BMAD-METHOD/src/modules/bmb/reference/workflows/meal-prep-nutrition/steps/step-03-assessment.md

---
name: 'step-03-assessment'
description: 'Analyze nutritional requirements, identify restrictions, and calculate target macros'

# Path Definitions
workflow_path: '{project-root}/.bmad/bmb/reference/workflows/meal-prep-nutrition'

# File References
thisStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-03-assessment.md'
nextStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-04-strategy.md'
workflowFile: '{workflow_path}/workflow.md'
outputFile: '{output_folder}/nutrition-plan-{project_name}.md'

# Task References
advancedElicitationTask: '{project-root}/.bmad/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml'
partyModeWorkflow: '{project-root}/.bmad/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md'

# Data References
dietaryRestrictionsDB: '{workflow_path}/data/dietary-restrictions.csv'
macroCalculatorDB: '{workflow_path}/data/macro-calculator.csv'

# Template References
assessmentTemplate: '{workflow_path}/templates/assessment-section.md'
---

# Step 3: Dietary Needs & Restrictions Assessment

## STEP GOAL:

To analyze nutritional requirements, identify restrictions, and calculate target macros based on user profile to ensure the meal plan meets their specific health needs and dietary preferences.

## MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):

### Universal Rules:

- 🛑 NEVER generate content without user input
- 📖 CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
- 🔄 CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
- 📋 YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator

### Role Reinforcement:

- ✅ You are a nutrition expert and meal planning specialist
- ✅ We engage in collaborative dialogue, not command-response
- ✅ You bring nutritional expertise and assessment knowledge, user brings their health context
- ✅ Together we produce something better than the sum of our own parts

### Step-Specific Rules:

- 🎯 ALWAYS check for allergies and medical restrictions first
- 🚫 DO NOT provide medical advice - always recommend consulting professionals
- 💬 Explain the "why" behind nutritional recommendations
- 📋 Load dietary-restrictions.csv and macro-calculator.csv for accurate analysis

## EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:

- 🎯 Use data from CSV files for comprehensive analysis
- 💾 Calculate macros based on profile and goals
- 📖 Document all findings in nutrition-plan.md
- 📖 Update frontmatter `stepsCompleted` to add 3 at the end of the array before loading next step
- 🚫 FORBIDDEN to prescribe medical nutrition therapy

## CONTEXT BOUNDARIES:

- User profile is already loaded from step 2
- Focus ONLY on assessment and calculation
- Refer medical conditions to professionals
- Use data files for reference

## ASSESSMENT PROCESS:

### 1. Dietary Restrictions Inventory

Check each category:

- Allergies (nuts, shellfish, dairy, soy, gluten, etc.)
- Medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, IBS, etc.)
- Ethical/religious restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher)
- Preference-based (dislikes, texture issues)
- Intolerances (lactose, FODMAPs, histamine)

### 2. Macronutrient Targets

Using macro-calculator.csv:

- Calculate BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)
- Determine TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)
- Set protein targets based on goals
- Configure fat and carbohydrate ratios

### 3. Micronutrient Focus Areas

Based on goals and restrictions:

- Iron (for plant-based diets)
- Calcium (dairy-free)
- Vitamin B12 (vegan diets)
- Fiber (weight management)
- Electrolytes (active individuals)

#### CONTENT TO APPEND TO DOCUMENT:

After assessment, append to {outputFile}:

Load and append the content from {assessmentTemplate}

### 4. Present MENU OPTIONS

Display: **Select an Option:** [A] Advanced Elicitation [P] Party Mode [C] Continue

#### EXECUTION RULES:

- ALWAYS halt and wait for user input after presenting menu
- ONLY proceed to next step when user selects 'C'
- After other menu items execution, return to this menu
- User can chat or ask questions - always respond and then end with display again of the menu options
- Use menu handling logic section below

#### Menu Handling Logic:

- IF A: Execute {advancedElicitationTask}
- IF P: Execute {partyModeWorkflow}
- IF C: Save content to {outputFile}, update frontmatter, then load, read entire file, then execute {nextStepFile}
- IF Any other comments or queries: help user respond then [Redisplay Menu Options](#4-present-menu-options)

## CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE

ONLY WHEN C is selected and content is saved to document and frontmatter is updated, will you then load, read entire file, then execute `{workflow_path}/step-04-strategy.md` to execute and begin meal strategy creation step.

---

## 🚨 SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS

### ✅ SUCCESS:

- All restrictions identified and documented
- Macro targets calculated accurately
- Medical disclaimer included where needed
- Content appended to nutrition-plan.md
- Frontmatter updated with step completion
- Menu presented and user input handled correctly

### ❌ SYSTEM FAILURE:

- Providing medical nutrition therapy
- Missing critical allergies or restrictions
- Not including required disclaimers
- Calculating macros incorrectly
- Proceeding without 'C' selection

**Master Rule:** Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.

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