Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for using an electronic mail (e-mail) interface to initiate and configure an electronic fund transfer. A fund transfer module is operatively interfaced with an e-mail module, allowing the fund transfer module and e-mail module to communicate data between each other. Responsive to the e-mail module receiving a generation input, data describing a fund transfer is received. The generation input can be s a user request or a receive e-mail including a request for payment. A representation of the fund transfer is generated from the received data and displayed by the e-mail module. For example, the fund transfer is displayed in a format replicating the appearance of a paper check. Responsive to the e-mail module receiving a user confirmation input that the representation of the fund transfer is accurate, an electronic transfer packet including the data describing the fund transfer is generated.

Abstract: A system provides via multiple communications channels flexible nutritional counseling that encourages users to adhere to a sensible diet. The system may recommend a compliant meal having nutritional content that is within certain dietary parameters applicable to the user. However, the system may also recommend a non-compliant meal having nutritional content that is not within the dietary parameters, but is a sensible choice in view of constraints that make it impossible or infeasible to select a compliant meal. Thus, the system may recommend a meal that is not an optimal selection, but that is a best selection from among a set of non-compliant options. Accordingly, the user has flexibility to deviate from optimal choices as practically necessary or desirable. The user confirms meals actually consumed, and the system can account for an indulgence when recommending a next meal, and/or send a motivational message to the user encouraging compliant behavior.