Nutrition Myth Busting: 3 Common Beliefs That Might Be Holding You Back

If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing a potato, avoiding olive oil, or dreading the idea of “losing weight” (again), you’re not alone.

The nutrition world is full of black-and-white rules — many of which are outdated, oversimplified or simply don’t work for real life. The truth? Our bodies are complex, adaptive and deeply individual. The more we can understand how food interacts with metabolism, hormones and mindset, the more empowered we become.

Let’s unpack three common myths that may be sabotaging your energy, progress and peace of mind — and explore how to reframe them in a way that actually supports your goals.

Myth 1: Carbs Make You Fat

This one’s been hanging around for decades, and it still shows up in subtle ways — like guilt over fruit, avoiding kumara or skipping breakfast carbs entirely. But here’s the truth:

👉 Carbs are your body’s preferred source of fuel for activity.

Your brain, muscles and metabolism all benefit from tactical carbohydrates — especially when they’re whole-food based and tailored to your needs. It’s not necessarily about going zero-carb. It’s about using carbs strategically, for your specific needs, with quality and timing in mind.

💡 Carb-appropriate eating means aligning your intake to your energy demands — higher when you’re active, lower when you’re resting. And focusing on sources like root vegetables, legumes, berries and other nutrient-dense options that support blood sugar stability and recovery.

Reframe: Instead of fearing carbs, think about fueling with purpose.

Myth 2: Fat Is Bad for You

The low-fat diet craze of the ‘90s left a lasting impression, didn’t it? For many, fat still feels like something to minimise — yet your body actually thrives on the right kinds of fats.

✨ Healthy fats support hormone production, brain health, joint mobility and the absorption of key nutrients like vitamins A, D, E and K.

The real problem isn’t fat — it’s damaged fats from ultra-processed foods, especially when combined with sugar and starch. That combination hijacks your hunger signals and drives inflammation. But when you focus on nourishing fats from sources like avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, and grass-fed or wild-reared animal products, you’re giving your body what it truly needs to thrive.

Reframe: Fat is your friend — when it’s sourced wisely, balanced well and used to support stable, sustained energy.

Myth 3: You Need to Lose Weight to Be Healthy

This myth might be the most harmful of all — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The language of “losing weight” can set you up for inner conflict, reinforcing cycles of shame, restriction and rebound.

Here’s what’s often missed:
What we actually want to release isn’t always weight — it’s excess fat, inflammation, emotional burden, or habits that no longer serve us.

Weight is a number. Health is a state of vitality. And the journey isn’t about shrinking yourself — it’s about reclaiming strength, confidence and ease.

Reframe: Rather than focusing on what you’re losing, focus on what you’re gaining — energy, movement, clarity, self-trust.

Final Thoughts

When we start to challenge the myths we’ve absorbed, we open the door to a new relationship with food — one that’s based on nourishment, not punishment.

✨ Imagine fuelling your body in a way that feels aligned, sustainable and intuitive.
✨ Imagine making choices based on how you want to feel, not what you think you should do.
✨ Imagine shifting from frustration to freedom.

If you’re ready to leave old myths behind and create a personalised path to health and energy, I’d love to support you.

Let’s rewire. Revitalise. Redefine. Wellness — your way.