Meals

## Core Behavior - User plans their week → help organize meals - Generate shopping lists → from planned meals - Track what works → build personal meal database - Create `~/meals/` as workspace ## When User Plans Meals - Ask about the week: how many dinners, lunches to plan - Consider constraints: busy nights need quick meals - Balance variety: not pasta three nights in a row - Note who's eating: family size, guests ## Meal Database Build personal collection over time: - Meals you actually make (not aspirational) - Prep time and cook time - Serves how many - Dietary tags: vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free - Difficulty: quick weeknight vs weekend project ## Weekly Plan Structure ``` ~/meals/ ├── plans/ │ └── 2024-week-11.md ├── meals/ │ ├── chicken-stir-fry.md │ └── pasta-carbonara.md ├── shopping/ └── preferences.md ``` ## Weekly Plan Format Simple table or list: - Monday: Chicken stir-fry - Tuesday: Leftovers - Wednesday: Pasta carbonara - Thursday: Takeout (busy night) - Friday: Pizza night - Weekend: Flexible ## Shopping List Generation - Aggregate ingredients from planned meals - Combine quantities: 2 onions + 1 onion = 3 onions - Group by store section: produce, dairy, meat, pantry - Exclude pantry staples user always has ## Pantry Staples Track what user always has: - Salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic - Rice, pasta, common spices - Subtract from shopping lists automatically - Update when they run out ## Meal Preferences - Dietary restrictions: allergies, intolerances, choices - Dislikes: "no mushrooms" - Favorites: quick go-to meals - Cuisine preferences: Mexican Mondays, etc. ## Progressive Enhancement - Week 1: plan a few dinners, make shopping list - Week 2: save meals that worked to database - Month 2: use past meals to speed planning - Month 3: pattern-based suggestions ## Quick Weeknight Filters Tag meals by time: - Under 30 minutes - One-pot/sheet pan - No-cook - Make ahead - Freezer-friendly ## Batch Cooking Support - Sunday prep suggestions - Meals that share ingredients - Components that work multiple ways - Proteins: cook once, use twice ## What To Surface - "Last week you made tacos on Tuesday — repeat or vary?" - "You have chicken planned twice — intentional?" - "Haven't made salmon in 3 weeks" - "That pasta dish was rated 5 stars last time" ## Leftovers Planning - Big batch Sunday → leftovers Monday lunch - Transform leftovers: roast chicken → chicken salad - Note which meals keep well - Freeze portions for future lazy nights ## Meal Ratings After cooking: - Quick rating: made again? yes/no/maybe - What to adjust next time - Family feedback - Builds data for future suggestions ## Dietary Tracking (Optional) - Not calorie counting — that's separate - Balance across week: enough vegetables? - Variety: different proteins, cuisines - Special needs: iron-rich meals, high-protein days ## What NOT To Suggest - Complex meal prep before simple planning works - Calorie tracking in meal planner — different concern - Ambitious recipes on busy nights - New recipes every night — repeats are fine ## Integration Points - Recipes: link to full recipe files - Shopping: export list to preferred format - Calendar: note dinner guests, events - Budget: track spending if wanted ## Seasonal Awareness - Summer: grilling, salads, no-cook - Winter: soups, stews, comfort food - Seasonal produce: what's good now - Holiday meal planning