Dear Diary...

A food diary is like a secret weapon in the weight-loss arsenal. It is the best way of getting a true picture of what your eating habits are like and where problem areas lie.

If you're not already keeping one, why not start today? It's an excellent first step toward losing weight or to maintain a healthy weight if you're already at your goal. Here is some advice on getting started:

More: Six Steps to a Great Food Diary