Your protein number is a minimum target, so we want you to make a reasonable effort to reach it each day. But if you’re consistently struggling to get enough protein, don’t simply force down a large amount of food at the end of the night. There are usually easier ways to structure your day.

First, remember that your protein target is the amount listed in your current MacroRx+ prescription. You don’t need to calculate a different protein goal based on your body weight, something you read online, or the recommendation MyFitnessPal gives you.

One of the easiest ways to reach your target is to start thinking about protein earlier in the day. If most of your protein is left for dinner, reaching your minimum without going over your calories can become difficult.

Try including a meaningful source of protein with each meal and, when useful, your snacks. Chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish, eggs and egg whites, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, lower-fat dairy, and other protein-rich foods can all help. Protein shakes and bars can also be convenient tools when getting enough protein from regular food isn’t practical.

Pay attention to how many calories you’re spending to get your protein. Some foods contain protein but also contain substantial amounts of fat or carbohydrates. There’s nothing wrong with those foods, but if you’re running out of calories before reaching your protein target, choosing leaner protein sources for some of your meals can make your prescription considerably easier to hit.

Pre-logging can help tremendously. If you know what you’re having for dinner, enter it ahead of time and look at how much protein you’ll still need. That gives you the opportunity to adjust breakfast, lunch, snacks, or portion sizes before you reach the end of the day.

What if you go over your protein target?

That’s generally fine. Protein is a minimum rather than a number you need to hit exactly. You don’t need to stop eating protein because MyFitnessPal shows you’ve reached your target.

Your other priorities still matter, though:

Calories → Minimum Protein → Carbohydrate Target

Going substantially over protein doesn’t give you permission to exceed your calorie prescription, and eating more and more protein isn’t automatically better. Once you’ve met your minimum, continue making food choices that allow the rest of your day to fit your prescription.

If you occasionally miss your protein target, don’t try to make up the missing protein the following day. Just return to your normal prescription.

If you’re consistently unable to reach your minimum protein while staying near your calorie target, tell your coach. Your food log can help us identify where your calories are going and suggest practical substitutions or changes to meal timing that may make the target easier to reach.

Don’t wait until bedtime to discover you’re 60 grams short. Build protein into your day, log ahead when you can, and treat your MacroRx+ protein prescription as a minimum—not a number you have to hit perfectly.