When deciding which foods to buy, many of us check out the nutritional information, the price, and the labels, but how many of us look closely at the ingredients? While this is the most important aspect of the food we eat, few of us place it as a priority. There are two simple rules when it comes to looking at ingredients that serve as good nutritional habits:

If you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t be eating it. Many foods are laden with synthetic, manufactured ingredients that most of us can’t pronounce or describe. A good rule is to stay away from products with those unnatural ingredients. If you’re trying to eat healthier, choose products made with healthier ingredients. You should be able to recognize all of the ingredients in the foods you are eating. This way you will know what you’re putting in your body.

The fewer ingredients listed the better. If you think about the most natural and nutritious foods to eat, most of them have a limited number of ingredients. Ideally, the best foods have only one ingredient, think of an apple. Foods with long lists of ingredients are often major sources of sugar, fat, preservatives, and other unhealthy things. A good general rule is to focus on purchasing foods with 7 or fewer ingredients listed. In line with the first piece of advice, you should be able to pronounce and describe all 7 of these ingredients.