Abstract: A system for entering and monitoring dietary data for use with a computer includes a handheld electronic device having an input mechanism for inputting dietary data. The handheld device may be interfaced with the computer for communication therebetween. The system includes software for operation upon the computer, which includes instructions for retrieving the dietary information from the electronic device. The computer includes a printer and display and the software includes instructions enabling the dietary information to be analyzed and for the analyzed data to be displayed graphically on the display. Nutritional data may also be printed as a barcode for application to a label or restaurant menu. Dietary data, in the form of recipes or recipe libraries, may be input directly into the computer and then uploaded to the electronic device for user selection. The system provides storage, analysis, and comparisons of actual consumption and target consumption data.