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

By Lisa Lombardi, Health.com

Updated 1148 GMT (1948 HKT) May 4, 2016

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.
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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Despite all the reports of fast food's ill effects on health, Americans have been only slightly scaling back their intake.
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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Grain-based desserts such as cookies appear to be waning in popularity while healthier snacks like nuts are taking off.
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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small portionssoda cansgrocery store RESTRICTEDfrench friesFast Food RESTRICTED 06 food allergies 0429

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

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      "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

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