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
"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