Introduction
BalanceMeal ("we", "our", or "the app") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your information when you use our AI-powered nutrition and meal tracking application.
Privacy First: BalanceMeal is designed with your privacy as a core principle. All your personal data, including meal history, photos, weight records, and questionnaire responses, is stored exclusively on your device. We do not collect, transmit, or store any of your personal information on our servers.
Information We Collect and Store
Data Stored Locally on Your Device
The following information is stored exclusively on your device and never transmitted to us:
- Meal Entries: Text descriptions, photos, calorie counts, and macro information
- Activity Records: Exercise type, duration, and calories burned
- Weight Tracking: Weight measurements and optional progress photos
- Questionnaire Data: Your goals, age, height, weight, activity level, food preferences, and dietary restrictions
- Diet Plans: AI-generated personalized nutrition frameworks
- Daily Menus: AI-generated meal suggestions
- Photos: All meal and progress photos saved to the app's Documents directory
OpenAI API Key Storage
Your OpenAI API key is stored securely in your device's Keychain using Apple's secure storage mechanisms. This key is never transmitted to us and remains under your complete control.
How Your Data is Used
Local Processing
Most app functions process your data entirely on your device:
- Calculating daily calorie totals and macro breakdowns
- Tracking weekly adherence and progress
- Displaying historical entries and statistics
- Managing meal, activity, and weight records
OpenAI API Integration
When you use AI features, limited data is sent directly to OpenAI using your own API key. We act only as a conduit - the data goes from your device to OpenAI, not through our servers.
| Feature |
Data Sent to OpenAI |
Purpose |
| Meal Analysis |
Meal description and/or photo |
Calorie and macro estimation |
| Diet Plan Generation |
Goal, age, height, weight, activity level, food preferences, restrictions |
Personalized 30-day nutrition framework |
| Daily Menu |
Diet plan, previous 7 days of meals, preferences |
Context-aware meal suggestions |
| Photo Description |
Meal photo only |
Identify and describe dish |
Important: When you use AI features, your data is subject to OpenAI's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Please review OpenAI's policies at
openai.com/policies. We recommend reviewing how OpenAI handles data and understanding that they may use API data for service improvement unless you opt out.
Data We Do NOT Collect
BalanceMeal does not collect, transmit, or store any of the following:
- Personal identifying information (name, email, phone number)
- Device identifiers or analytics data
- Location data
- Usage statistics or app behavior tracking
- Crash reports or diagnostic data
- Any information about your meals, health, or nutrition
No Accounts Required: BalanceMeal does not require account creation, login, or registration. There is no user authentication system.
Third-Party Services
OpenAI
BalanceMeal integrates with OpenAI's API for AI-powered features. When you use these features:
- You provide your own OpenAI API key
- Data is sent directly from your device to OpenAI
- We do not act as an intermediary or store this data
- OpenAI's privacy policy and terms of service apply to this data
- You have a direct relationship with OpenAI
No Other Third Parties
BalanceMeal does not integrate with any other third-party services, analytics platforms, advertising networks, or data processors.
Data Security
We implement several security measures to protect your data:
- Local Storage: All data remains on your device, protected by iOS security features
- Keychain Storage: Your OpenAI API key is stored in Apple's secure Keychain
- Encrypted Transit: All communications with OpenAI use HTTPS encryption
- No Cloud Backup: App data is not automatically backed up to iCloud (controlled by iOS settings)
Your Responsibility: Since all data is stored locally, you are responsible for:
- Backing up your device if you want to preserve your data
- Protecting your device with a passcode or biometric authentication
- Securing your OpenAI API key
Your Rights and Control
Complete Data Control
Since all data is stored on your device, you have complete control:
- Access: All your data is accessible within the app at any time
- Edit: You can modify or update any entry in the History tab
- Delete: You can delete individual entries or uninstall the app to remove all data
- Export: Your data remains on your device and is not shared with us
Deleting Your Data
To completely remove all data from BalanceMeal:
- Delete individual entries within the app, or
- Uninstall the app from your device
This will permanently delete all locally stored data. Since we don't collect your data, there is nothing for us to delete on our end.
OpenAI API Key Management
You can remove your OpenAI API key at any time through the app's OpenAI Settings. The key will be deleted from your device's Keychain.
Children's Privacy
BalanceMeal is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect or process information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided data through the app, please contact us and we will provide guidance on deleting the app and its data.
Medical Disclaimer
Important Medical Disclaimer: BalanceMeal is a tracking and planning tool, not a medical application or substitute for professional medical advice. The app provides AI-generated estimates and suggestions based on general nutrition principles, not personalized medical guidance.
You should consult qualified healthcare professionals before:
- Starting any diet or exercise program
- Making significant changes to your eating habits
- Using the app if you have medical conditions, eating disorders, or are pregnant/nursing
- Relying on AI-generated calorie estimates for medical purposes
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes:
- We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Material changes will be communicated through the app or this website
- Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy
We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
International Users
BalanceMeal processes all data locally on your device. When you use OpenAI features, data is transmitted directly to OpenAI, which may process data in the United States or other countries. Please review OpenAI's privacy policy for information about international data transfers.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how BalanceMeal handles data, please contact us:
Consent
By using BalanceMeal, you consent to this Privacy Policy and understand that:
- Your data is stored locally on your device
- When you use AI features, limited data is sent to OpenAI using your API key
- We do not collect or store your personal information
- You are responsible for securing your device and API key
- The app is a tracking tool, not medical advice
If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use BalanceMeal.