The truth about nutrition myths 

It’s officially January – the season of new diets, resolutions, and lots of conflicting health advice. With so much information around, it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s not. Our Beezee team are here to help you. Let’s tackle some common nutrition myths and make sense of it all together. 

Myth 1: Eating healthy is expensive 

One of the biggest nutrition myths out there is that a healthy diet costs a fortune, but it doesn’t have to!  

You don’t need pricey “superfoods” – eating well is about making smart, simple choices. 

Here’s how you can keep healthy eating affordable: 

• Plan ahead – using a shopping list can help you limit your impulse buys, plus keep you on budget! 

• Get frozen or canned fruits and veg – they’re just as nutritious as fresh produce and usually cheaper too.

• Buy in bulk when possible – especially items with a long shelf life, like pasta and rice, or items that can be frozen.

• Compare prices and pick store-brand items – these are often much cheaper, and you don’t have to compromise on quality.

• Try plant-based proteins – like beans, lentils, or tofu – they’re often cheaper than meat, while still offering the nutrients you need. 

By making smart choices and focusing on whole, minimally processed foods, you can enjoy a healthy and balanced diet without breaking the bank. 

Myth 2: You need to avoid carbohydrates 

Carbohydrates have a bad reputation for years, which we think is a little unfair! While it’s true that limiting processed carbohydrates like crisps, cookies, and white bread can benefit your health, this doesn’t mean that all carbs are bad.  

It’s important to remember your body needs carbohydrates. They help give you energy for the day, especially complex carbs found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These provide fibre, keep you full, and help maintain steady energy levels. 

When following a balanced diet, complex carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

Instead of cutting out carbs altogether, focus on the type and amount you’re eating. It’s about balance, not elimination! 

Myth 3: Supplements can replace a balanced diet 

Are you seeing a lot of ads for supplements at the moment? You may see promises of a quick fix or how they can help you get enough of a certain nutrient. Supplements are great as a backup but don’t rely on them to do all the work. Real food is what you should be focusing on.  

You can think of supplements as a safety net – not a replacement for meals. Whole foods provide a variety of nutrients your body needs, along with fibre, antioxidants, and other things you can’t get from a pill.

Start with a balanced diet – plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Use supplements only when needed, like to fill a specific gap in your diet. 

Myth 4: Low-fat or fat-free products are always healthier 

When you spot “low-fat” or “fat-free” labels, this doesn’t mean the food is healthy. Lots of these products compensate reduced fat with added sugar or salt – which could potentially undo any health benefits it might have.  

Fat plays an important role in your diet – it helps you feel full and satisfied. Cutting it out completely can leave you reaching for snacks soon after.

Next time you’re shopping, take a second to check the nutrition label. Look at the sugar and sodium content to make an informed choice. Balance is key – healthy fats like those in avocados, nuts, and olive oil deserve a place on your plate. 

Myth 5: Fresh fruit and vegetables are better than canned or frozen ones 

We mentioned frozen and canned goods earlier. When you read them, were you worried about them being as good as fresh?  

Frozen and canned produce can be just as nutritious as fresh – sometimes even more so. Why? They’re often picked and preserved when they’re at their peak nutrient value, and freezing or canning them slows down nutrient loss. 

They’re also budget-friendly and convenient, making it easier to keep your kitchen stocked. Just watch out for added extras like salt, sugar, or syrup. When buying canned fruit, for example, go for ones labelled “in juice” or “in water” instead of “in syrup.

If you want to know more about what food do for your body, and practical tips for a balanced diet, we’re here to help! Sign up to one of our free healthy lifestyle programmes today.

Go Back >