In the video, the context is specifically supermarkets, and the author (Michael Pollan) does qualify his statement with the word "likely" so it isn't universal.

Taken in that context, it's a good rule of thumb. Less advertised food items do tend to be healthier, because they generally require more meal prep and are just raw components.

Fair enough. Taken as a global "never buy advertised food", I'd consider it a poor goal. In the context of the supermarket it mostly means don't buy frozen pizza and other premade food. Which I guess is fine advice in general.

That's literally exactly what the article is saying.

"As you’ll see below, it’s not so hard to eat bountifully and stay under 2,000 calories. It’s just hard to do so at most restaurants."

It's fine if you want to eat out, it's just not the best way to achieve your good weight loss goals.

That message was pretty weak given that they did things like fill out restaurant meals with soda and milkshakes, but for the home cooked stuff they used black coffee and diet soda.

You can totally eat reasonable portions at restaurants. You can lose weight eating at restaurants. Yes, it's probably a bit harder, mostly because you don't fully control the portion sizes, but it's entirely possible. Many restaurants also have reduced calorie menus now.

Yes, you're right on all counts. The article was stacked, and anyone who cares already knows to avoid fries and milkshakes. And it is harder to count when eating out, but it is doable if you pay attention and slowly getting easier over time.