It’s time to bust some myths that have been causing unnecessary confusion, and even frustration, in your health journey. You have probably heard many of them but, are they really true?

Myth 1: Carbs are bad for you

The Reality: Not all carbs are created equal and they’re not the enemy.

Carbohydrates have been villainised for years, but cutting them out entirely can backfire. While refined carbs like pastries and sugary cereals don’t offer much nutritional value, complex carbs (like fruits, veggies, beans and whole grains) are your body’s main source of energy. Plus, they come packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals. So, instead of ditching carbs, focus on swapping the processed ones for their healthier, whole-food counterparts.

Pro tip: starchy grains and veggies (such as rice and potatoes) can change its carbs from simple to complex with just a simple change – cook and refrigerate before eating. Check this my instagram post about changing carbs from simple to complex.

Myth 2: Eating fat makes you fat

The Reality: Fat is essential and it can actually help you lose weight.

Blame the 90s for this one. The “low-fat” craze made us all wary of fat, but in reality, our bodies need it. Healthy fats—like those in avocados, nuts, and olive oil—help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), keep you feeling full and can even boost your metabolism. Just steer clear of trans fats and limit your intake of saturated fats as much as you can. Healthy fats in moderation are your friends, not your foes.

So next time you’re eyeing that smashed avocado toast, go ahead and indulge. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.

Myth 3: You need to detox regularly

The Reality: Your liver and kidneys have it handled (mostly).

Detoxing may sound fancy, but your body has been handling this on its own since day one. The idea that you need a fancy juice cleanse to detox is a gimmick. Your liver and kidneys work 24/7 to flush out toxins naturally. Detox diets often leave you dehydrated or worse, lacking nutrient. Instead of an extreme detox, focus on long-term health by staying hydrated, eating fresh, whole foods every day and letting your body do its thing.

In other words: skip the juice fast, eat healthy, don’t use chemical loaded products on your body or in your house, don’t use plastics, limit alcohol and grab a (glass) water bottle instead. Much cheaper—and a lot more effective.  

Myth 4: A calorie is a calorie 

The Reality: Quality beats quantity.

A 100-calorie apple is not the same as a 100-calorie biscuit. Why? Because nutrients matter just as much—if not more—than calories. Whole foods provide vitamins, minerals and fibre that keep you full, energised and thriving. On the other side, processed foods often pack empty calories that spike your blood sugar and leave you hungry an hour later. So, if you’re focusing just on calories, you’re missing the bigger picture.

Want more bang for your buck? Opt for whole, nutrient-rich foods and leave the processed snacks on the shelf.

Myth 5: You should avoid all sugar

The Reality: Not all sugar is created equal.

Yes, cutting back on added sugars is a great idea—too much can lead to all sorts of issues like energy crashes and cravings. But natural sugars, like those in fruits, are a different story. These sugars come packaged with fibre, which helps slow down digestion and keeps your blood sugar in check. So, go ahead and enjoy that apple or a handful of berries. Just be mindful of those sneaky added sugars lurking in processed foods.

Sugar is not the villain. It is all about where it’s coming from.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to health, knowledge is power—and now that you know the facts behind these common myths, you can take control of your wellness journey. Ditch the detoxes, embrace healthy fats and enjoy the right carbs. At the end of the day, balance and moderation are key to living a long, healthy and happy life.