Whole-wheat bread and other 'healthy' foods diet experts avoid

By Lisa Lombardi, Health.com

Updated 1148 GMT (1948 HKT) May 4, 2016

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Photos: American diet trends

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.

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Americans in almost every age and ethnic group have been weaning themselves off soda and fruit drinks and substituting for healthier choices like water.

Photos: American diet trends

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.

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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.

Photos: American diet trends

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.

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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.

Photos: American diet trends

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.

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Photos: American diet trends

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.

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Photos: American diet trends

Going nuts – Grain-based desserts such as cookies appear to be waning in popularity while healthier snacks like nuts are taking off.

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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

Puffed Veggie Chips

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