Active calories do not change your Zolt calorie target as a direct one-for-one adjustment. Zolt can show wearable activity data without copying that estimate into the amount you are told to eat.
Where active calories appear
Apple Watch and other supported sources estimate active energy from sensor data, workout records, and profile information. Zolt can use those records in activity and workout views so you can understand how the day was recorded.
The number remains an estimate from the source device. It is not a direct measurement of all the energy your body used.
What sets the calorie target
The target shown in Zolt reflects:
- the current Adaptive TDEE estimate;
- whether your goal is Lose, Gain, or Maintain;
- the pace you selected;
- your target cadence and day settings; and
- applicable product safeguards.
Adaptive TDEE is informed by your nutrition and weight history. Apple Watch is optional for that process.
Why activity and the target may move together
A sustained change in activity can be part of a broader change in daily energy needs. If that change is reflected in the nutrition and weight pattern over time, the Adaptive TDEE estimate may eventually move.
That is different from adding today's Watch calories to today's food target. Similar timing does not mean Zolt copied the wearable value.
Should you eat back workout calories?
Follow the current Zolt target unless you intentionally change the goal or have individualized guidance that says otherwise. Adding the full wearable estimate on top can count the same expected energy need twice.
If the current target is not supporting training, recovery, health, or the planned rate of change, review the goal and the longer-term result instead of applying a one-day calorie credit.
If the target changed after a workout
- Open the TDEE history and check its last update.
- Review the goal, pace, cadence, and day distribution.
- Check whether nutrition or weight records were corrected.
- Confirm that you are comparing the same date.
- Treat the active-calorie value as activity context, not the explanation by itself.
Contact support if the target does not match the settings shown in your goal.