In today's health-conscious world, maintaining a balanced diet that meets specific nutritional needs can be a daunting task. Many find themselves lost in a sea of conflicting information, struggling to create meal plans that satisfy both their health goals and personal preferences. The challenge of optimizing nutrition while considering factors like cost, calories, and weight often leaves individuals frustrated and overwhelmed.
This is where my passion for mathematics and problem-solving comes into play. During my mathematics degree, I studied Optimisation Methods and Operational Research, mastering complex algorithms like the simplex method. However, I didn't stop at theoretical understanding. I saw an opportunity to apply these advanced concepts to a real-world problem that affects millions of people daily.
Leveraging the knowledge gained from my "Optimisation Methods and Operational Research" course, I developed - a first of its kind - Nutrition Optimiser. This tool is designed to minimize cost, calories, or weight while meeting customizable micro and macro nutrient requirements. What sets this project apart is not just its practical application, but the fact that I built it from the ground up, without relying on existing libraries. This approach allowed me to showcase my deep understanding of the underlying mathematical principles and my ability to translate complex algorithms into functional code.
The most exciting aspect of this project was the challenge of implementing it in JavaScript, a language I had never used before. This experience demonstrates my adaptability and eagerness to learn new skills to bring mathematical concepts to life, and make them as accessible as possible. By successfully creating this tool in an unfamiliar programming environment, I've proven my ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, regardless of the technical obstacles.
The result is a powerful, user-friendly system that empowers individuals to take control of their nutrition with precision and ease. Future expansions include more food items calling upon a large database, the ability to fix some foods as given, exclude foods and add dietary requirements. This project not only showcases my mathematical expertise but also highlights my commitment to creating solutions that make a tangible difference in people's lives. It stands as a testament to my ability to transform abstract mathematical concepts into practical, impactful tools that address real-world challenges.
