Almost anyone you ask will say they are concerned with their diet. So why do so many people make such poor nutritional choices? Improper diet can lead to a variety of problems, and eventually lead to obesity, heart problems, joint and arthritis problems, and overall bad health. There are many things that you can do to slowly improve the way that you eat and the foods that are a part of your everyday diet. By starting to make small changes you will find that it is easier to accept the change. If you decide that you are going to take drastic measures to improve your daily diet you find that you revert back to your earlier eating habits when the cravings start to happen.

It is important that you get enough fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Try to choose vegetables that are dark in color, such a leafy greens for your salad. When you are choosing fruits try to pick fruits that have a high amount of vitamins, such as bananas or oranges. Start slowly by increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables that you eat in one day and before you know it you'll be up to the recommended amount of fresh foods that you consume.

Next, consider what types of grain and breads you're eating. Breads and pastries made with white or other refined flour offer no nutritional value. On the other hand, whole grains are full of fiber, vitamins and minerals. You might consider eating a bran cereal for breakfast as a way to start changing your habits. It won't take that long to realize that whole grains actually taste good as well as make you feel healthier.

Make healthy selections for protein - fish and poultry and limit the amount of red meat in your diet. Plan to reduce your intake of fat in your diet, animal fats and other fats. Use healthy oils such as virgin olive oil and canola oil when cooking. Bake or poach your fish and poultry to help reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Eliminate or reduce your consumption of fried foods, such as donuts and potato chips. Try healthier choices such as popcorn (with a little or no butter) and rice cakes.

Try to trick you sweet tooth with substitutes for cookies and cakes - options such as such as dried fruit, low fat cookies, low fat ice cream, or low fat candies. Making changes to the way you eat can be a life long process, with a little bit of patience and determination you can dramatically change your life. Not only will you feel more healthy and vibrant, but you may be surprised by how the tastes of foods change for the better!