
We’ve all heard it.
“Carbs make you fat.”
“Fats clog your heart.”
“Sugar is poison.”
Everywhere you turn—Instagram, YouTube, aunties at weddings—someone has a strong opinion on food. And in the middle of it all, you’re left wondering: What should I actually eat?
Let’s clear the air—and our plates—with some honest, answers about these misunderstood nutrients.
MYTH 1: Carbs Make You Fat
The truth: Carbs are your body’s main source of energy.
Yes, too many refined carbs like white bread, pastries, and chips can lead to weight gain—but that’s not the fault of carbs as a whole. Complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are full of fiber, vitamins, and slow-burning energy.
Try this instead: Replace maida with atta, white rice with brown rice sometimes, and include oats, fruits, and sabzi in your daily meals.
MYTH 2: Fat Is Unhealthy
The truth: Your brain and hormones need healthy fats to work properly.
Fats are not the villain. It’s the type of fat that matters.
Healthy fats = nuts, seeds, olive oil, mustard oil, avocados, ghee in moderation
Unhealthy fats = packaged snacks, fried street food in reused oil, processed junk
Fat keeps you full longer, helps you absorb vitamins like A, D, E, and K, and supports skin and brain health.
Try this instead: Use ghee or mustard oil in moderation for cooking, snack on roasted peanuts or almonds, and avoid deep-fried foods too often—not because of “fat”, but because of poor quality oils.
MYTH 3: Sugar Should Be Completely Avoided
The truth: Your body can handle small amounts of sugar—just not all the time, and not in everything.
The real danger is hidden sugar in packed cereals, sauces, biscuits, “diet” snacks, and drinks. Natural sugars from fruits, jaggery, or honey (in small quantities) are much better.
Sugar becomes harmful when:
You’re consuming large amounts daily
You’re replacing real food with sugar-loaded snacks
You’re unaware it’s even there (like in “healthy” protein bars)
Try this instead:
Have that piece of mithai during festivals, but skip the daily sugary tea + biscuit combo. Choose fruits to satisfy sweet cravings. Read labels when you can.
MYTH 4: You Need to Cut Out Entire Food Groups to Be Healthy
The truth: Cutting out entire food groups (unless for medical reasons) often does more harm than good.
Carbs, fats, and natural sugars—when eaten in moderation and from whole food sources—support energy, digestion, and emotional well-being.
A diet that bans everything might look good on paper, but it can leave you:
Tired
Cranky
At risk of nutritional deficiencies
Constantly feeling guilty for eating normal food