
  
  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. 
  
        
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.
  

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.
  

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.
  

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. 
  

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