Ever wondered why you can't drop those few extra pounds? You may think these "healthy" foods are helping you get on track with your diet, but here is why they're not as nutritious and beneficial as you may think.

Energy/Protein Bars

Beware, your "healthy" protein bar may be more similar to a candy bar with a little more protein. Let this be your rule of thumb: if your protein bar exceeds 200 calories, 8 grams of sugar and is not organic, do not add to your diet as a healthy staple.

Yogurt-Covered Pretzels

Isn't it odd your yogurt-covered pretzels are stored in your pantry for months on end instead of the refrigerator?

Let me spoil something for you; yogurt-covered pretzels are not in fact covered with yogurt. If you look at the ingredients they include: sugar, oil, whey powder, nonfat milk powder, yogurt powder, titanium dioxide, lactic acid, lecithin, & vanillin.

Of all the ingredients the only item remotely similar to yogurt is yogurt powder, and it happens to come fifth on the list. With sugar as the first ingredient, it's safe to say yogurt-covered pretzels are not meant to be part of a healthy diet.

Agave Nectar

Sugar-free and artificial sweeteners always seem to tempt even the best dietitians. It may appear like the best option but artificial sweeteners, like agave nectar, are detrimental for two specific reasons:

1. Sugar alcohols

High levels of sugar alcohols can upset your tummy and digestive track.

2. High levels of fructose

Fructose is processed and metabolized in the liver. If your liver is filled with glycogen then the fructose will immediately be converted into fat.

Fructose also is insulin and leptin resistant - both of which are healthy hormones in the body - which can lead to type 2 diabetes and an increase in obesity.

Non-Dairy Creamer

While it may be a part of your morning routine, non-dairy creamer isn't your best option. "It's completely without nutrient density of any kind, and it can increase your risk for heart disease." -Kristin Kirkpatrick, a wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute.

Canned Soups

Beware of a can soup labeled "reduced-sodium" and "low-fat". These soup options are not always as healthy as they may appear. Canned soups often contain high levels of sodium which leads to a raise in blood sugar and bloating. Also, beware of serving size. Some cans of soup can contain up to 4 servings ... what you thought was 100 calorie lunch just turned into a 400 calorie meal.

Cold Cereal

No matter how healthy the cereal company makes their product appear, nearly all cold cereals lack protein and fiber and are loaded with added sugars and preservatives. Eating cereal in the morning produces a spike in your blood sugar that makes you feel fueled and focused but in reality, it's just a sugar high that you will most likely result in a major sugar crush in a few hours.

Fat-Free Dairy

In a recent review published in the European Journal of Nutrition, researchers concluded that individuals who ate full-fat dairy had an equal chance of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes than people who stuck with the low-fat dairy alternative. If the risks are the same no matter the fat content, why skip out on flavor?

Protein Shakes

Don't get me wrong, protein is an important part of an individual's diet. It is what keeps you feeling full, helps your body build muscles and stay strong. Do not fall victim to replacing meals with protein shakes. Most shakes contain high levels of sugar, additives and preservatives and also pack in a lot of calories. Forget the shake and fuel your body with fresh veggies, fruits and lean proteins instead.

Artificial Sweeteners

The consumption of artificial sweeteners has been linked to metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome aggregates several conditions such as: increased blood pressure, excess body fat around the pelvis and waist line, increased risk of heart disease and stroke and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Pretzels

They are a low-fat alternative to potato chips right? Think again! Pretzels contain little to no nutritional value and are made with a white starchy base. The snack is quickly broken down into sugar in your bloodstream which spikes your bloodstream and makes you crave them more and more. I mean who really only eats 25 pretzels at a time?

Veggie Chips

The small and nearly unrecognizable slivers of vegetables that are baked or fried into veggie chips have been too processed to count as real vegetables. Skip the chip and eat fresh veggies for full nutritional value.

Rice Cakes

These small and crunchy cakes contain zero nutritional value and flavored rice cakes contain high levels of sugar, salt and artificial coloring. Skip the empty calorie snack for one of higher nutritional value that will actually curb hunger.

Frozen Yogurt

Although frozen yogurt is better for you than ice cream, with all of the added toppings and sauces this frozen treat can be high in calories, sugar and preservatives. Even though fro-yo is a treat and not an everyday staple in an individual's diet, fresh fruit with a little yogurt would be a better dessert option.

Frozen "Diet" Meals

"Diet" frozen meals sound like a wonderful go-to meal when you are in a hurry and thinking about your weight, but think again! These pre-proportioned meals are loaded with preservatives, excessive levels of sodium, and lack much nutritional value. Though easy, these meals are better left at the grocery store.

Bran Muffins

Bran muffins may appear innocently healthy but they are not as nutritious as they appear. Bran alone is a healthy whole grain, but combined with high levels of sugar, flour and heaps of butter, it hardly makes for a nutritious option.

Bagels

Though they are a quick breakfast, bagels generally the lack vitamins, nutrients, minerals and fibers that promote a healthy diet. Without fiber, this carbohydrate dense food is not quickly digested and can more easily convert to sugar in the bloodstream. This often turns straight to fat.