Many dieticians recommend keeping a food diary for patients who are trying to lose weight. This is especially helpful for patients who are at a weight plateau, or for patients who feel that they are not losing fast enough. In our busy society, many of us have developed bad habits of eating on the run, and often are not aware of the actual quantities of foods that we consume in a day. A journal or diary is a good way to make yourself more aware of what you eat. Both the Realizemysuccess and Lapband websites have food diaries you can utilize. There are also a lot of other helpful tips on these sites.