Eating healthfully isn't easy. Why? To find out, I asked more than 300 people what makes it difficult for them to eat better. Here are the obstacles mentioned most often and how to overcome them.

TOO MANY TEMPTING FOODS

Respondents: 27.7 percent.

Facts: This is by far the most common complaint for not eating healthfully. Everywhere you go, there's fast food, cupcakes, doughnuts and fried chicken. In fact, many public-health advocates call this an "obese-friendly environment." So, yes, it can be tough to resist.

Solution: Don't think simple will power will get you past all those tempting foods. Plan ahead. For instance, find the healthier choices on fast-food menus before you get there (most restaurants have information on their Web sites). Keep junk foods out of your house. Research shows that if you have it around, you're likely to eat it. Don't be a diet hero — avoid cues that tempt you. Don't grocery shop when you're starving — eat a snack beforehand. Also, mentally rehearse making "healthier" choices in the most tempting situations. (See www.dietde tective.com/diet/dont-be-adiet-hero.html.)

NO TIME

Respondents: 16.9 percent.

Facts: For Americans rushing to get a healthy meal on the table between work, soccer, ballet class and sleep, time is often the missing ingredient. This lack of time leads many people to rely on unhealthy takeout, fast-food and convenience foods.

Solution: If you have no time to buy healthy food and cook at home, you can still make convenience and fast food work for you. For instance, find out what healthy offerings you might enjoy at your favorite restaurant. You can go to the supermarket and buy tasty low-calorie frozen dinners. You can also try batch cooking — picking one day a week to prepare an entire week's worth of healthy meals.

HIGH PRICE OF EATING HEALTHFULLY

Respondents: 14.2 percent.

Facts: It may seem cheaper and simpler to eat unhealthy foods. And in many cases it is.

However, according to the USDA Economic Research Service analysis, more than half of the 69 forms of fruit and 85 forms of vegetables included in the analysis were estimated to cost 25 cents or less per serving, and 86 percent of all vegetables and 78 percent of all fruits cost less than 50 cents a serving.

Solution: Plan your meals and shopping lists in advance. Search for coupons and specials on supermarket Web sites. Bring your lunch to work or school. Don't wait to eat until you're starving. (See: www.diet detective.com/food/healthywealthy-and-slim.html.)

NO MOTIVATION

Respondents: 9.8 percent.

Facts: Eating healthfully can seem boring and bland; plus, it takes more work. However, healthy foods can be exciting and tasty with some effort.

Solution: Write down all the reasons you want to eat healthier, such as "I've been diagnosed with heart disease and need to start eating better" or "I feel better about myself when I eat properly." Try to come up with as many reasons as possible. If you have doubts and need motivation, think about your list.

EAT OUT FREQUENTLY

Respondents: 8.6 percent.

Facts: Up to 50 percent of our food budget is spent eating out, and foods purchased outside the home are generally higher in calories and saturated fat and lower in fiber and nutrients than home-prepared foods.

Solution: Pick places that offer healthy choices. Also: