Prepare and Select Budget-Friendly Foods
This step combines the nutrition table with the price table, so each food has both its nutrient values and cost in one place. It then calculates which foods give the best protein value for money and returns the top 5. In parallel, it filters foods into meal roles based on the client’s rules—one lean high-protein item, one lower-carb item, and two different low-calorie vegetables—to build a 4-item meal option that is high in protein and budget conscious.