I built a free fitness tracker with no backend and no account — here's what I learned

Description and use

Built a free, account‑less fitness tracker that runs entirely in the browser, stores data locally in IndexedDB, and monetizes via banner ads.

Problem

Existing calorie trackers either paywalled or required account creation, limiting accessibility and user privacy.

Outcome

Nawtch provides a fully functional, privacy‑respecting fitness tracker that runs entirely in the browser, with no account or paywall, and monetizes via unobtrusive banner ads.

Workflow

• 1. Renamed app from Foop to Nawtch after checking name availability.
• 2. Migrated domain to .app and .com.
• 3. Rebuilt from SPA to separate pages (index, foods, weight, programs, history).
• 4. Ensured IndexedDB persistence across pages by auditing state dependencies.
• 5. Removed tiered monetization model; adopted free‑forever with banner ads.
• 6. Added content pages (Calculators, Diets, Guides) with cited sources for trust.
• 7. Launched and promoted via SEO and word‑of‑mouth.

Evidence

I built Nawtch — a free fitness tracker that runs entirely in your browser, stores everything locally via IndexedDB, and never asks you to sign up.

Source

The app started as a single-page app with client-side JS routing — one index.html, everything else swapped in and out via onClick handlers.

Source

I scrapped the tiers. Nawtch is free forever, every feature unlocked, no account required, ever.

Source