It’s simple: The least amount of ingredients in a product the better. For example an apple only has one ingredient. Butter only has one, unless it is salted butter. Watch out for nuts though, sometimes they have powdered soy added to the container. Purchase fresh ingredients and make a pizza, it is easier than you think. This lifestyle does take a lot of planning, but it’s worth it. The bonus is that it is cheaper than purchasing processed foods. It just ticks me off to see all the first-of-the-month grocery carts filled with Hot Pockets and bologna. Give them stamps for oatmeal and eggs.
We also don’t buy sugar-free, fat-free, low-fat, or low-cal. Many of these products have ingredient lists a mile long. Sorry, but you’ll never convince me the fat-free Cool Whip made with partially fractionated maltodextrin isolate (yes I made that up) is better for me than heavy whipping cream. The same with margarine. Eat the real thing sparingly and get the exercise your body needs anyway and your set.
I have started writing a shopping list and menus for me so I can eat healthier. I will probably buy a few junk foods at first - the stuff I crave, the things I would want to buy if I had the money, or that I just couldn't justify buying when I needed other items. But after that it will be meats, fresh and frozen fruits and veggies and other items that are not overly processed.
I always hate seeing people abusing the system and having carts full of junk - a few items I had no problem with but when it was ALL junk that was just sad.
Butter is one of the first items on my list - you can't find a margarine now that isn't made with soybean oil.