How can I avoid processed foods without going "food-Nazi"?

It’s a long story, but my GI tract is incredibly unhappy these days (no real answers after the upper GI scope, the colonoscopy, the biopsies, the cultures, the emergency room trips, the medications….). I’m thinking that I may try a general, healthy approach and want to cut down on sugar, increase my fiber, reduce my sodium, etc.

But here’s the kicker; I know myself, and if I can’t make it relatively easy, I won’t stick with it. So I’m going to start gradually.

1. No more soda. This is not much of a hardship, I’ve done it in the past and I actually like to drink water.

2. No more fast food. This is an issue of convenience mostly; sneaking off for a quick bite during a busy work day is just harder if I don’t go for fast food.

3. Stop “cheating” on the vegetarianism. No more chicken.

So what else can I do in a step-wise approach to eat healthier? What’s worked for you?