New to Gaia - where is Android setting to keep it turned off when not being used?

Hi there

I have recently downloaded the app and I am part of a group. I have not had time to look into how Gaia works but had to spend a half hour not finding the answer to my simple and, one would think, initial question: how do I keep it from opening itself up and consuming data? Every time I turn around I get a notification that Gaia is up to no good. 

I have a fairly skimpy data plan. I want to use the app very occasionally and have it stay dormant at other times. Can’t find the setting to manage it’s consumption and barely understand the settings because I don’t have time to understand the app, at the moment, 

This info should be readily available to new users. 

Please help! Thank you!