Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about TrueCal, from getting started to privacy.
Getting Started
Quick answers for first-time users setting up TrueCal.
What is TrueCal?
TrueCal is an AI-powered calorie tracking app that lets you log meals in plain English through ChatGPT.
How does TrueCal work with ChatGPT?
You describe what you ate in ChatGPT. TrueCal interprets the message, estimates portions, and logs calories and macros.
Do I need ChatGPT Plus?
No. TrueCal works with ChatGPT access in the web app. If you have Plus, it can make the experience faster, but it is not required.
How do I install TrueCal?
There is nothing to install. Sign in at TrueCal and start logging inside ChatGPT.
Is there a mobile app?
TrueCal is web-based today, so you can use it in any mobile browser without downloads.
Can I use TrueCal on my phone?
Yes. The experience is mobile-first and works in your phone browser or ChatGPT mobile app.
What languages are supported?
TrueCal supports English today. Additional languages are planned as the beta grows.
How do I get started?
Click "Start Your 14 Days of Pro," connect to ChatGPT, and log your first meal in seconds.
Is my data synced across devices?
Yes. Your logs are stored in your account and available on desktop and mobile.
Can I use TrueCal without ChatGPT?
TrueCal is designed to work through ChatGPT. A standalone interface is on the roadmap.
Is TrueCal available worldwide?
Yes. Anyone with web access can use TrueCal, and regional nutrition databases are expanding.
Logging Food
How TrueCal handles meals, portions, and accuracy.
How accurate is the calorie counting?
TrueCal provides best-available estimates based on food databases and typical portion sizes. You can always edit entries.
What foods can it track?
Most common foods, restaurant items, and packaged brands are supported.
Can it handle restaurant meals?
Yes. TrueCal recognizes popular chains and can estimate nutrition for custom meals.
What about homemade recipes?
Describe the recipe or list the ingredients, and TrueCal will estimate the per-serving nutrition.
Does it track macros?
Yes—during Pro or your 14 days of Pro access. After that, macros are hidden unless you upgrade.
Can I track alcohol?
Yes. Wine, beer, cocktails, and spirits can be logged in plain language.
How does it handle portion sizes?
TrueCal interprets phrases like half a bowl or two slices and lets you adjust if needed.
Can I edit logged entries?
Absolutely. Just tell TrueCal what to change and it will update the log.
What about branded foods?
TrueCal recognizes many branded items and will use the closest nutrition match when needed.
How do I log snacks?
Snacks work like any meal. Say snacked on a granola bar and TrueCal will add it.
Features & Pricing
Plan details, upgrades, and what's included.
Is TrueCal free?
Start with 14 days of Pro access. After that, calorie tracking is free forever and macros are hidden — upgrade for $5/mo to see protein, carbs, and fat.
What's included in the free plan?
Unlimited meal logging and calorie tracking. Macros (protein, carbs, fat) require Pro.
Do you have a premium plan?
Yes! Pro is $5/mo or $45/yr (25% off). It unlocks protein, carbs, and fat tracking.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. You can cancel anytime from your billing portal, and your free tier remains.
Do you offer refunds?
If you need help with a charge, contact support and we'll review refunds case-by-case.
Privacy & Data
Your logs are yours. Here's how we protect them.
Where is my data stored?
Data is stored securely in our cloud infrastructure and tied to your TrueCal account.
Do you sell my data?
No. We never sell your personal data or food logs.
Can I export my data?
Yes. You can request an export of your food logs at any time.
How do I delete my account?
You can delete your account from the app settings or contact support for help.
Is my food data encrypted?
Yes. We encrypt data in transit and at rest.
Nutrition Basics
Quick definitions for the nutrition terms you'll see.
What is TDEE?
TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure, the number of calories your body burns in a day.
How do calories work?
Calories measure energy. Eating more than you burn leads to weight gain, and eating less leads to weight loss.
What are macros?
Macros are macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. They make up the calories you eat.
How much protein do I need?
Most people aim for 0.7 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight, depending on goals.
What's the difference between calories and macros?
Calories tell you total energy, while macros show where those calories come from.
How does metabolism work?
Metabolism is the process your body uses to convert food into energy for daily functions and activity.
What is BMR?
BMR is Basal Metabolic Rate, the calories your body burns at rest.
Should I count net carbs?
Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber. They are helpful for low-carb diets but not required for everyone.
What are micronutrients?
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that support health, like iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
How do I calculate my calorie deficit?
Subtract 250 to 500 calories from your estimated TDEE for gradual weight loss.
What's a healthy rate of weight loss?
Most experts recommend 0.5 to 1.0 pounds per week for sustainable progress.
How many carbs should I eat?
Carb needs vary by activity level, but many people start with 40 to 55 percent of total calories.
What's the thermic effect of food?
The thermic effect of food is the energy your body uses to digest and process what you eat.
How do I know if I'm eating enough protein?
Track your daily protein intake and compare it to your target range based on your body weight and goals.
What's the difference between simple and complex carbs?
Simple carbs digest quickly, while complex carbs digest more slowly and provide sustained energy.
Comparisons
How TrueCal stacks up against traditional trackers.
How is TrueCal different from MyFitnessPal?
TrueCal replaces manual searches with natural language and AI-powered portion estimates.
TrueCal vs Lose It?
Lose It is a traditional tracker. TrueCal focuses on conversational logging through ChatGPT.
Why not just use ChatGPT directly?
TrueCal connects ChatGPT to a structured nutrition engine and keeps a persistent food log.
TrueCal vs Noom?
Noom emphasizes coaching programs. TrueCal emphasizes fast, frictionless food logging.
Is TrueCal better than manual tracking?
Most people log more consistently because TrueCal removes the tedious parts of manual tracking.
Still have questions?
Start your 14 days of Pro and see why conversational logging works.