Top 10 Nutrition Myths Debunked by Certified Holistic Nutrition Coaches

It seems like each year, a new diet breaks through social media, touting the benefits of cutting this or adding that – and almost always, it’s chock full of nutritional myths. With so much information bombarding you on every platform, it can be hard to know what is right for your body and what is just the next fad diet grabbing the attention of Vancouverites that will just fizzle out after a few months. 

Below, our holistic nutritionists and certified coaches are busting some of the most common nutritional myths – so grab your tea, get comfy and read below. 

Eating fat will make you fat: This is a big, fat nope. Eating foods that are rich in healthy fats are an essential part of a balanced diet. Unsaturated fats – think avocados and nuts – can actually help with weight management and increase satiety, so you feel fuller for longer. 

Cut the carbs: Carbohydrates are the most common food group that are targeted by diets and we’re here to bust this nutrition myth. But if you’re working out, you need carbs as they are a primary energy source for your body. So don’t skip the pasta! But do eat in moderation and opt for complex carbs, like whole grains, veggies and legumes, which will provide sustained energy to keep you going throughout the day. 

Skip your meals: Listen, aside from making you hangry, skipping meals can slow your metabolism, hindering your weight-loss journey, and can lead you to bingeing later on. Small meals throughout the day will keep your blood sugar level and stop you from eating a Costco-size bag of chips in one sitting.  

Gluten-free means it’s healthier: If only it were that simple! Gluten-free options are absolutely essential for people with sensitivities or celiac disease, but they are not always a “healthier” option for everyone. If you don’t read the label, you could end up eating something that lacks nutrition and is full of sugar and unhealthy fats. 

Juice counts as a serving of fruit: If I could count the cranberry juice in my vodka cran as a serving of fruit, I’d be a happier person, but that’s not the case. Fruit juice is often stripped of the fiber found in whole fruits and contain added sugar. Drink in moderation and try to incorporate whole fruits as much as possible. 

Sugar is sugar: Not all sugars are created equal, my friends. Natural sugars found in fruit and dairy have the added benefits of nutrients and fiber, while processed sugars can have a negative impact on your health.  

Crash detoxes are great ways to jumpstart a diet: Listen, we all need a detox once in a while, whether that’s skipping booze for a month or incorporating a holistic approach to your nutrition. Taking the time to shake things up and incorporate new things into your diet is great but extreme detoxes can be harmful and are not necessary. That’s what a liver and kidneys are for, after all. 

Eating late at night is bad: Port Coquitlam is not necessarily known for its night life, but we all can get the late-night munchies, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. As long as you’re eating within a calorie deficit and are making smart choices, the timing won’t impact your weight-loss goals. 

Any protein is good protein: We hate to break it to you, but a sandwich full of cold cuts is not in the same nutrition weight class as fish or chicken breast. Processed meat is delicious but eat it in moderation, and try to go for protein that gives you more per pound – whether that’s grams of protein or nutrients. 

If it’s organic, it’s healthy: Organic is obviously the choice we prefer when it comes to our groceries because they reduce exposure to pesticides, but it doesn’t make the food you eat more nutritious and it can often be cost-prohibitive. It’s important to look up what foods you should prioritize when buying organic, so you get the most bang for your buck. 

Like anything else, having a plan that is tailored to your needs will get you in the right direction. House of Trainers is currently offering three tiers of nutritional and exercise plans: Foundations, Growth and Premier. These five-week programs feature video guides, assignments to keep you on track, recipes and grocery lists, on top of an at-home and gym workout guide.