Some of the main points I follow for eating real food are:
1. Eat more whole, natural foods (not packaged); like fresh fruits and veggies.
You have heard it before, shop the perimeter of the grocery store, that's where most of my groceries come from.
2. Eat more fresh natural meats; such as chicken, turkey, fish, beef, and pork (not packaged and processed such as chicken nuggets, fish sticks, burger patties).
3. No white flour or white sugar; at all (later you can decide if you want to include it back in but in moderation of course)
4. If you do eat something from a package or a can then be sure to read the label. There are some good items, especially canned. My rule of thumb is if I don't know what it is or I can't buy it as an ingredient then I don't get it.
5. Use good quality oils; such as olive, coconut and avocado (again read labels)
6. Beer and wine are often natural products so they are fine in moderation :) moderation people :)
7. Dairy: I eat/drink milk, yogurt, butter (not margarine) and cheese and I buy the full fat versions. Yes, full fat. It's more natural and none of the good stuff has been removed with the fat. Again, moderation and read labels; some cheeses have added colour, and many yogurts has added sugar)
Hope this helps answer people's questions switching to a real food diet. It can be difficult at times but it's worth it in the long run.
Karen and Cathy, hope this helps answer some questions :)