Information gathered in the assessment phase will allow both patient and practitioner to understand more about current eating habits – developing the practice of recording food intake is invaluable. It is useful to record information about the types of food eaten as well as the circumstances of eating.

If food diaries are used it is worth remembering that:

• A food diary is primarily a tool for the patient, which should help them to become more aware of their current eating behaviour
• Diary-keeping can be a difficult skill and some people may need coaching and practice to get the best from this
• The review of food diaries can form the basis of a helpful and collaborative discussion between the patient and the helper
• Keeping a diary is one of the