Title: 10 Health Myths I No Longer Believe as a Nutritionist (And What I Recommend Instead)
As a BHSc Nutritionist and someone who's walked the road of burnout recovery, I’ve seen firsthand how mainstream health advice can do more harm than good—especially for women. Much of what we've been taught about health is outdated, oversimplified, or just plain wrong. Here's what I'm no longer falling for, and why I take a root-cause, female-focused approach to healing.
1. Red Meat Is Bad for You
Red meat has been wrongly demonised for decades. When sourced ethically and consumed as part of a whole foods diet, it's one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Rich in heme iron, B12, zinc, and amino acids, red meat supports energy, hormone health, and nervous system regulation—especially for menstruating women.
What I Recommend: Choose regeneratively-farmed, Aussie grass-fed, organic sources and include it mindfully within a diverse, nutrient-rich plate. I love Highlands Natural.
2. The Pill Fixes Your Period
The oral contraceptive pill doesn't regulate hormones—it shuts down ovulation and replaces your natural cycle with a synthetic one. While it can suppress symptoms, it doesn't address the root causes like nutrient deficiencies, stress, or inflammation.
What I Recommend: Work with a practitioner to uncover and heal the root imbalances behind painful, irregular, or absent periods.
3. Influencer Health Advice Is Reliable
Many influencers promote advice that’s rooted in aesthetics, their earning capacity, and not physiology. Without a true understanding of female biology, nervous system regulation, or root-cause healing, this advice can actually fuel burnout, disordered eating, and hormone disruption.
What I Recommend: Follow evidence-based advice tailored to your unique physiology, and seek out qualified professionals.
4. Fasting Is Great for Women
Fasting can benefit some, but for many women (especially those dealing with burnout, adrenal issues, or hormonal imbalances), it’s more harmful than helpful. Skipping meals can spike cortisol, disrupt thyroid function, and trigger blood sugar instability.
What I Recommend: Focus on rhythm and regular nourishment, especially during stressful or healing phases.
5. Ice Baths Below 10°C Are Beneficial for All
Cold exposure is a stressor. While it has benefits, it can backfire for women with low cortisol, thyroid dysfunction, or nervous system dysregulation.
What I Recommend: Gentle cold exposure only if your system is resilient. Prioritise practices that restore safety to your nervous system.
6. Fasted Workouts Are Better for Fat Loss
Training without fuel can lead to cortisol spikes, blood sugar crashes, and poor recovery—all of which hinder fat loss and hormone balance in women.
What I Recommend: Eat a protein-rich meal or snack before training to stabilise blood sugar and support recovery.
7. Government Food Guidelines Are ‘Healthy’
Most government food pyramids are influenced by industry and don’t reflect up-to-date science. They promote ultra-processed grains and seed oils, and often neglect the importance of nutrient density and blood sugar balance.
What I Recommend: Focus on whole, seasonal foods that are naturally rich in protein, healthy fats, and fibre.
8. Long-Distance Running Is the Best Way to Lose Fat
Chronic cardio can elevate cortisol, burn out your adrenals, and even lead to muscle loss.
What I Recommend: Combine strength training, walking, and nervous system-friendly movement for sustainable fat loss and hormone health.
9. Juicing Detoxifies Your Body
Juices are high in sugar and lack the protein, fibre, and micronutrients needed for true detoxification through the liver and gut.
What I Recommend: Support your body's natural detox pathways daily with nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, sulfur-rich veggies, adequate protein, and hydration.
10. Tap Water Is Safe to Drink
Many municipal water supplies contain chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors.
What I Recommend: Invest in a high-quality water filter and remineralise your water to support detoxification and cellular health.
If you’re tired of the conflicting advice and want to nourish your body in a way that aligns with your biology, hormones, and nervous system, you're in the right place. Healing starts with truth, not trends. This space is built on truth, nuance, and nourishment — for women who are done with quick fixes and ready to come home to their body.
Laura | BHSc Nutritionist