> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ironcoaching.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Macros-Only Plans

> Prescribe protein, carbs, and fats without locking athletes into specific meals.

# Macros-Only Plans

A nutrition plan can be set up as **macros-only** — just daily protein, carb, and fat targets — without prescribing specific meals or food choices.

## What It Does

A macros-only plan delivers daily macro targets to the athlete and skips the meal builder entirely. The athlete sees their numbers on the nutrition card and logs whatever food fits — useful for athletes who travel, eat out often, or just want flexibility on food choices.

## Setting Up a Macros-Only Plan

1. Go to **Dashboard > Clients** and open the athlete's profile
2. Click the **Nutrition** tab
3. Click **New Plan**
4. Toggle **Macros-only** on
5. Enter daily targets for protein, carbs, and fats (calories auto-calculate from `protein × 4 + carbs × 4 + fat × 9`)
6. Save and assign

You can switch a plan between macros-only and full meal-based at any time without losing macro targets.

## Who It's For

Available on all coach plans (Basic, Pro, Expert). Best for:

* Athletes who already cook for themselves and just need targets
* Travel-heavy or shift-working athletes
* Recomp / aggressive cut phases where flexibility drives adherence
* Coaches who prefer to leave food choice to the athlete

<Tip>
  Pair macros-only plans with the [Macro Calculator](/nutrition/macro-calculator) to derive starting targets from goal and bodyweight, instead of typing numbers from scratch.
</Tip>