5 nutrition myths to ignore

In the world of nutrition, there’s no shortage of trends, fads, and myths that can leave us feeling confused or overwhelmed. 

With the rise of social media influencers and “wellness gurus”, it’s easy to fall prey to misinformation and nutrition myths. Here are my top five that deserve to be ignored.

Nutrition myths you should stop believing

1. Green powder can replace whole vegetables

Let’s get this one out of the way right at the start. Green powders, while they may contain a blend of vitamins and minerals, can’t replace the nutritional benefits of whole vegetables. There’s no shortcut to good health, and no matter how convenient, green powder can’t replicate the fibre, antioxidants, and rich array of phytochemicals that fresh vegetables provide.

Eating a variety of vegetables offers an array of health benefits. The fibres in these vegetables also support digestive health in a way that powdered supplements simply cannot. While green powders might give you a boost, don’t rely on them to do the heavy lifting for your overall health.

2. Seed oils are toxic

The seed oil debate has been all the rage in recent years. Many people claim that oils like canola, sunflower, and soybean oils are harmful to health. While it’s true that highly processed oils can be inflammatory when consumed excessively, labelling them as outright "toxic" is misleading. The real issue lies in their overconsumption of processed foods.

Rather than avoiding seed oils altogether, it's more important to focus on a balanced intake of healthy fats — this includes fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Moderation and variety are key to maintaining a healthy diet.

3. Processed food is the root of all evil

Processed food often gets a bad reputation, and while it’s true that some processed foods are heavily laden with sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, not all processed foods are the same. The idea that all processed food is inherently bad is an oversimplification. In fact, certain processed foods, like frozen vegetables, canned beans, and wholegrain products, can be part of a nutritious diet when consumed in moderation.

The problem isn’t in the processing itself, but rather the quality of ingredients used and the overconsumption of ultra-processed junk foods. A balanced diet doesn’t mean avoiding all processed foods — it's about making mindful choices.

4. Protein is the magic bullet for good health

We’ve all heard it: protein is essential for building muscle, boosting metabolism, and achieving peak health. But the overemphasis on protein — especially in place of carbohydrates — can be misleading. While protein is indeed crucial, it’s not the magic bullet that will solve all your health problems.

What many people overlook is that an excessive intake of protein at the expense of carbohydrates can lead to an imbalanced diet. Carbs, especially those from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, provide important energy and essential nutrients. A healthy diet isn’t about favouring one macronutrient over another; it’s about ensuring a balance between protein, fats, and carbohydrates to nourish your body properly.

5. Food affects everyone in the same way

Finally, one of the biggest myths to ignore is the idea that there’s a universal diet that works for everyone. The reality is, nutrition is deeply personal. What works wonders for one person may not work for someone else. In my experience, I’ve seen clients transform their health by focusing on what truly works for them, and not by following every diet and trend out there.

Achieving results like improved cholesterol, better blood sugar control, or improved fertility doesn't require following the latest trendy diet or cutting out entire food groups. By focusing on nourishing, nutrient-dense foods and creating a personalised approach that suits your body’s unique needs, you can achieve lasting results without the confusion of fads.

Nutrition doesn’t need to be complicated, and it certainly doesn’t need to follow myths or extremes. By focusing on balance — whole, nutrient-dense foods, and a sensible approach — you can achieve your health goals without falling for misinformation.

Whether it’s improving your cholesterol, managing blood sugar, reversing your PCOS symptoms or optimising fertility, remember that the key to lasting health is consistency, moderation, and personalisation.