AI assistants can plan a week of meals in seconds, but the result depends on how you ask. Vague prompts give generic plans. Specific prompts give plans that match your diet, budget and kitchen. Below are prompts you can copy, plus tips to get better answers. New to the idea? Start with Using AI to Plan Meals and Find Recipes.
What to include in every prompt
- Diet: vegetarian, eggetarian, non-vegetarian, vegan
- People and portions: how many adults and children
- Goal: weight loss, high protein, diabetic-friendly, family meals
- Budget and time: for example under 30 minutes on weekdays
- Equipment: pressure cooker, air fryer, induction cooktop
- Dislikes and allergies
Prompt 1: Full weekly plan
Create a 7-day vegetarian North Indian meal plan for 2 adults. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Each weekday meal should take under 30 minutes. Use a pressure cooker and an air fryer. No mushrooms. Give approximate protein per meal.
Prompt 2: Shopping list
From the plan above, make a shopping list grouped by vegetables, dals and grains, dairy, and spices. Combine quantities for one week.
Prompt 3: Use up leftovers
I have cooked rice, half a cabbage, two tomatoes and paneer. Suggest three quick recipes using only these plus common Indian spices.
Prompt 4: Budget version
Rewrite the plan to cost under Rs 1,500 for the week using seasonal vegetables and dals. Suggest cheaper swaps for expensive items.
Prompt 5: Meal prep order
Give me a 90-minute Sunday prep schedule for this plan, in order, with what to refrigerate and what to freeze.
Check the answers
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Nutrition numbers | AI estimates can be wrong. Use them as a guide. |
| Allergies | Always verify ingredients yourself. |
| Medical diets | Ask a doctor or dietitian first. |
| Food safety | Confirm storage times in our fridge storage guide. |
Turn the plan into a routine with our 7-day Indian meal prep plan.