What Should I Eat? Breaking Down Food Myths
What foods should I eat? It’s a question I hear all the time. We all get stuck, bored or fatigued when we need to decide “what’s for dinner”!!! or lunch or breakfast or snacks. You catch my drift and my sigh!!
With so many “don’ts,” “should,” and “never ever eat this if you love your body,” it can feel like you need a PhD just to decide what's for dinner. But today, we’re going to clear up some food confusion with a sprinkle of humour (and yes, potatoes are involved).
Myth #1: Potatoes Are Your Enemy
Potatoes. The misunderstood hero of our diets. These poor spuds have been through it! Are they carb-heavy? Sure. But are they evil? Absolutely not.
What’s often overlooked is that potatoes are packed with nutrients. They're a great source of vitamin C, potassium (more than a banana!), and fibre (yes, even with the skin on). Plus, carbs are literally what your body needs for energy. The real enemy? It’s not the potato itself, it’s what we do to it—drench it in butter, deep fry it, or drown it in sour cream. So go ahead, enjoy a baked potato with some olive oil and herbs. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Myth #2: Dairy Will Destroy Your Skin
Dairy and I have a love-hate relationship too, but I know my limits and yes, I’m actually one of the lucky ones who enjoys it!
If you don’t already know me, I love a good coffee. It comes with full fat milk (I hear you gasp!) a Nutritionist who drinks full fat milk! Yes, indeed I do, but I choose A2 milk not your common and cheaper ordinary supermarket version. But enough about me because I know a lot of you are not friends with milk and that’s okay too. The idea that dairy automatically causes breakouts or messes with your gut is not entirely true for everyone. For some people, dairy does trigger acne or digestive issues, but it’s not universal. Yogurt, for example, can be a gut-health superhero with its probiotics. And cheese... well, its cheese, it simply tastes good. Enough said.
If dairy is making your skin or stomach unhappy, by all means, avoid it. But if not, don't kick it out of your life altogether if you don’t have to. Moderation is key (isn’t it always!), and finding what works best for your body is the golden rule.
Myth #3: Carbs Are Evil
Let’s just put this one to bed: carbs are not out to get you. They’re not hiding under your bed plotting a midnight attack on your waistline. In fact, whole grains and complex carbs (think brown rice, quinoa, and oats) are packed with nutrients that help with energy, digestion, and even mood. So, yes, you can have carbs and still be healthy.
It’s the refined, processed carbs like sugary cereals or white bread that deserve the side-eye. Focus on the good stuff, like whole grains, legumes and veggies, and your body will thank you.
Now, let’s address pasta specifically because it’s often unfairly demonised. Yes, the original version of pasta includes gluten, and yes that’s another topic altogether I will talk about another time. But pasta for some can be part of a healthy diet. By choosing whole-grain or high-protein versions you can boost its nutritional value. Pairing it with a veggie-rich sauce or lean proteins can balance things out nicely. It’s all about portion size and the quality of your ingredients.
Myth #4: Eggs Are Bad for Your Heart
Oh, eggs—the subject of so much confusion. For years, eggs got a bad rep due to their cholesterol content, but current research shows that dietary cholesterol doesn’t affect blood cholesterol as much as we once thought. Yes, some people genetically shouldn’t eat eggs but for most we can. Eggs are actually packed with protein, vitamins D and B12, and choline, which supports brain health. Check out the research here.
For most people, eggs can be part of a heart-healthy diet, as long as you’re not frying them in heaps of butter every morning. Scramble them, poach them, enjoy them—your heart will be just fine. 🥚
Myth #5: We Can’t Live Without Bacon (But We Should Probably Limit It)
Listen, I get it—bacon is delicious, and life without it might feel a little less magical. But here’s the deal: processed meats like bacon, while tasty, are linked to increased risks of heart disease and certain cancers when eaten in excess.
That doesn’t mean you need to ditch bacon entirely. But maybe save it for special occasions, and when you do indulge, go for smaller portions. If you're feeling adventurous, there are even some pretty good plant-based bacon alternatives out there these days. But hey, no judgment if nothing will ever replace the real deal for you. Everything in moderation, right?
The Takeaway: Food Isn’t the Enemy
Food is meant to nourish you—body, mind, and soul. It’s not about labelling things as "bad" or "good" but finding balance, listening to your body, and making decisions that work for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “what should I eat?” except that it should make you feel good.
So, eat the potato, enjoy the yogurt, and if you feel like having a little bread with dinner—go for it. Just remember quality is better than quantity.
If you have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to send me an email, I’m always keen to chat. amanda@nutritional-balance.com.au
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Balancing lifestyle with nutrition for a happier, healthier life!
In Good Health
Amanda Pittas - Clinical Nutritionist
Adv. Diploma Nutritional Medicine
A member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society
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References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10285014/#:~:text=Recent%20Findings&text=Evidence%20from%20observational%20studies%20is,intake%20and%20total%20CVD%20incidence.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this newsletter is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. None of Nutritional Balance services shall be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. We cannot and do not provide medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before altering your diet. The information provided in this blog should not be used in place of a consultation with your physician or other health care provider. We do not recommend the self-management of health problems. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please consult your physician or other health care provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the information provided in this newsletter.