📚 How MealAI Works

Welcome to MealAI! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create amazing meal plans that save time, money, and stress.

🚀 Getting Started

MealAI makes meal planning simple and fun. In just 5 minutes, you'll have a complete weekly meal plan personalized to your exact needs.

  1. Set up your API key (we'll show you how - it's easy!)
  2. Answer simple questions about your dietary needs and preferences
  3. Set your budget and time constraints
  4. Click generate and watch the magic happen
  5. Download or print your complete meal plan
💡 Pro Tip: Have your grocery budget in mind before starting - it helps create the most accurate meal plans!

🔑 API Key Setup

To use MealAI, you'll need an OpenAI API key. Don't worry - it's quick and easy!

Step 1: Get Your API Key

  1. Go to platform.openai.com
  2. Sign up or log in to your account
  3. Navigate to API keys section
  4. Create a new API key
  5. Copy the key (starts with "sk-")

Step 2: Enter It in MealAI

1. Click "API Configuration" at the top of MealAI 2. Paste your API key 3. Click "Save & Test Connection" 4. See the green checkmark? You're ready!
⚠️ Keep it Safe: Your API key is like a password. Never share it with anyone. MealAI stores it securely in your browser only.

👤 Setting Up Your Profile

The first step is telling MealAI about your household and dietary needs.

What We'll Ask:

  • Household size: How many people are you feeding?
  • Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian? Gluten-free? Keto? We handle them all!
  • Allergies: List any foods to avoid completely
  • Dislikes: Foods you just don't enjoy (we won't judge!)
✅ Don't worry: Every recipe will respect your dietary needs. If you say "no nuts," you'll never see a nut in your meal plan!

🍝 Food Preferences

Next, we learn what you love to eat!

Question Why We Ask
Favorite Cuisines To create meals you're excited to eat
Cooking Skill Level To match recipes to your abilities
Available Cooking Time To ensure recipes fit your schedule

🎯 Health Goals

Tell us what you want to achieve, and we'll help you get there!

Popular Goals:

  • ⚡ More energy - Balanced meals for sustained energy
  • 📉 Weight loss - Portion-controlled, satisfying meals
  • 💪 Build muscle - Protein-rich options
  • ⏰ Save time - Quick recipes and meal prep options
  • 💰 Save money - Budget-friendly ingredients
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly - Meals kids will actually eat

💰 Budget Planning

Set your weekly grocery budget, and MealAI will work within it!

💡 Budget Tips:
  • Average family of 4 spends $150-250 per week
  • MealAI typically reduces spending by 20-30%
  • Meal planning eliminates expensive last-minute takeout

⚡ Meal Plan Generation

Once you click "Generate My Meal Plan," here's what happens:

  1. AI analyzes your inputs - All your preferences are considered
  2. Recipes are selected - 21 meals perfectly matched to you
  3. Grocery list created - Organized by store sections
  4. Prep schedule built - Optional Sunday batch cooking
  5. Nutrition calculated - Know exactly what you're eating
⏱️ Timing: Generation typically takes 2-3 minutes. Grab a coffee while our AI works its magic!

📋 Understanding Your Results

Your meal plan includes five comprehensive sections:

1. Recipes Tab

  • 21 complete recipes (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners)
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Prep and cook times
  • Serving sizes

2. Grocery List Tab

  • Complete shopping list for the week
  • Organized by store sections (produce, dairy, etc.)
  • Quantities clearly specified
  • Estimated costs

3. Prep Schedule Tab

  • Sunday batch cooking guide
  • What to prep in advance
  • Storage instructions
  • Time-saving tips

4. Nutrition Tab

  • Calories per meal
  • Macro breakdown (protein, carbs, fats)
  • Key vitamins and minerals
  • Daily totals

5. Tips & Support Tab

  • Cooking tips for success
  • Substitution suggestions
  • Storage guidelines
  • Leftover ideas

📑 Downloads & Printing

Take your meal plan anywhere!

Format Best For
PDF Download Saving, printing, sharing with family
Email Sending to yourself or partner
Print Fridge calendar, shopping list

💡 Tips for Success

Before You Start:

  • ✅ Check what's already in your pantry
  • ✅ Know your weekly schedule (busy nights?)
  • ✅ Consider any special events or occasions
  • ✅ Have your grocery budget in mind

Making the Most of Your Plan:

  • 🛒 Shop on Sunday for the freshest ingredients
  • ⏰ Use the prep schedule to save weeknight time
  • 📱 Keep the grocery list on your phone while shopping
  • 🍱 Use leftovers for next day's lunch
  • 🔄 Generate a new plan anytime for variety

🛠️ Troubleshooting

API Key Issues

  • Make sure your key starts with "sk-"
  • Check that you've added credits to your OpenAI account
  • Try generating a new key if problems persist

Generation Problems

  • Ensure all required fields are filled
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try refreshing the page and starting over

Browser Compatibility

  • Works best in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Enable JavaScript if disabled
  • Clear cache if experiencing issues
Need Help? Email us at [email protected] - we typically respond within 24 hours!