Procedure

1. Assess User Profile and Preferences

   • Call get_user_preferences to identify the user's current weight, dietary restrictions (e.g., lacto-ovo vs. vegan), and regional preferences.
   • Identify if the user has budget constraints or specific regional food preferences (e.g., South Asian, East Asian, Latin American).

2. Calculate and Set Macro Targets

   • Calculate daily protein targets based on the research range of 1.2g to 2.2g per kilogram of body weight.
   • If the user is in an intense training phase, lean toward the 2.2g/kg limit.
   • Factor in a 20–30% increase in total protein to compensate for the lower bioavailability and digestibility of plant-based proteins.
   • Use set_user_macro_targets to update the user's profile.

3. Design Meal Distribution for Protein Synthesis

   • Structure the plan around 4–5 meals per day, spaced every 3–4 hours.
   • Ensure each meal contains 30g+ of protein to hit the ~2.5g leucine threshold required to trigger muscle protein synthesis (MPS).

4. Select Protein Sources Based on Budget and Region

   • Use find_meal_candidates and apply_meal_candidate to build a plan using the following evidence-based sources:
     • Budget-Friendly: Prioritize soya chunks, dry lentils/dal, dry chickpeas/beans, peanuts, eggs, and curd.
     • South Asia: Incorporate Paneer, Rajma with brown rice, and Besan Chilla with curd.
     • East/Southeast Asia: Incorporate Tofu, Tempeh, Edamame, and Seitan.
     • Latin America: Incorporate black/pinto beans with corn tortillas and pumpkin seeds (pepitas).
   • Use create_meal to log these specific combinations into the user's schedule.

5. Implement Micronutrient and Ergogenic Supplementation

   • Use find_supplement_candidates and apply_supplement_candidate to add the following:
     • Creatine Monohydrate: 5g daily (critical for vegetarians due to lower resting stores).
     • Essential Micronutrients: Vitamin B12, Iron, Zinc, and Omega-3s.
   • Use create_supplement to schedule these daily.

6. Documentation and Memory

   • Use remember to store the user's specific protein threshold (e.g., "User requires 30g+ protein per meal for leucine threshold") and their regional preference to ensure consistency in future meal suggestions.