Make ChatGPT Your Own Personal Nutritionist (Part 2)

Are you tired of making the same old side dishes and looking for new ways to use frozen veggies in your meals? In Part 2 of our series, I’ll show you how to use ChatGPT as your personal nutritionist to come up with quick, nutritious, and delicious side dishes.

With just a simple prompt, you can get healthy side dish ideas that suit your preferences and dietary needs. Let’s get started!

Why I Love Frozen Veggies

As a Registered Dietitian, I’m a big fan of frozen vegetables. They are just as nutritious as fresh veggies (if not more), and they last so much longer, making them both convenient and budget friendly. Plus, frozen veggies are typically picked and frozen at their peak, meaning you’re still getting plenty of vitamins and minerals.

When shopping for frozen veggies, I recommend looking for options that are plain with no added sauces or seasonings. This way, you can season them yourself to meet your nutritional needs and personal tastes.

Prompt to Try with ChatGPT

Here’s a great prompt you can use with ChatGPT to generate side dish ideas:

Prompt to Insert into ChatGPT:

“Can you provide me with 5 easy side dishes using frozen veggies that are under ____ calories a serving? Include serving/portion size. Please don’t include ____, as it bothers my stomach.”

💡 TIP: Be sure to fill in the blanks with your preferences! For this post, I asked for side dishes under 200 calories per serving and to exclude dairy, as it bothers my stomach.

Garlic Sautéed Green Beans

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 80 per serving

Instructions:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of frozen green beans and 1 clove of minced garlic. Sauté until the beans are tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Why You'll Love It:
This quick and simple side dish is packed with fiber, and the garlic adds a punch of flavor without many added calories. It’s a perfect complement to chicken or fish.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Serving Size: 5 oz. (about 1 medium sweet potato)
Calories: 180 per serving

Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice a medium sweet potato into thin fries. Toss the fries with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.

Why You'll Love It:
Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins A and C and provide a great alternative to regular fries. Baked, not fried, these fries are lower in calories but still give you that crispy texture.

Lemon-Garlic Asparagus

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 90 per serving

Instructions:
In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of frozen asparagus spears and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and the juice of half a lemon, stirring until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

Why You'll Love It:
This light and refreshing side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. The lemon and garlic add brightness to the asparagus, which is full of antioxidants and fiber.

Lentils with Roasted Veggies

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 190 per serving

Instructions:
Cook ½ cup of lentils according to package instructions. Meanwhile, roast 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies (such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers) at 400°F for 20 minutes. Once everything is cooked, combine the lentils and roasted veggies. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Why You'll Love It:
Lentils are a fantastic plant-based protein and are rich in fiber. This side dish is hearty and filling, perfect for adding extra nutrition to your meal.

Sautéed Zucchini

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 75 per serving

Instructions:
In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of frozen zucchini slices and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and golden brown. Season with your favorite herbs, like oregano or thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.

Why You'll Love It:
Zucchini is low in calories but high in nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. This quick sauté is versatile and can be paired with almost any main dish.

Final Thoughts on Making ChatGPT Your Own Personal Nutritionist

If you’re stuck in a rut when it comes to side dishes, try using ChatGPT to come up with new and exciting ideas! With the right prompt, you can quickly generate healthy, low-calorie side dish ideas using frozen veggies that fit your dietary needs and preferences. These easy-to-make sides are packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Don’t forget to use the ChatGPT prompt with your own preferences and give these side dishes a try. Stay tuned for more helpful prompts in Part 3 of this series!