Method of providing meal plan using refrigerator and refrigerator using the same

A refrigerator comprising:

• an input unit to receive personal information related to a user's health status;
• a personal information storage unit to store the personal information;
• a food material information storage unit to store information on types and amount of food stored in the refrigerator;
• a recipe storage unit to store information on ingredients and recipes required for a plurality of dishes;
• a food information storage unit to store information on effects of each ingredient or each dish on health;
• a controller to generate a meal plan based on the food material information and the recipes, and to generate a meal plan by replacing or deleting dishes included in the generated meal plan, using the personal information storage unit and the food material information storage unit;
• and
• a display unit controlled by the controller to display the generated meal plan.

A method for providing a meal plan using a refrigerator, the method comprising:

• determining by a controller using a food material information storage unit, information on food materials stored in a refrigerator;
• determining by the controller using a personal information storage unit, information related to a user's health status, personal information inputted from a user, or received from an external measuring device, or received from a personal information server provided at a medical institution or an examination institution;
• sorting the stored food materials by the controller, into food materials which should not be taken, and food materials which are recommended, based on the stored personal information;
• generating by the controller, a meal plan including a plurality of alternative dishes, using the food materials except for the food materials which should not be taken;
• including in the generated meal plan by the controller, at least one dish using the food materials which are recommended;
• and
• displaying in a display, the generated meal plan.