5 Myths About Nutrition Holding Back Your Progress (And What to Do Instead)

If we had a pound for every nutrition myth floating around social media, we’d have enough for a lifetime supply of protein powder. It’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed.

At SW7 Academy, we simplify performance nutrition – no gimmicks, just habits that stick. Let’s bust five myths about nutrition, debunking the biggest examples that could be holding you back, and get you moving in the right direction.

Myth 1: Carbs Make You Fat

Truth: Carbs are your body’s preferred fuel source – especially for training.

When you eat carbohydrates, your body uses them for energy, storing some as glycogen in the muscles and turning any extra into fat in the liver.

  • Carbs don’t cause fat gain – a calorie surplus does.
  • The right carbs (like oats, rice, potatoes, fruit) can boost energy and recovery.
  • Inside our app: Custom nutrition targets help you fuel properly.

Carbs don’t cause fat gain – a calorie surplus does.

Myth 2: You Have to Eat Every 2–3 Hours

Truth: Meal timing matters less than total intake and quality.

Consuming enough protein and calories consistently is key for muscle growth, but how often you eat doesn’t really matter as long as you meet your daily nutritional requirements.

  • There’s no magic “anabolic window.”
  • Focus on protein with each meal, not eating on a rigid clock.

How often you eat matters less than meeting your daily nutritional requirements.

Myth 3: Fat Should Be Avoided

Truth: Healthy fats are essential for hormone health and performance.

Fat provides your body with energy, protects your organs, aids in cell development, helps regulate cholesterol and blood pressure, and assists in the absorption of essential nutrients.

  • Sources: Avocado, olive oil, nuts, eggs, oily fish
  • What to avoid: Trans fats, deep-fried junk

Myth 4: Detox Teas or Cleanses Work

Truth: Your liver and kidneys are the real detox system.

A review conducted in 2015 found no strong scientific evidence to back the effectiveness of “detox” cleanses in removing toxins from the body.

  • Instead: Hydrate well, eat whole foods, get enough sleep
  • Our app includes nutrition reminders and hydration targets – no teas required

Myth 5: You Need a Complicated Meal Plan

Truth: Simple habits beat complex rules.

Focusing on consistency and choosing simple, repeatable meals can fuel your body for better results and less stress than overly complicated meal plans.

  • Instead of meal plans, focus on:
    • 2+ servings of vegetables/day
    • 20g+ protein/meal
    • Eating without skipping

Ditch the complex meal plans—just eat veggies, hit your protein, and don’t skip meals. Simple wins!

Nutrition doesn’t need to be a guessing game. When you focus on what fuels performance, not internet fads, your body responds. Get expert-backed, no-BS nutrition guidance inside the SW7 Academy app.

👉 Start your free trial and access the Performance Nutrition Guide today.

Train smarter. Eat better. Perform higher.

At SW7, we see nutrition as the cornerstone of peak performance. Debunking these 5 myths about nutrition is key to understanding how to fuel your body to do its best each day, particularly when prioritising training and athletic performance.

Ready to elevate your game?

Join SW7’s performance programs for personalised nutrition guidance, expert coaching, and custom training plans designed to help you reach your goals. Take the leap today and let SW7 lead you to the results you’ve been striving for.

Sam Warburton