Health Mentor - App Built for Trainers and Coaches

Initial Request from the Client

We were asked to create a proof of concept (PoC) for the app using the Health Flutter plugin to validate users’ data transfer on iOS (through HealthKit) and Android (through Google Fit APIs).

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The idea was that users will allow data exchange between nutrition apps like MyFitness Pal and Health Mentor via Health and Google Fit.

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Then, Health Mentor would have data entries from the apps people are already using and, utilising a modified Flutter plugin, would be able to break these data to include additional information about people’s nutrition.

As a result, users would be able to:

• See detailed data visualisation for daily nutrient consumption (segments for protein, fat, carbohydrates, calories, etc)
• Add entries on nutrients by themselves within Health Mentor
• Refresh the app and synchronise Health Mentor with other nutrition apps and pull the new data from them.

That is exactly what we did. The process was interesting and challenging — so let’s talk about the issues we’ve encountered and the ways we’ve solved them.

Challenge #1: Integrating Health Plugins in Flutter

Gathering health data from Apple Health and Google Fit in a single Flutter repository was challenging. These platforms manage data in their own ways. This makes synchronisation tricky, especially for background data fetching on iOS.

Our Solution:

Our team customised an open-source Flutter health plugin, enhancing it to:

• Pull only the relevant health data to prevent unnecessary data mix-ups.
• Maintain precise data formatting between iOS and Android.
• Ensure the background sync remains reliable, even when the iOS device is locked.

We made a flexible Flutter health plugin with the newest HealthKit and Google Fit SDKs.

Challenge #2: Building a Flexible Billing System

Health Mentor needed a billing system that could handle complex scenarios, including:

• Daily or per-client billing models
• Subscription changes mid-billing cycle
• Retaining old pricing for existing users
• Managing free-tier functionality with dynamic access

Our Solution:

We implemented a historical data sync system, ensuring the app continuously updates its billing records while maintaining pricing consistency. This robust solution prevented errors and allowed users to make smooth billing transitions.

Challenge #3: Using Twilio Conversations with Flutter

Coaches and clients needed a reliable chat feature. But Twilio stopped its Programmable Chat API while we were building the app. Twilio Conversations' replacement was still in beta and did not support Flutter.

Our Solution:

We modified Twilio's existing Flutter package to be compatible with Twilio Conversations SDK. After months of debugging and fine-tuning, we finally integrated push notifications. Our hard work paid off! We became one of the first Flutter teams globally to integrate Twilio Conversations successfully.

Challenge #4: Managing Time Zones Accurately

Coaches and clients often operate across different time zones, making it crucial that:

• Scheduled tasks align with client time zones
• Progress tracking remains accurate, even when travelling

Our Solution:

We set up a dynamic time zone system. It adjusts time-sensitive data without manual input. This ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience for users, no matter where they are.

Final Results - Flutter-Powered App

Health Mentor is now a fully functional mobile app. You can find it on both iOS and Android. It offers:

• Private messaging between clients and coaches
• Push notifications for motivation and habit tracking
• Seamless login via Apple, Google and Facebook
• Real-time synchronisation with fitness and nutrition apps
• Custom coaching plans tailored to users' needs
• Workout and goal tracking with visual progress charts
• A content library full of expert health and fitness advice
• Sleep monitoring for holistic wellness tracking

Users love Health Mentor, and the app makes a real difference.

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If you want to develop a Flutter-based wellness or healthcare app, let's chat!