small "maximize" button (top right).

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[Q:] Is there a limit to the number of meals and foods I can put in my database?

[A:] It depends on the type of account you hold. Click here to find out more about the exact features of your account.

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[Q:] Is there a way I can plan and log tomorrow's meals today?

[A:] Yes, you can add meals, activities, and notes, up to 4 weeks in advance of the current date. Just remember to modify your meals and activities if you don't follow your plan to the letter. You could note down in a piece of paper only the points where you didn't follow your plan and come back to Nutridiary whenever you can to update your meals and activities.

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[Q:] What is my day budget exactly?

[A:] Your day budget is the sum of the four values displayed directly above it in the Calorie summary table in "my log". Thus, if you have not set a goal, or if your goal is weight maintenance, it is the number of Calories you need to consume to maintain your current weight. Otherwise, it is the number of Calories you need to consume each day to meet your weekly weight loss or gain target.
For more information on the Calorie summary table click here.

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[Q:] How can I increase my day budget?

[A:] You can increase your day budget by exercising. The Calories you spend each day in extra activities and exercises are added to your budget. Furthermore, when you increase your lean body mass, and overall cardiovascular health, your metabolism goes up and therefore you burn more Calories throughout the day. The American College of Sports Medicine and many metabolic experts recommend strength training of all major muscle groups twice a week. In addition to strength training, the recommendation by most health groups is to accumulate at least 30 minutes per day of cardiovascular activity (walking, running, etc) for health and weight maintenance. To lose weight, you may need to exercise even more. Also, please note that if you want to lose weight without lowering your metabolism, you should keep calories just slightly lower than what your body needs, and not reduce your intake dramatically. The metabolic experts recommend a daily caloric deficit of no more than 250 calories (up to 500 for large people). Since 3500 calories equal one pound (about 1/2 Kg), a daily deficit of 250 calories would produce losses of half a pound (about 1/2 Kg) per week.

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[Q:] My Basal Metabolic Rate seems too low, what's up with that?

[A:] For obese people we use an adjusted body weight, instead of their actual weight. Read this help page to find out why this is more accurate and how you can turn this feature off if you wish.

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NB: This FAQ is going to be updated on a constant basis. Check back from time to time.