Have you ever heard that carbs make you gain weight or that eating late at night is bad for you? What about the idea that you need to drink 8 glasses of water a day - no more, no less?
With so much nutrition advice floating around it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. That’s where we come in! We will break down common nutrition myths, explore the truth behind them and share fun facts and practical tips - all in a way that keeps things light and informative. So grab a snack (yes, even carbs are welcome here) and let’s dive into this month's nutrition myths - fact or fiction?
Myth 1: “ Milk is the best source of calcium!”
❌ Fiction! While milk is a good source of calcium, it’s not the only or even the best option.
✅ Fact: Foods like leafy greens (kale, bok choy), almonds, sesame seeds, and fortified plant-based milks can provide just as much (or even more!) calcium.
Myth 2: “ Eggs raise your cholesterol and are bad for your heart!”
❌ Fiction! Eggs do contain cholesterol, but they don’t necessarily increase bad cholesterol (LDL) in most people.
✅ Fact: Eggs are nutrient-dense, packed with protein, healthy fats, and choline for brain health. Moderation is key - unless your doctor advises otherwise!
Myth 3: “ Fat makes you fat!”
❌ Fiction! Eating fat doesn’t directly lead to weight gain - excess calories from any source do.
✅ Fact: Healthy fats (like those in avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish) are essential for brain function, hormone production, and overall health. Trans fats, however, are a different story!
Myth 4: “ Eating at night makes you gain weight!”.
❌ Fiction! It’s not the timing of your meal but the quality and quantity of what you eat that matters.
✅ Fact: A small protein-rich snack before bed (like Greek yoghurt or nuts) won’t derail your health goals - but eating large, high-sugar meals late at night might affect digestion and sleep.
Myth 5: “ Bananas have too much sugar and should be avoided!”
❌ Fiction! While bananas do contain natural sugars, they also provide fibre, potassium, and essential vitamins that help regulate blood sugar rather than spike it.
✅ Fact: The fibre in bananas slows sugar absorption, making them a great pre-workout snack or energy booster. Plus, they help prevent muscle cramps! 🍌💪
Myth 6: “ You must drink 8 glasses of water a day!”
❌ Fiction! There’s no magic number that works for everyone - hydration needs vary based on activity level, climate, and diet.
✅ Fact: Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and soups contribute to hydration, too! The best rule? Listen to your thirst - it’s your body’s natural hydration cue. 🚰✨
Fun Fact Corner Did You Know?
Carrots don’t actually improve your night vision! 🥕👀 While they are rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health, the idea that they give you superhuman night vision was actually WWII propaganda to mislead enemies about radar technology! But hey, they’re still a great snack for healthy eyes!
Chewing gum doesn’t take 7 years to digest! Your stomach can’t fully break it down, but it passes through your system just like other indigestible foods (looking at you, corn 🌽).
Honey never spoils! 🍯 Archaeologists have found 3,000-year-old honey in Egyptian tombs - and it’s still safe to eat! (Not that we recommend testing it…)
Spicy food doesn’t actually burn your tongue! 🌶️🔥 The "heat" from chili peppers comes from capsaicin, which tricks your nerves into thinking they’re on fire - but no actual burning happens!
Dark chocolate can boost your mood! 🍫🧠 It contains serotonin and flavonoids, which help improve brain function and make you feel happier. So yes, chocolate can be self-care!
Stacie Henson has been working at Metabolics for two years and has immersed herself in learning more about Metabolics products and nutrition generally.
She has completed basic nutrition courses and recently completed a Level 4 Nutrition Diploma. Stacie is currently studying for a Level 4 Transformational Nutrition course to further her experience and knowledge to better support Metabolics customers.
