Health food's biggest lies BUSTED!

From eggs being bad for your heart to eating after 6pm making you gain weight, we finally set the record straight

Sticking to a healthy diet is hard enough without trying to decode the latest advice about what we should and shouldn’t be eating. But sorting the facts from the fiction is not only important for reaching weight-loss goals, it can also have an impact on your overall health – no, you shouldn’t be cutting out fat entirely or relying on juice ‘cleanses’ after a weekend of alcohol and sugary treats. Confused? You’re not alone. We’ve asked our experts for the truth about these common food myths and reveal the ones you can ditch today. 

Carbs make you fat

Carbs don’t make you fat – too many carbs make you fat, but too much of anything will do the same. Carbohydrates actually contain the same amount of calories per gram (four) as protein. ‘When we cut out carbohydrates, our body doesn’t produce the happy neurotransmitters, leaving us miserable and cranky,’ says naturopath Louise Westra.

Keep portions under control and make smart carb choices. ‘It’s better to eat plant-based carbs rather than heavy, starchy ones,’ she says. So ditch pizza and cake for brown rice and wholewheat pasta and bread.

Honey is a healthier option than sugar

Whether you add refined white sugar, honey, agave, maple or any other kind of syrup to your food – it’s all sugar. ‘Although some, such as honey, do contain trace elements that could help the body metabolise it, all sugars affect insulin, and all contain the same amount of energy,’ says Louise.