Sources of recommendations

MealMate – AI Nutrition Track

MealMate – AI Nutrition Track is a food tracking app designed to support more mindful and informed eating habits. It provides insights into how different meals and ingredients may affect your body, but it is not a medical device or intended for diagnosing, treating, or preventing any medical condition.

We do not offer medical or nutritional advice for individuals with specific health conditions such as allergies, eating disorders, or diabetes. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.

The purpose of MealMate is to educate users about the nutritional value of their food and encourage better eating habits through habit tracking and gentle behavior nudges.

All data and suggestions are based on publicly available information from third-party sources. MealMate is not affiliated with or endorsed by these sources.

MealMate – AI Nutrition Track

MealMate – AI Nutrition Track provides calorie recommendations based on the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which estimates your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Using your BMR, activity level, and goals, we suggest a daily calorie intake.

Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure of weight relative to height, used to categorize underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. Source

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The number of calories your body needs to perform basic life-sustaining functions at rest. Source

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE): An estimate of how many calories you burn per day, considering your BMR and activity level. Source

Note: MealMate is not a medical application and is not intended for diagnosing, treating, or preventing any medical conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.

Calorie Recommendations for Weight Management

Weight Loss

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Recommends a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week. This can typically be achieved by creating a daily calorie deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories. [CDC - Steps for Losing Weight]

Weight Gain

Verywell Health: For healthy weight gain, it is often suggested to increase daily calorie intake by 500 to 1,000 calories, aiming for a weight gain of approximately 1 to 2 pounds per week. [Verywell Health - How to Gain Weight]

General Recommendations

World Health Organization (WHO): Emphasizes balancing energy intake (calories consumed) with energy expenditure to avoid unhealthy weight gain. [WHO - Healthy Diet]

Note: Individual calorie needs can vary based on factors such as age, sex, weight, height, and physical activity level. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine personalized calorie requirements and ensure that any weight management plan is safe and appropriate.

MealMate Nutrition Score

Our meal rating system is based on dietary approaches described in these public guidelines:

Understanding Macronutrient Calculations in MealMate

At MealMate, we calculate your daily macronutrient intake based on your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) and your personalized macronutrient distribution preferences. Here's how we determine the grams of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats you should consume:

  1. Carbohydrates: We allocate a certain percentage of your daily calories to carbohydrates. Since each gram of carbohydrate provides 4 calories, we divide the carbohydrate calories by 4 to determine the grams.
  2. Proteins: Similarly, we assign a percentage of your daily calories to proteins. With each gram of protein also providing 4 calories, we divide the protein calories by 4 to find the grams.
  3. Fats: A percentage of your daily calories is designated to fats. Given that each gram of fat provides 9 calories, we divide the fat calories by 9 to calculate the grams.

These calculations are based on standard nutritional principles. For more detailed information, you can refer to the following resources:

Please note that individual nutritional needs can vary based on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and health goals. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

Highlights

The meal highlights content is based on these public sources of information:

Rich in Complex Carbs, Simple Carbs

Healthy Fats, Saturated Fats

Possible Trans Fats

Protein-Rich, Lack of Protein, Diverse Protein

Rich in Fiber

Rich in Vitamins & Minerals, Diverse in Nutrition, Natural

Macros-Balanced

We use this macronutrient ratio: carbohydrates 40-50%, protein 25-35%, fat 20-30%