The good news: Americans are consuming fewer calories. The bad news: Americans still have a long way to go in how they divvy up calories.
The good news: Americans are consuming fewer calories. The bad news: Americans still have a long way to go in how they divvy up calories.
Shutterstock
Americans in almost every age and ethnic group have been weaning themselves off soda and fruit drinks and substituting for healthier choices like water.
Water over sugary drinks —
Americans in almost every age and ethnic group have been weaning themselves off soda and fruit drinks and substituting for healthier choices like water.
Shutterstock
Increasing our intake of fruits and veggies could play a part in improving the U.S. diet. There has been only a slight uptick in consumption of these healthy foods since 2003.
Not enough fruits and veggies —
Increasing our intake of fruits and veggies could play a part in improving the U.S. diet. There has been only a slight uptick in consumption of these healthy foods since 2003.
Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Americans have made huge strides in improving their diet by eliminating trans fats -- although much of that is due to changes in the manufacturing process.
Trans fats decrease —
Americans have made huge strides in improving their diet by eliminating trans fats -- although much of that is due to changes in the manufacturing process.
Shutterstock
Despite all the reports of fast food's ill effects on health, Americans have been only slightly scaling back their intake.
No budging on fast food —
Despite all the reports of fast food's ill effects on health, Americans have been only slightly scaling back their intake.
Lionel Ng/Getty Images
Grain-based desserts such as cookies appear to be waning in popularity while healthier snacks like nuts are taking off.
Going nuts —
Grain-based desserts such as cookies appear to be waning in popularity while healthier snacks like nuts are taking off.
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images/File
American diet trends

Story highlights

Many nutritionists stay away from whole-wheat bread and cold-pressed juices

"Your body can only absorb so many vitamins and minerals at one time," one expert says

CNN  — 

We know nutrition pros load up on wild salmon, ancient grains, and kale, but what virtuous-seeming fare will you never find on their plates? Here are the health-halo items they leave right on the shelves.

No-Sugar-Added Ice Cream

“I never buy no-sugar-added or light ice creams. The no-sugar-added types may have up to 18 additional ingredients, including artificial sweeteners that can even produce a laxative effect! Go for the real thing – not only will you be more satisfied with less, you’ll be doing your health and digestive system a favor.” – Maggie Michalczyk, RD, a nutritionist in New York City

RELATED: 20 Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Substitutes

Puffed Veggie Chips

CARVER, MA - OCTOBER 22: Cranberries are harvested at Weston Cranberry Farm October 22, 2004 in Carver, Massachusetts. Most of the worlds cranberries are harvested on 37 thousand acres in five states, with Massachusetts being the leading producer. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
CARVER, MA - OCTOBER 22: Cranberries are harvested at Weston Cranberry Farm October 22, 2004 in Carver, Massachusetts. Most of the worlds cranberries are harvested on 37 thousand acres in five states, with Massachusetts being the leading producer. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Darren McCollester/Getty Images

Related article Don't like some superfoods? Try these healthy alternatives

“I stay away from puffed veggie chips like Pirate’s Booty and Veggie Straws. When you look at the ingredient list you’ll generally find not just veggies, but a long list of additives such as potato starch, corn starch, white rice flour, and soy flour. And they often pack around 130 calories per serving, only about 20 less than potato chips. If you have to have a veggie chip, go with the Terra ones instead.” – Cynthia Sass, RD, author of Slim Down Now and Health contributor

Powdered Peanut Butter

“People think powdered peanut butter is healthier because it has fewer calories and less fat. But one of the best things about peanut butter is that it’s loaded with healthy fats, which also help make it satisfying. So I only buy the real stuff.” – Christy Harrison, RD, MPH, a certified intuitive eating counselor and host of Food Psych podcast

RELATED: The 9 Best Healthy Nut Butters We’ve Ever Tasted

Most Commercial Salad Dressings

Research suggests that salmon's omega-3s help build calorie-burning muscle.
Research suggests that salmon's omega-3s help build calorie-burning muscle.
Getty Images

Related article 'Good fat,' low cholesterol, may not be so good after all

“They can contain highly processed oils or partially hydrogenated oils, added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and artificial colors. Choose one with ingredients you can pronounce like olive oil, sea salt, lemon, apple cider vinegar, herbs, spices. My go-to homemade dressing is: 3/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 fresh lemon juiced, 1 tablespoon of real maple syrup, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper. ” – Megan Roosevelt, RD, founder and host of The Healthy Grocery Girl Cooking Show on YouTube

Whole-wheat bread

“This is one of the ultimate cons and deceivers. The glycemic index of wheat bread is 69. This load causes extreme blood sugar elevations, which results in high insulin response, and ultimately in inflammation and fat accumulation.” – Mark Sherwood, NO, and Michele Sherwood, DO, founders of the Functional Medical Institute in Tulsa and authors of The Quest for Wellness

Cold-Pressed Juices

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    “While these juices often contain a great deal of fruits and/or vegetables, the amount of sugar is extremely high. Also, the juicing process destroys much of the beneficial fiber in the produce. Lastly, your body can only absorb so many vitamins and minerals at one time. So a great deal of the nutrients are not absorbed.” – Natalie Rizzo, RD, a nutritionist in New York City

    RELATED: 20 Best Foods for Fiber

    This article originally appeared on Health.com.