Are computer programs that analyze the nutritional profile of your diet useful for the average person? —S.F., Fremont, Calif.

Probably not. Such software can help dietitians tailor advice to patients with special dietary needs because of diabetes, advanced kidney disease, or other reasons. But there’s little need for the average consumer to scrutinize his or her diet with such precision and at such expense (around $100 for most programs). You can find lots of general nutritional advice, plus a free meal tracker that assesses the quality of your diet, at MyPyramid.gov, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site. Or track your food intake yourself with a pencil and paper, a simple method that has been shown to improve eating habits, especially when you are trying to lose weight. If you need more in-depth advice, seek out a registered dietitian.