Inspiration
Counting calories can be a real struggle, especially when you have to worry about punching in individual numbers, and even something like a barcode scanner is commonly hidden behind a paywall. We were heavily inspired by MyFitnessPal but did not like how the barcode scanner feature was behind a paywall, which greatly reduced the user experience. We also wanted to find a fun way to inform people about the important of micronutrients when it comes to counting calories and overall health.
What it does
Users can scan a barcode from any grocery store, edit their serving size to reflect the portion they ate, and save it so that an AI assistant can provide advice on how they should move forward with their diet to cover any nutritional gaps, maintain their health, or meet their fitness goals.
How we built it
- Frontend: We used React Native and Expo to build a cross-platform app compatible with both iOS and Android. Expo's built-in tools, like the barcode scanner made it easier to implement key features.
- Backend: The backend was built using Node.js and Express, with Axios handling API requests and data transfer. We integrated the Open Food Facts API to fetch product details and Google's Gemini for personalized nutrition advice.
- Database: MongoDB Atlas was chosen for its scalability and ease of use, allowing us to store and manage user data efficiently.
Challenges we ran into
As beginners in mobile development, understanding the intricacies of React Native and Expo was a significant challenge. Implementing the barcode scanner logic, in particular, required extensive troubleshooting and experimentation. Additionally, integrating multiple APIs and ensuring seamless communication between the frontend and backend posed technical hurdles.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of creating a functional app that not only tracks meals but also provides meaningful advice based on the user's dietary habits. The integration of AI to deliver personalized feedback is a standout feature that adds real value to the user experience. Overcoming the learning curve of mobile development and successfully implementing complex features was a rewarding achievement.
What we learned
This project taught us the fundamentals of mobile app development, including how to use React Native and Expo effectively. We also gained experience in API integration, database management, and working with AI tools like Google's GenAI. Additionally, we learned the importance of user-centric design and how to create features that address real-world needs.
What's next for MyTritonPal
We plan to enhance the app by adding more interactive features, such as meal planning and goal tracking. We also aim to improve the user interface and expand the database to include more products. In the future, we hope to integrate social features, allowing users to share their progress and tips with others.
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