Meal Planning Assistance

First, a definition “ketogenic” — this word is used to describe a diet designed to get or keep a human body in a state where it is burning fat for fuel, instead of carbohydrates (grain/sugar based foods). Such a diet is often used to help one lose weight but also to improve one’s health overall.

Almost a month ago, 15 February 2025, I decided to find out if ChatGPT could help me develop a meal plan geared towards a ketogenic diet. I did some research using ChatGPT to establish the minimum and maximum amount of protein I should eat a day (based on my age, sex, height and weight). I also then provided ChatGPT with data on protein sources I usually have at hand. I also told ChatGPT to avoid certain foods that have a substance that is tied to the creation of kidney stones. I also told ChatGPT that I want it to use intermittent fasting (eating in a certain window of hours, like six or eight) every day. Plus I wanted the meal plan to include fresh salad and a few other vegetable side dishes (like sauteed/steamed cabbage and zucchini). Lastly, I told ChatGPT what time I wanted to eat my first meal. I then told ChatGPT to give me options for each meal for different protein sources as well.

The result has been pretty interesting to me. I tell ChatGPT to create the new day’s meal plan and of course, it does. I also have had times where I had to tell ChatGPT that I only had certain protein sources available today or I wanted to eat more of a particular protein source (just personal preference) and asked it to adjust the meal plan for the day accordingly. I also tell it that I have a meeting one of the meal times, so please adjust the meal times with this in mind and — of course it does.

It’s been very easy for me to follow the meal plans and also prepare what’s necessary for my first two meals of the day (which I eat at work). And, my third meal is easily prepared and eaten at home — not a problem at all.

Based on what I’ve done with this and the ease of following the meal plans created, I’m planning on creating a Custom GPT as a sort of digital diet and meal planning assistant.

Hope this helps you!

About the author: froland

I’m a seasoned professional with nearly four decades of experience in computer technology and education. My journey started as a Radioman in the U.S. Navy (1981), where I learned the fundamentals of electronics, computers and IT. Since then, I’ve worked in the high-tech software industry, specializing in computer-aided-design since 1987 and IT and data migration since 2000. Over the years, I’ve taken on roles in sales, technical support, product management, company training, research testing, user-oriented documentation and quality assurance.

I'm often addressed as "The Oracle" as I have an extremely good memory -- whether visual, auditory or otherwise. I believe that learning something new nearly every day—whether about work, the world, life and the universe around us -- is essential to living a full life!

Outside of work, I’m a writer, composer and lifelong musician. I’ve been playing musical instruments for over five decades.

I’m passionate about many aspects of life, and I love seeing people succeed in their goals and beyond.