AI-Powered Meal Planning: My Week with ChatGPT

In my quest to become a more consistent and better cook, I decided to adopt meal planning. This approach not only aims to save money and explore new meals but also significantly reduces food waste and lowers my carbon footprint. By organizing my meals ahead of time, I hoped to create a more sustainable and efficient cooking routine.

While creating a meal plan from scratch is possible, it can be time-consuming. As an editor for CNET, I wondered if artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, could streamline this process. Given ChatGPT's capabilities in tasks like negotiating bills and writing resumes, I was curious if it could also assist with something as practical as meal planning.

I decided to put ChatGPT to the test by requesting a seven-day healthy dinner meal plan for two people. I specified that the plan should avoid fish and include a grocery list. ChatGPT responded with a diverse menu, including lemon garlic chicken, beef stir-fry, veggie tacos, and more, each accompanied by a brief ingredient list and instructions.

I began implementing the meal plan, starting with lemon garlic chicken for Day 1. The recipes were straightforward, allowing me to cook meals efficiently while making slight adjustments based on my preferences. Overall, the meals were easy to prepare, with only minor tweaks needed to enhance flavors and adjust cooking times for certain ingredients.

While ChatGPT provided basic recipes, I found that adding my own touch improved the meals. For instance, I added extra seasonings to the chicken and created a more involved sauce for the beef stir-fry by incorporating cornstarch and brown sugar. These small modifications made the dishes more flavorful and tailored them to my taste.

One of the standout benefits of using ChatGPT was the accompanying grocery list, which was organized by category for convenience. This made my grocery shopping trip quick and efficient. Additionally, by following a structured meal plan, I minimized food waste, ensuring that all ingredients were used and leftovers were consumed, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

Using ChatGPT for meal planning proved to be a valuable tool in creating a structured and efficient cooking routine. The AI-generated meal plan saved me time, reduced food waste, and provided flexibility to customize recipes to my liking. Overall, integrating artificial intelligence into meal planning can enhance both personal and environmental well-being.