Are you getting your minimum recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day? If not, you are not alone. Three out of four of us don't. If you fall into that category, according to several small studies, it's probably for one of three main reasons:

1. You're not in the HABIT of eating fruits and vegetables.
2. Fruits and vegetables are too expensive.
3. Fruits and vegetables take too long to prepare.

Other common reasons include:

• difficulty in eating healthy foods in general
• confusion over dietary recommendations
• eating out a lot
• unpredictable quality, especially for out-of-season items
• the taste of vegetables (yuck!)

Your reasons for not eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day may be valid, but there is no getting around the fact that they are your body's best source of many vitamins and minerals, are low in fat and high in fiber, and are proven to help lower the risk of some cancers and heart disease and to help prevent many other health problems. The health benefits are worth the effort.

Take these three steps to help you break down the barriers to good health:

1. Change your habits slowly: The best way to get into the habit is one change at a time. If your goal is to eat one fruit at each meal (good idea!), begin with one meal at a time. For the first couple of weeks or so, concentrate on getting a serving at lunch. Order a fruit cup if you eat out, add an apple to your bag lunch, or switch from soda to juice for the beverage. Once it's almost natural to include that lunch fruit, move on to the next meal. Remember, even one small change in your diet can make a big difference in your health.