Nutritionist's Meal Planning Assistant: Multi-Server MCP Integration

1. Introduction
This tutorial demonstrates how nutritionists and dietitians can leverage multiple MCP servers to create personalized meal planning workflows. By integrating Nutritionix, Google Sheets, Gmail, and Memory Bank servers, nutrition professionals can analyze food nutrition data, track client dietary requirements, create customized meal plans with precise macro calculations, and deliver professional meal planning services efficiently.

**Key Benefits:**

- Automated nutrition analysis and meal planning
- Customized meal plans based on client needs
- Efficient workflow for meal planning and delivery
- Real-time data integration and reporting
- Professional service delivery with precision

**Target Users:**

- Nutritionists and dietitians
- Personal trainers and fitness coaches
- Health coaches and wellness practitioners
- Food service providers and caterers
- Corporate wellness programs
2. System Prompt
You are an advanced AI nutrition assistant specializing in personalized meal planning and dietary analysis. You have integrated access to multiple nutrition databases, analytical tools, and reporting platforms through MCP servers.

Your capabilities include:

**Nutrition Analysis:**

- Analyzing food nutrition data from Nutritionix
- Calculating macronutrient ratios and calorie needs
- Tracking dietary trends and health indicators
- Identifying nutrient deficiencies and excesses

**Meal Planning:**

- Creating customized meal plans based on client needs
- Incorporating dietary preferences and restrictions
- Balancing meals for optimal nutritional value
- Planning balanced snacks and meals

**Data Integration:**

- Connecting to Nutritionix API for real-time data
- Importing client data from Google Sheets
- Syncing with Gmail for communication and reminders
- Storing meal plan data in Memory Bank

**Reporting:**

- Generating detailed nutrition reports in Notion
- Tracking client progress and dietary compliance
- Creating visual dashboards for client insights
- Preparing monthly summary reports

When assisting with meal planning, always:

- Prioritize client confidentiality and privacy
- Ensure timely communication and updates
- Maintain professional standards and ethical practices
- Use evidence-based nutrition practices
- Respect client preferences and cultural background
3. MCP Servers in this Agent Flow
1. **Nutritionix MCP Server**

- **Purpose**: Nutrition data analysis and meal planning
- **Features**: API integration, data parsing, nutritional analysis
- **Coverage**: Food database, dietary patterns, health indicators

2. **Google Sheets MCP Server**

- **Purpose**: Data storage and collaboration
- **Features**: Spreadsheet editing, data sharing, version control
- **Integration**: API integration for data import/export

3. **Gmail MCP Server**

- **Purpose**: Communication and reminders
- **Capabilities**: Email drafting, scheduling, attachment handling
- **Organization**: Label management, filtering, and thread tracking

4. **Memory Bank MCP Server**

- **Purpose**: Data storage and integration
- **Features**: NoSQL database for flexible data storage
- **Analytics**: Queryable data, data aggregation, data visualization

4. MCP Server Setup Prompt

Prerequisites

  • Claude AI access (Claude 3.5 Sonnet or newer recommended)
  • Node.js 18+ installed
  • API keys for nutrition services
  • Nutritionix account for data integration
  • Google Sheets account for data storage
  • Gmail account for communication
  • Memory Bank storage for data integration

Environment Preparation

  1. API Keys and Accounts
    • Nutritionix: Get API key from https://www.nutritionix.com
    • Google Sheets: Connect to Google Sheets API
    • Gmail: Enable API at Google Cloud Console, create OAuth credentials
    • Memory Bank: Configure storage location
  2. MCP Server Installation
# Install all required MCP servers
npm install -g @nutritionix/mcp-server
npm install -g @google-sheets/mcp-server
npm install -g @gmail/mcp-server
npm install -g @memory-bank/mcp-server

Claude Configuration

Add the following to your Claude MCP configuration:

{
  "servers": {
    "nutritionix": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@nutritionix/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "NUTRITIONIX_API_KEY": "your_nutritionix_api_key"
      }
    },
    "google-sheets": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@google-sheets/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_SHEETS_API_KEY": "your_google_sheets_api_key"
      }
    },
    "gmail": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@gmail/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "GMAIL_CREDENTIALS": "/path/to/gmail/credentials.json",
        "GMAIL_TOKEN": "/path/to/gmail/token.json"
      }
    },
    "memory-bank": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@memory-bank/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "MEMORY_BANK_PATH": "/path/to/your/research/memory"
      }
    }
  }
}

5. Step-by-step User Guide

Step 1: Initial Setup and Testing

  1. Verify All Servers Are Connected

“Please verify that all MCP servers are connected: Nutritionix, Google Sheets, Gmail, and Memory Bank.”


2. **Test Each Server Individually**
    - Nutritionix: "Analyze a sample food item"
    - Google Sheets: "Create a new spreadsheet for meal planning"
    - Gmail: "Send a test email to schedule a consultation"
    - Memory Bank: "Check data integration status"

### Step 2: Nutrition Analysis

### Analyze Food Data:

"Analyze a sample food item using Nutritionix:

  1. Enter food name or barcode
  2. Select food category
  3. Get nutritional information
  4. Calculate macronutrient ratios
  5. Generate detailed nutrition report"

### Customize Meal Plans:

"Create a customized meal plan for a client:

  1. Select dietary preferences and restrictions
  2. Set macronutrient goals
  3. Incorporate client’s favorite foods
  4. Plan balanced snacks and meals
  5. Generate detailed nutrition report"

### Step 3: Meal Planning and Delivery

### Create Meal Plan:

"Using Google Sheets, create a meal plan for a client:

  1. Select meal categories and recipes
  2. Add ingredients and quantities
  3. Calculate nutritional values
  4. Schedule meal delivery times
  5. Generate detailed nutrition report"

### Automated Reminders:

"Set up automated reminders in Gmail:

  • Send confirmation emails
  • Schedule follow-up emails
  • Include dietary tips and recipes"

### Step 4: Data Integration and Reporting

### Track Client Progress:

"Track client progress using Google Sheets:

  1. Create a progress tracker
  2. Add daily food intake logs
  3. Calculate nutritional values
  4. Generate weekly summary reports
  5. Share insights with clients"

### Real-Time Insights:

"Generate real-time insights in Notion:

  1. Create a dashboard for client data
  2. Add charts and graphs for visual analysis
  3. Track trends and patterns over time
  4. Share insights with clients"

### Step 5: Professional Service Delivery

### Prepare Nutrition Report:

"Prepare a detailed nutrition report for a client:

  1. Review client data and analysis
  2. Create a personalized nutrition plan
  3. Include dietary recommendations
  4. Generate detailed report
  5. Send via email or Google Drive"

### Follow-Up Communication:

"Send follow-up emails to clients:

  1. Include tips for meal planning
  2. Share new recipes or food trends
  3. Provide feedback on previous meal plans
  4. Schedule next consultation"

### Step 6: Continuous Improvement

### Update Nutrition Plans:

"Regularly update nutrition plans based on client feedback:

  1. Collect client feedback
  2. Analyze nutritional data
  3. Adjust meal plans accordingly
  4. Update client profiles
  5. Generate new recommendations"

### Advanced Workflows

### Client Profile Management:

"Create a new client profile in Memory Bank:

  • Name: [Client Name]
  • Age: 35, Female
  • Height: 5’6", Weight: 150 lbs
  • Goal: Weight loss (1 lb/week)
  • Calorie target: 1800 kcal
  • Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free
  • Allergies: Tree nuts
  • Preferences: High protein, enjoys Mediterranean cuisine
  • Activity level: Moderate (3-4x/week exercise)"

### Nutritional Analysis:

"Using Nutritionix, find gluten-free, high-protein breakfast options:

  • Minimum 20g protein per serving
  • Under 400 calories
  • Gluten-free certified
  • No tree nuts
  • Include prep time estimates"

### Meal Plan Creation:

"Create a 7-day meal plan in Google Sheets:

  • 1800 calories/day target
  • Macros: 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat
  • Gluten-free all meals
  • High protein (minimum 130g/day)
  • 3 meals + 2 snacks daily
  • Include meal prep instructions"

### Client Communication:

"Draft email to client with meal plan: Subject: Your Personalized 1800-Calorie Gluten-Free Meal Plan

Include:

  • Warm greeting and plan overview
  • Attached Google Sheets meal plan
  • Key highlights of the plan
  • Prep tips for success
  • Shopping list summary
  • Next consultation scheduling"

### Specialized Meal Plans

### Weight Loss Optimization:

"Create aggressive but safe weight loss plan:

  • 500-calorie daily deficit
  • High protein to preserve muscle
  • Volume eating strategies
  • Weekly weigh-in tracking
  • Plateau-breaking strategies"

### Medical Nutrition Therapy:

"Design meal plan for pre-diabetes:

  1. Low glycemic index focus
  2. Carb counting education
  3. Blood sugar-friendly timing
  4. Fiber optimization
  5. Include monitoring log"

### Sports Performance Plan:

"Create athlete meal plan:

  • Match training periodization
  • Competition day nutrition
  • Recovery optimization
  • Hydration protocols
  • Travel nutrition tips"

### Quality Control and Best Practices

### Nutritional Verification:

"Double-check all meal plans for:

  1. Meeting RDA for key nutrients
  2. Appropriate calorie distribution
  3. Balanced macro ratios
  4. Adequate fiber (25-35g)
  5. Limited added sugars"

### Client Satisfaction Tracking:

"Monitor client success:

  1. Store feedback in Memory Bank
  2. Track adherence rates
  3. Note favorite recipes
  4. Document challenges
  5. Adjust future plans accordingly"

### Troubleshooting Common Issues

**Food Database Gaps:**

- Search alternative names
- Use generic equivalents
- Build custom recipes
- Cross-reference nutrition labels
- Create custom food entries

**Client Adherence Issues:**

- Simplify meal prep requirements
- Offer more variety
- Adjust portion sizes
- Include favorite foods
- Provide easier alternatives

**Technical Problems:**

- Verify API connections
- Check spreadsheet permissions
- Test email delivery
- Backup client data
- Have manual alternatives

### Best Practices

1. **Daily Workflow:**
    - Morning: Check client emails
    - Review scheduled plans
    - Update nutrition research
    - Prepare daily consultations
2. **Weekly Tasks:**
    - Create new meal plans
    - Update client progress
    - Research new recipes
    - Review nutrition literature
3. **Client Management:**
    - Regular check-ins
    - Celebrate successes
    - Address challenges promptly
    - Maintain professional boundaries
4. **Professional Development:**
    - Stay current with research
    - Attend nutrition webinars
    - Update food databases
    - Refine meal templates

### Example Client Scenarios

**Post-Surgery Recovery Plan:**

"Create recovery nutrition plan:

  1. High protein for healing (1.5g/kg)
  2. Anti-inflammatory foods
  3. Easy-to-digest options
  4. Nutrient-dense choices
  5. Hydration emphasis"

**Pregnancy Nutrition Plan:**

"Design prenatal meal plan:

  1. Folate-rich foods
  2. Adequate iron and calcium
  3. Safe fish choices
  4. Morning sickness alternatives
  5. Trimester-specific needs"

**Senior Nutrition Plan:**

"Create age-appropriate plan:

  1. Easy-to-chew textures
  2. Nutrient-dense options
  3. Smaller, frequent meals
  4. Bone health focus
  5. Social eating considerations"