You've downloaded Menu Buddy for iOS, and you're ready to revolutionize your dining life. But simply having the app is just the beginning. To truly unlock its potential—to transform from a "user" to a "master diner"—you need to understand the nuances of how the system works. This guide is your roadmap to getting the absolute most out of your digital personal assistant.

From setting up the perfect profile to asking advanced questions, here is how you can use Menu Buddy to ensure every meal is a victory for your health and your palate.

Step 1: The Foundation — Building Your Dietary Blueprints

The most common mistake new users make is being too vague with their profile. If you're a vegetarian who also avoids cilantro, don't just select the "Vegetarian" preset.

• Deep Customization: Go into settings and add every single specific dislike or subtle allergy. Our AI is granular; it can distinguish between a "Tree Nut" and a "Peanut" allergy if you specify it.
• Create Multiple Blueprints: Did you know you can save multiple profiles? Create one for your strict weekday diet and one for your "Flexible Weekend" goals. You can swap them with a single tap before you scan a menu.

Step 2: The Art of the Scan (Getting Clean Data)

The AI is powerful, but it relies on what it can see. For the best experience:

1. Lighting is Key: In a dim restaurant, try to use a bit of ambient light or the app's built-in flashlight toggle to ensure the text is crisp.
2. Capture the Descriptions: Dish names like "The Sunrise Special" tell the AI very little. Ensure the camera captures the small text descriptions below the dish names—this is where the real ingredient analysis happens.
3. Scan the Whole Page: Don't just scan the entrees. Scan the sides, drinks, and desserts to give the AI context for the entire restaurant's culinary style.

Step 3: Using "Power Prompts" in Chat

Once you've scanned a menu, don't just ask "What can I eat?" Use these specific "Power Prompts" for better results:

• The Ingredient Detective: "Flag any dishes that might contain hidden soy or corn syrup in the preparation."
• The Taste Matcher: "I'm in the mood for something creamy but low-calorie; what do you recommend from the seafood section?"
• The Social Facilitator: "I found three safe dishes; please give me a specific question I should ask the waiter for each to confirm safety."

Step 4: Leveraging On-Device AI Privacy

Remember that Menu Buddy is designed for Speed and Privacy. Because the core analysis happens on your iPhone's Neural Engine, you can use it even in basement restaurants or remote areas with no Wi-Fi. It’s consistent, reliable, and keeps your medical data entirely private.

Conclusion: Continuous Culinary Improvement

The more you use Menu Buddy, the more intuitive your dining becomes. You'll start to realize that you're spending less time worrying about the menu and more time enjoying the conversation and the atmosphere. You have an expert in your pocket—use them well.

Welcome to a world of empowered dining. Explore Menu Buddy on the App Store and start your journey toward culinary mastery.