The beginner quickstart (3 steps)
- Describe the meal in one sentence.
- Add a rough portion (cups, slices, “half”, palm-sized).
- Call out the multipliers: oil, sauces, cheese, nuts, drinks.
Copy-paste prompt (beginner-friendly)
Estimate calories and macros (protein, carbs, fat).
Meal: [what I ate]
Portions: [rough amounts]
Details: [brand/recipe/cooking method, sauces, oils, drinks]
Output:
1) Total calories + macros
2) Assumptions you made
Examples you can steal
Breakfast
Meal: bagel with cream cheese + latte
Portions: 1 bagel, 2 tbsp cream cheese, 16 oz latte
Details: whole milk, no syrup
Lunch
Meal: chicken salad
Portions: about 2 cups
Details: dressing included, added avocado
Dinner
Meal: tacos
Portions: 3 tacos
Details: cheese, sour cream, salsa
Beginner mistakes (avoid these)
- Logging “later”: later becomes never. Log right after eating.
- Forgetting drinks: coffee drinks and alcohol matter.
- Missing oil and sauces: they’re the most common undercount.
- Trying to be exact: ask for a range when unsure.
Where to go next