Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 2024
About Cookies
At Balanced Plate Hub, we use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and understand how our readers interact with our editorial content. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us remember your preferences, analyze content performance, and deliver relevant articles from our editorial collection.
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as page navigation, access to secure areas, and form submissions. Without these cookies, our site cannot operate correctly.
Examples: User session identification, CSRF protection, language preferences
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how readers engage with our editorial content. We track which articles are most popular, how long readers spend on pages, and which topics generate interest. This data helps us improve our content offerings.
Examples: Google Analytics, visitor statistics, page views, bounce rates
Preference Cookies
These cookies remember your choices to provide a personalized experience. We store preferences such as your chosen theme, font size, or content categories so you don't need to reset them on each visit.
Examples: Dark/light mode selection, preferred article categories, sidebar preferences
Third-Party Cookies
Third parties may place cookies on our site through embedded content such as social media widgets or analytics services. These allow content providers to track engagement and deliver relevant content recommendations.
Examples: Social sharing buttons, embedded video analytics, content recommendation widgets
How We Use Cookies
- ✓ Improving Editorial Experience: Personalizing article recommendations based on reading history and interests
- ✓ Content Analysis: Measuring article performance and understanding reader engagement patterns
- ✓ User Preferences: Remembering your site settings and content preferences
- ✓ Site Security: Maintaining secure sessions and preventing unauthorized access
- ✓ Performance Monitoring: Identifying and resolving technical issues
- ✓ Social Features: Enabling social sharing and community engagement
Managing Your Cookies
Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete cookies
- Block all cookies or only third-party cookies
- Set preferences for specific websites
- Enable private or incognito browsing mode
Please note: Disabling essential cookies may impact site functionality and content accessibility.
Cookie Consent
When you first visit Balanced Plate Hub, we present a cookie consent banner. You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customize your preferences. You can update your choices at any time by revisiting this page or using the cookie management tool in your browser.
Opt-Out Options
To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, you can:
- Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Disable JavaScript in your browser
- Use your browser's "Do Not Track" feature
Cookie Details
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | Essential | User session tracking and authentication | Session |
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics - user identification | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics - session tracking | 24 hours |
| _gat | Analytics | Google Analytics - request throttling | 1 minute |
| cookie_consent | Preference | User cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| theme_preference | Preference | Dark/light mode selection | 1 year |
| reading_history | Preference | Article viewing history for recommendations | 90 days |
| csrf_token | Essential | Cross-site request forgery protection | Session |
| language | Preference | Selected language for content | 1 year |
| category_filter | Preference | Article category filter preferences | 90 days |
Data Protection & Privacy
We take your privacy seriously. Cookie data is protected and never sold to third parties for marketing purposes. We comply with applicable data protection regulations including GDPR and relevant privacy laws.
For detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect personal data, please review our Disclaimer & Privacy Information.
GDPR Compliance: If you are located in the European Union, we obtain explicit consent for non-essential cookies before they are placed on your device. You have the right to access, modify, or delete cookie data at any time.
Third-Party Services
We work with trusted third-party services to enhance your experience and analyze site performance. These services may place their own cookies on your device:
Google Analytics
Tracks site usage and visitor behavior. View Google's Privacy Policy
Social Media Widgets
Enables article sharing and social engagement features. May collect data through embedded content.
Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
Optimizes media delivery and site performance. May store performance analytics.
Policy Updates & Questions
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable regulations. Significant changes will be announced on our website, and your continued use of the site indicates acceptance of any updates.
If you have questions or concerns about our cookie usage or privacy practices, please contact our editorial team:
This policy was last updated in January 2024 and is effective immediately.
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