Platemate-Refresh / backend /seed_data.py
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PlateMate: AI food recognition with RAG-powered nutrition advice
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DOCUMENTS = [
# --- Pizza & Italian ---
{
"food": "pizza",
"category": "italian",
"text": (
"Traditional pizza dough is made from refined white flour, which spikes blood sugar. "
"A healthier alternative uses whole-wheat flour or a cauliflower crust, cutting carbs by up to 60%. "
"Top with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms instead of processed meats. "
"Use part-skim mozzarella or nutritional yeast to reduce saturated fat. A thin-crust vegetable pizza "
"with a drizzle of olive oil provides fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats while keeping calories around 200 per slice."
),
},
{
"food": "pizza",
"category": "italian",
"text": (
"Cauliflower crust pizza recipe: pulse one head of cauliflower into rice-sized pieces, microwave 4 minutes, "
"squeeze out moisture, mix with one egg and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Press onto a parchment-lined baking sheet "
"and bake at 425°F for 12 minutes. Top with marinara, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta. "
"This version has roughly 150 calories per slice compared to 300+ for traditional pizza."
),
},
{
"food": "pasta",
"category": "italian",
"text": (
"Swap regular pasta for whole-grain, chickpea, or lentil-based pasta to increase protein and fiber. "
"Chickpea pasta contains about 25g protein per serving compared to 7g in white pasta. "
"Replace cream-based sauces with marinara or pesto made from fresh basil, pine nuts, and olive oil. "
"Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes for volume without excess calories."
),
},
{
"food": "lasagna",
"category": "italian",
"text": (
"Healthy lasagna substitutes: use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant in place of pasta sheets. "
"Replace ricotta with blended cottage cheese for higher protein and lower fat. Use ground turkey "
"or lentils instead of ground beef to cut saturated fat by 50%. Layer with spinach and roasted "
"red peppers for extra vitamins. A veggie-forward lasagna can have 250 calories per serving "
"compared to 400+ for traditional versions."
),
},
# --- Burgers & Sandwiches ---
{
"food": "hamburger",
"category": "burgers",
"text": (
"A standard fast-food burger has 500-700 calories with high saturated fat. Healthier alternatives: "
"use lean ground turkey (93% lean) or make black bean patties blended with oats and spices. "
"Wrap in lettuce leaves instead of a white bun, or use a whole-grain bun. Top with avocado slices "
"instead of cheese, and add plenty of fresh vegetables. A turkey burger in a lettuce wrap "
"with avocado runs about 300 calories with 25g protein."
),
},
{
"food": "hamburger",
"category": "burgers",
"text": (
"Black bean burger recipe: mash one can of black beans, mix with 1/2 cup oats, one egg, "
"diced onion, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Form into patties and bake at 375°F for "
"10 minutes per side. Each patty has about 180 calories, 10g protein, and 8g fiber. "
"Serve on a whole-wheat bun with arugula, tomato, and a tahini drizzle."
),
},
{
"food": "sandwich",
"category": "burgers",
"text": (
"Upgrade sandwiches by swapping white bread for whole-grain or sourdough, which has a lower "
"glycemic index. Use hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayo to add fiber and healthy fats. "
"Choose grilled chicken or turkey breast over deli meats, which are high in sodium and nitrates. "
"Load up on vegetables: spinach, cucumber, roasted peppers, and sprouts add crunch and nutrients."
),
},
# --- Asian Cuisine ---
{
"food": "sushi",
"category": "asian",
"text": (
"Sushi can be healthy but watch portion sizes of white rice, which is high-glycemic. "
"Request brown rice sushi for more fiber and nutrients. Choose sashimi (just fish) to skip "
"rice entirely. Avoid tempura rolls and spicy mayo, which add 200+ calories per roll. "
"Opt for rolls with salmon, tuna, or vegetables. Edamame is an excellent protein-rich side. "
"A salmon avocado roll with brown rice has about 250 calories with omega-3 fatty acids."
),
},
{
"food": "ramen",
"category": "asian",
"text": (
"Traditional ramen broth is rich but calorie-dense. For a lighter version, use a miso or "
"chicken bone broth base with less sodium. Swap instant noodles for shirataki (konjac) noodles "
"which have nearly zero calories, or use whole-wheat ramen. Add soft-boiled egg for protein, "
"plenty of bok choy, mushrooms, and scallions. A bowl of miso ramen with shirataki noodles "
"and vegetables has about 200 calories compared to 500+ for standard tonkotsu ramen."
),
},
{
"food": "fried rice",
"category": "asian",
"text": (
"Fried rice is typically made with day-old white rice and lots of oil. Healthier version: "
"use cauliflower rice or brown rice, cook with just one tablespoon of sesame oil, and load "
"with vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and edamame. Use coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce. "
"Add scrambled egg or tofu for protein. Cauliflower fried rice has about 150 calories per cup "
"compared to 350+ for traditional fried rice."
),
},
{
"food": "pad thai",
"category": "asian",
"text": (
"Pad Thai is high in calories from rice noodles, sugar, and oil. A healthier version uses "
"spiralized zucchini or sweet potato noodles, replaces sugar with a small amount of honey "
"or date paste, and uses less oil. Add shrimp or tofu for lean protein, plenty of bean sprouts, "
"and crushed peanuts for healthy fats. Zucchini noodle pad thai runs about 250 calories "
"compared to 400+ for the original."
),
},
# --- Salads & Vegetables ---
{
"food": "salad",
"category": "salads",
"text": (
"Not all salads are healthy — Caesar salad with dressing can exceed 600 calories. "
"Build a nutritious salad: start with dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula) "
"which have more nutrients than iceberg lettuce. Add lean protein (grilled chicken, "
"chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs), healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil), and fiber "
"(quinoa, roasted sweet potato). Use vinaigrette instead of creamy dressings."
),
},
{
"food": "salad",
"category": "salads",
"text": (
"Power salad recipe: combine 2 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup quinoa, 4 oz grilled chicken, "
"1/4 avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and toasted almonds. Dress with lemon-tahini "
"dressing (2 tbsp tahini, juice of one lemon, 1 tbsp water, pinch of salt). "
"This meal has about 450 calories, 35g protein, 10g fiber, and covers multiple food groups."
),
},
{
"food": "caesar salad",
"category": "salads",
"text": (
"Lighten Caesar salad: replace croutons with roasted chickpeas (more protein, more fiber). "
"Make dressing from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a small amount of Parmesan "
"instead of the traditional egg-and-oil version. Use romaine hearts with added kale for "
"extra nutrients. Add grilled shrimp or salmon instead of just cheese. "
"This version cuts calories by 40% while adding 15g more protein."
),
},
# --- Breakfast ---
{
"food": "pancakes",
"category": "breakfast",
"text": (
"Traditional pancakes are made with white flour and topped with syrup, creating a blood sugar spike. "
"Healthier version: blend one banana with two eggs for a 2-ingredient pancake, or use oat flour. "
"Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of pure maple syrup (less than regular syrup), "
"and a tablespoon of almond butter for protein and healthy fats. Banana-egg pancakes "
"have about 150 calories per serving with 10g protein."
),
},
{
"food": "french toast",
"category": "breakfast",
"text": (
"Make french toast healthier by using whole-grain or sourdough bread instead of white bread. "
"Use an egg wash with unsweetened almond milk and cinnamon instead of heavy cream. "
"Cook in coconut oil spray rather than butter. Top with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit "
"instead of powdered sugar and syrup. This version provides 250 calories per serving "
"with 15g protein from the egg and yogurt."
),
},
{
"food": "omelette",
"category": "breakfast",
"text": (
"Omelettes are already a great protein source. Make them healthier by using one whole egg "
"plus two egg whites to reduce cholesterol. Fill with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, and "
"bell peppers instead of just cheese and ham. Use feta or goat cheese (stronger flavor, "
"so you need less). Cook in olive oil instead of butter. A veggie omelette with feta "
"has about 250 calories and 20g protein."
),
},
# --- Mexican & Latin ---
{
"food": "tacos",
"category": "mexican",
"text": (
"Swap fried taco shells for soft corn tortillas, which are lower in calories and gluten-free. "
"Use grilled fish (mahi-mahi or shrimp) or seasoned black beans instead of ground beef. "
"Top with fresh pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime instead of sour cream "
"and shredded cheese. Fish tacos with corn tortillas have about 200 calories each "
"with 20g protein and omega-3 fatty acids."
),
},
{
"food": "burrito",
"category": "mexican",
"text": (
"Burritos are calorie-dense (800+ calories) due to large tortillas, rice, cheese, and sour cream. "
"Make a burrito bowl instead: skip the tortilla and serve over cauliflower rice or a small portion "
"of brown rice. Use chicken or carnitas, black beans, corn salsa, and guacamole. "
"A burrito bowl with lean protein runs about 450 calories with 30g protein and plenty of fiber."
),
},
{
"food": "nachos",
"category": "mexican",
"text": (
"Replace tortilla chips with baked sweet potato rounds or baked whole-grain pita chips. "
"Use black bean dip instead of processed cheese sauce. Top with grilled chicken, "
"fresh jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. "
"Sweet potato nachos have about 300 calories per serving compared to 500+ for loaded nachos."
),
},
# --- Seafood ---
{
"food": "fish and chips",
"category": "seafood",
"text": (
"Traditional fish and chips are deep-fried, adding 300+ unnecessary calories. "
"Bake the fish instead: coat cod or haddock in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, "
"lemon zest, and herbs, then bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Make oven-baked fries "
"by tossing potato wedges with a tablespoon of olive oil and baking until crispy. "
"Baked fish and chips has about 350 calories compared to 800+ for the fried version."
),
},
{
"food": "shrimp",
"category": "seafood",
"text": (
"Shrimp is naturally low-calorie (about 7 calories per shrimp) and high in protein. "
"Avoid breaded and fried preparations. Instead, grill or sauté with garlic and olive oil. "
"Pair with roasted vegetables and quinoa for a complete meal. Shrimp is also rich in "
"selenium and vitamin B12. A grilled shrimp bowl with vegetables and quinoa "
"has about 350 calories and 35g protein."
),
},
# --- Desserts & Sweets ---
{
"food": "ice cream",
"category": "desserts",
"text": (
"Blend frozen bananas into 'nice cream' for a creamy, dairy-free alternative with no added sugar. "
"Add cocoa powder for chocolate flavor, or frozen berries for fruit varieties. "
"For a protein boost, blend in a tablespoon of peanut butter or protein powder. "
"Banana nice cream has about 100 calories per serving compared to 250+ for regular ice cream, "
"plus it provides potassium and fiber."
),
},
{
"food": "cake",
"category": "desserts",
"text": (
"Healthier cake alternatives: use almond flour or oat flour instead of white flour for more "
"protein and fiber. Replace butter with applesauce or mashed banana (cuts fat by 75%). "
"Use honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar. Greek yogurt frosting (Greek yogurt "
"whipped with a touch of honey and vanilla) replaces buttercream. An almond flour cake "
"has about 180 calories per slice compared to 350+ for traditional cake."
),
},
{
"food": "chocolate",
"category": "desserts",
"text": (
"Choose dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) over milk chocolate for more antioxidants "
"and less sugar. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that support heart health. "
"Limit portions to 1-2 squares (about 1 oz). Pair with almonds or strawberries "
"for a satisfying, nutrient-rich dessert. An ounce of dark chocolate has about "
"170 calories with beneficial polyphenols and magnesium."
),
},
{
"food": "cookies",
"category": "desserts",
"text": (
"Healthy cookie recipe: mix 2 ripe bananas, 1 cup oats, and a handful of dark chocolate chips. "
"Optional add-ins: chia seeds, shredded coconut, or walnuts. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet "
"and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes. These 3-ingredient cookies have about 60 calories each "
"with no added sugar, flour, or butter. The oats provide fiber and the banana adds natural sweetness."
),
},
# --- Chicken & Poultry ---
{
"food": "fried chicken",
"category": "poultry",
"text": (
"Fried chicken absorbs significant oil during cooking, adding 200+ calories per piece. "
"Oven-fried alternative: marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk, coat in seasoned whole-wheat "
"panko, and bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Use skinless chicken to reduce fat. "
"Air-frying is another excellent option. Oven-fried chicken has about 220 calories per piece "
"compared to 400+ for deep-fried, with the same satisfying crunch."
),
},
{
"food": "chicken wings",
"category": "poultry",
"text": (
"Buffalo wings are typically deep-fried and coated in butter-based sauce. Healthier version: "
"bake wings at 400°F for 40 minutes until crispy, then toss in a sauce made from hot sauce "
"and a small amount of honey instead of butter. Serve with carrot and celery sticks with "
"Greek yogurt ranch dip. Baked wings have about 80 calories each versus 120+ for fried."
),
},
# --- Rice & Grains ---
{
"food": "white rice",
"category": "grains",
"text": (
"White rice is a high-glycemic food with limited nutrients. Healthier alternatives: "
"brown rice (more fiber and B vitamins), quinoa (complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids), "
"cauliflower rice (90% fewer calories), or farro (chewy texture with high fiber). "
"Mixing half cauliflower rice with half regular rice is an easy way to cut calories by 45% "
"while maintaining a familiar texture."
),
},
# --- Soups ---
{
"food": "soup",
"category": "soups",
"text": (
"Cream-based soups (chowder, bisque) can have 300+ calories per bowl. Switch to broth-based "
"soups with plenty of vegetables, beans, and lean protein. Blend a portion of the vegetables "
"to create creaminess without actual cream. Lentil soup is exceptionally nutritious: "
"one bowl has about 230 calories, 18g protein, and 15g fiber. Season with turmeric, "
"cumin, and lemon for anti-inflammatory benefits."
),
},
# --- Snacks ---
{
"food": "chips",
"category": "snacks",
"text": (
"Potato chips are deep-fried and high in sodium. Healthier alternatives: bake thin-sliced "
"sweet potatoes or kale leaves with a light olive oil spray and sea salt at 300°F. "
"Air-popped popcorn seasoned with nutritional yeast is another excellent swap — "
"3 cups have only 90 calories with fiber. Roasted chickpeas (tossed with spices and "
"baked at 400°F for 30 minutes) provide protein and crunch at 120 calories per serving."
),
},
{
"food": "french fries",
"category": "snacks",
"text": (
"French fries absorb a lot of oil during deep-frying. Healthier swaps: bake sweet potato fries "
"(more vitamin A and fiber) or regular potato wedges tossed in one tablespoon of olive oil "
"at 425°F for 25 minutes. Air-fried fries use 80% less oil. Jicama fries are a low-carb "
"alternative with a satisfying crunch. Baked sweet potato fries have about 130 calories "
"per serving compared to 365 for fast-food fries."
),
},
# --- Drinks ---
{
"food": "smoothie",
"category": "drinks",
"text": (
"Many commercial smoothies are sugar bombs (60-80g sugar). Build a balanced smoothie: "
"use unsweetened almond milk as the base, add one cup of frozen berries (natural sweetness), "
"a handful of spinach (undetectable flavor, adds iron and vitamins), one tablespoon of "
"nut butter or chia seeds (healthy fats and protein), and half a banana for creaminess. "
"This balanced smoothie has about 250 calories with 10g protein and 8g fiber."
),
},
# --- General Nutrition Principles ---
{
"food": "general",
"category": "nutrition",
"text": (
"The plate method is an easy way to build balanced meals: fill half your plate with "
"non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, peppers), one quarter with lean protein "
"(chicken, fish, tofu, legumes), and one quarter with whole grains or starchy vegetables. "
"This approach naturally controls portions and ensures nutrient diversity without counting calories."
),
},
{
"food": "general",
"category": "nutrition",
"text": (
"Healthy cooking methods ranked by calorie impact: steaming and poaching add zero calories; "
"grilling and roasting need minimal oil; sautéing uses moderate oil; deep-frying adds the most. "
"Switching from frying to baking typically saves 100-300 calories per serving. "
"Use non-stick pans, cooking sprays, or small amounts of high-quality olive or avocado oil."
),
},
{
"food": "general",
"category": "nutrition",
"text": (
"Common healthy ingredient swaps: Greek yogurt for sour cream (more protein, less fat), "
"avocado for mayo (healthy monounsaturated fats), coconut aminos for soy sauce (less sodium), "
"nutritional yeast for cheese (B vitamins, lower calories), date paste for refined sugar "
"(adds fiber and minerals), and lettuce wraps for tortillas (saves 100+ calories per wrap)."
),
},
{
"food": "general",
"category": "nutrition",
"text": (
"Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, helping you feel full longer. "
"Aim for 20-30g protein per meal. Best lean protein sources: chicken breast (31g per 4 oz), "
"Greek yogurt (17g per cup), lentils (18g per cup cooked), eggs (6g each), "
"salmon (25g per 4 oz with heart-healthy omega-3s), and tofu (20g per cup)."
),
},
{
"food": "general",
"category": "nutrition",
"text": (
"Fiber is crucial for digestive health and satiety but most people only get half "
"the recommended 25-30g per day. High-fiber foods: lentils (15g per cup), "
"black beans (15g per cup), avocado (10g each), raspberries (8g per cup), "
"chia seeds (10g per ounce), and oats (4g per cup cooked). Adding these to meals "
"increases fullness and supports healthy blood sugar levels."
),
},
# --- Indian ---
{
"food": "curry",
"category": "indian",
"text": (
"Many curries use heavy cream and ghee, pushing calories to 500+ per serving. "
"Healthier version: use coconut milk (light variety) or blended cashews for creaminess. "
"Load with vegetables like cauliflower, chickpeas, and spinach. Spices like turmeric, "
"cumin, and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. A chickpea spinach curry "
"with light coconut milk has about 280 calories per serving with 15g protein and 10g fiber."
),
},
{
"food": "biryani",
"category": "indian",
"text": (
"Biryani is calorie-dense due to generous amounts of oil, white rice, and sometimes fried onions. "
"Lighter version: use brown basmati rice, reduce oil to 1 tablespoon, and increase vegetables. "
"Add lean protein like chicken breast or chickpeas. Use yogurt-based marinade for flavor "
"without excess fat. A lighter chicken biryani has about 350 calories per serving "
"compared to 550+ for the traditional version."
),
},
# --- Steak & Red Meat ---
{
"food": "steak",
"category": "meat",
"text": (
"Choose lean cuts like sirloin, flank, or tenderloin over ribeye or T-bone to reduce "
"saturated fat. Trim visible fat before cooking. Grill or broil instead of pan-frying in butter. "
"Limit portion to 4-6 oz (about the size of a deck of cards). Pair with roasted vegetables "
"and a baked sweet potato instead of creamy sides. A 4 oz grilled sirloin has about "
"200 calories and 26g protein."
),
},
# --- Breakfast cereals ---
{
"food": "cereal",
"category": "breakfast",
"text": (
"Most commercial cereals are high in added sugar (10-15g per serving). Healthier alternatives: "
"steel-cut oats (more filling, lower glycemic), overnight oats with chia seeds and berries, "
"or homemade granola with oats, nuts, and a small amount of honey. If buying cereal, "
"choose options with less than 5g sugar and at least 3g fiber per serving. "
"Top with fresh fruit instead of adding sugar."
),
},
{
"food": "waffles",
"category": "breakfast",
"text": (
"Traditional waffles use white flour, sugar, and butter. Make protein waffles by blending "
"oats, banana, eggs, and a scoop of protein powder. The result is crispy outside, fluffy inside, "
"with about 200 calories and 20g protein per waffle. Top with Greek yogurt and fresh berries "
"instead of syrup and whipped cream for a balanced breakfast."
),
},
# --- Mediterranean ---
{
"food": "falafel",
"category": "mediterranean",
"text": (
"Traditional falafel is deep-fried, absorbing significant oil. Baked falafel version: "
"blend chickpeas with parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and a tablespoon of olive oil. "
"Form into balls and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve in whole-wheat pita "
"with tahini, cucumber, and tomato. Baked falafel has about 60 calories per ball "
"compared to 100+ for deep-fried."
),
},
{
"food": "hummus",
"category": "mediterranean",
"text": (
"Hummus is already a healthy snack — chickpeas provide protein and fiber, and tahini offers "
"healthy fats. To make it even healthier, use less tahini and more lemon juice, or add "
"roasted beets, roasted red pepper, or edamame as a base for variety and extra nutrients. "
"Pair with raw vegetables instead of pita chips. A quarter cup of hummus has about "
"100 calories with 5g protein and 3g fiber."
),
},
# --- Chinese ---
{
"food": "sweet and sour chicken",
"category": "chinese",
"text": (
"Sweet and sour chicken is typically battered, deep-fried, and coated in sugary sauce (600+ calories). "
"Healthier version: use baked chicken breast pieces, and make sauce from rice vinegar, "
"a tablespoon of honey, tomato paste, and low-sodium soy sauce. Add pineapple chunks "
"and bell peppers. Serve over cauliflower rice. This version has about 300 calories "
"with 30g protein."
),
},
{
"food": "lo mein",
"category": "chinese",
"text": (
"Lo mein noodles are stir-fried with oil, adding significant calories. Swap for zucchini noodles "
"or shirataki noodles. Use less oil (1 tbsp sesame oil is enough for flavor), add extra vegetables "
"(snap peas, bok choy, mushrooms, carrots), and include lean protein like shrimp or tofu. "
"Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Veggie lo mein with shirataki noodles "
"has about 180 calories per serving."
),
},
# --- Baked Goods ---
{
"food": "muffin",
"category": "baked_goods",
"text": (
"Store-bought muffins can have 400-500 calories and 30g+ sugar. Healthy muffin recipe: "
"mix 2 cups oat flour, 2 mashed bananas, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup honey, 1 cup blueberries. "
"Bake at 350°F for 18 minutes. Each muffin has about 120 calories with natural sweetness "
"from banana and berries. Add walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids."
),
},
{
"food": "bread",
"category": "baked_goods",
"text": (
"Choose bread wisely: whole-grain or sprouted-grain bread (like Ezekiel) has more fiber, "
"protein, and nutrients than white bread. Sourdough has a lower glycemic index due to "
"fermentation. Avoid breads with high-fructose corn syrup or long ingredient lists. "
"Two slices of sprouted-grain bread have about 160 calories with 8g protein and 6g fiber."
),
},
]