Starting a Diet with AI

Have you jumped on the AI bandwagon yet? I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it has been a useful and powerful tool for me lately.

And now? I’m using it as a nutrition coach. Here’s how I got here and why.

First of all, let me say hub and I have used a professional, educated and qualified nutritionist and I wrote about it here.

She was great and helpful, but after three years, it’s pretty easy to stray.

BUT! Having used her, I feel like I have a good foundation for using ChatGPT AI to help me get back on track.

A real and professional nutritionist cannot be replaced, but using the power of AI is very handy and timely for extra support.

Back Story

This is why I even need a diet. Earlier this fall I had some medication changes that made me immediately gain 7 pounds.

And while that might not sound earth shattering to everyone, on my frame that meant my clothes were very uncomfortable.

And the weight wasn’t stablizing. Literally every day I was gaining a pound.

I called both my physician and the pharmacist and neither of them was concerned. According to them, the weight gain was normal.

So I discontinued the protocol and tried to lose weight using my current, sloppy eating habits.

I did lose a couple pounds, but I was certainly in a plateau. The dreaded plateau.

Add in a long vacation and the holidays and yikes!

After seeing several social media posts about using Chat GPT as a nutritionist, I thought I would give it a go.

How I Approached It

ChatGPT is not new to me. I use it frequently as I would Google, or any other search engine. But it’s faster and generally more pertinent to my searching needs.

In fact, I refer to it as Chad. Not that he’s my boyfriend or anything. Do not worry I’m not becoming one of those people who fall in love with AI.

I gave Chad my basic information, weight goals, food likes and dislikes and this is what “he” came up with.

He asked me more questions and really honed in on my personal situation. This wasn’t like a one-size Weight Watcher’s plan. It felt like it was really about me.

Chad suggested supplements (exactly the ones I take on the recommendation of my physician) and a workout plan.

I told him I exercise moderately, but think I might need to change that parameter, because the exercises are too basic.

This is what I told ChatGPT:

• “I only want two meals a day.”
• “I love spicy food.”
• “I have knee issues, so exercise needs to be low impact.”
• “I don’t want to give up everything I enjoy.”
• “It’s important for me to lose fat, but retain muscle.”

Using ChatGPT felt more like having a calm, nonjudgmental coach. If something didn’t work, I could say so—and the plan changed. That flexibility made it easier to stay consistent instead of perfect.

What I Got

I got a very simple meal plan for two meals a day. I’ve found that if I get hungry after two meals, I ask Chad for a snack or dessert and he gives me something satisfying.

If I wasn’t clear on a meal, I asked for a recipe and BOOM, it was there.

Roasted Red Pepper soup wasn’t on my meal plan, but I had peppers I wanted to use. Plus the weather was a little chilly and I wanted something cozy.

I asked for a recipe and I cannot tell you how “me” the recipe is. It’s satisfying, uses things I like and uses spices I would never have thought of using.

Plus he added turmeric for my inflammation issues!

The soup was absolutely delish!

Chad offered a shopping list, but we have plenty of groceries, so I didn’t need that.

My diet is very heavy on starches so I was concerned about giving that up, but so far, I have been able to cut way down and stay satisfied.

Concerns

Do you have concerns about using AI? I know I did. But then I know that the digital world knows all about me anyway, so why not harness the power.

I have now been on Medicare for a year and a half and all my secrets are fed into that database, so I really feel like privacy isn’t that much of an issue.

Wrap Up

After just two full days on Chad’s eating plan I already feel better, less bloated and like I’m on my way to my old self. Maybe even better!

Starting a diet with AI is easy and satisfying. It is gratifying to know that there were no suggestions at odds with our nutritionist’s advice.

If you really want a professional, please get a human coach. But if you just need a nudge, this is working for me.

Here is an adaptation of the soup recipe that was suggested. I made a few tweaks and the outcome was great.

I will say it is VERY spicy, so make sure to tone it down if that’s not your vibe.

By the way, have I told you how much I love this oil sprayer? I know I have, but it’s still working out great!

Of course, this soup might not appeal to everyone (who doesn’t want to burn off their taste buds) but the beauty of ChatGPT is that it will whip you up a recipe that’s perfect for you.