5 Common Food Myths That Are Holding You Back from Eating Healthy

If you’ve ever felt completely overwhelmed by food choices, you’re not alone. Between the endless rules, confusing advice, and conflicting information, eating healthy can feel impossible—especially when you’re juggling a million other things.

I get it. There was a time when I thought I needed to follow every food rule perfectly or I’d be failing. Healthy eating felt expensive, time-consuming, and honestly... kind of boring. I’d buy whatever was cheapest and easiest, tell myself I’d figure it out later, and then feel stuck when things didn’t go as planned.

Here’s what I wish I’d known back then: healthy eating isn’t about perfection, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The biggest thing holding most of us back isn’t a lack of time or money—it’s the myths we’ve been told about what healthy eating should look like.

In this post, we’re going to bust five of the most common food myths that might be holding you back. You’ll walk away with small, actionable steps that can make a big difference—not just for your family’s health but for your confidence, energy, and peace of mind.

Because healthy eating isn’t about rules. It’s about finding what works for you—and making it doable, one small step at a time.

Myth 1: “Healthy Eating Is Too Expensive”

If you’ve ever looked at the price of organic produce or clean-label snacks and thought, Who can afford this?, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—standing in the grocery aisle, staring at a $6 loaf of sprouted bread, and convincing myself that healthy eating just wasn’t in my budget.

But here’s the thing: what’s the cost of holding onto this belief?

Choosing the cheapest, most processed foods now might save a few dollars today, but it often comes with hidden costs later: low energy, sluggish afternoons, more frequent doctor visits, and even those “convenience” foods that somehow drain your grocery budget faster than you realize.

On the flip side, some of the most nutrient-dense foods—like beans, lentils, eggs, and frozen veggies—are budget-friendly and filling. Even when a healthier option costs a little more upfront, it’s an investment in your family’s health and well-being.

Think of it this way:

• A $5 latte lasts an hour, but a $5 carton of pasture-raised eggs provides protein-packed breakfasts for days.
• A box of sugary snacks might seem cheap, but how long before your kids are hungry again? A bag of apples will keep them full—and fueled—much longer.

When you prioritize real, whole foods, you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll also notice how they keep you full longer and help reduce those endless snack runs. And the best part? You don’t have to do it all at once. Start small, focusing on where quality matters most—like produce from the Dirty Dozen list or swapping in better proteins.

This is exactly what we dive into in Real Food Made Easy. We’ll talk about how to prioritize spending, find affordable staples, and make real food fit your life—without breaking the bank.

Myth 2: “Healthy Food Doesn’t Taste Good”

Let’s be real—when you think of healthy food, does your mind go straight to bland chicken breast and steamed broccoli? No seasoning, no sauce, just… blah.

I used to think that too. But here’s the truth: healthy food doesn’t have to taste boring. In fact, when you use real, fresh ingredients, you might be surprised at how much better your meals taste—and how much more satisfied you feel afterward.

Think about it: most processed foods are designed to trick your taste buds. They’re engineered to hit that “bliss point” with added sugar, salt, and artificial flavors—not real ingredients. The result? You keep eating, but you don’t feel full, and you’re left chasing another snack.

With real food, it’s all about learning how to use the tools you already have—like spices, fresh herbs, and simple cooking techniques—to create meals your family will actually crave. Roasted carrots with a drizzle of honey, taco bowls with fresh toppings, or a quick stir-fry with garlic and ginger—healthy doesn’t mean bland. It means real flavor. 

And here’s the best part: when you prioritize real food, you’re not just eating for flavor; you’re eating for energy, better digestion, and even improved mood. Because food isn’t just fuel—it’s what helps you feel your best.

This is something I love diving into with my clients. In Real Food Made Easy, we focus on simple ways to make healthy meals that even picky eaters will enjoy. Because healthy eating shouldn’t feel like a punishment. When food is flavorful and satisfying, it’s a win for everyone at the table.

Myth 3: “I Have to Cook Everything from Scratch”

Have you ever thought, If I’m going to eat healthy, I’ll need to make every meal from scratch—bake the bread, chop every veggie, and whip up homemade everything? It’s easy to see why healthy eating feels overwhelming when it sounds like a full-time job.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all yourself. Healthy eating isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance and intentional choices. Some days, you might roast your own veggies or make a quick vinaigrette. Other days, pre-chopped veggies, a jar of clean-label marinara, or even a rotisserie chicken (with minimal additives) can save the day—and your sanity.

These small shortcuts aren’t “cheats.” They’re tools that help you get a real, balanced meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. And honestly? That’s the kind of healthy eating that sticks.

Think about what matters most to your family. Maybe it’s having a veggie at every meal, or finding a pasta sauce with simple, clean ingredients. Focus on the changes that make the biggest impact and let go of the rest. Because you’re a mom, not a chef—and the goal isn’t to stress yourself out. It’s to feed your family in a way that feels good and works for your life. And listen, I have never claimed to be a chef or recipe wizard, I get plenty of inspiration from others like The Natural Nurturer (she is all about bringing veggies to every meal). 

When I work with clients, we focus on making these intentional choices: where to lean into simplicity, when to prioritize real food swaps, and how to make healthy eating feel less like a chore. The goal isn’t to cook everything from scratch—it’s to find what works for you.

Myth 4: “You Have to Be Perfect to See Results”

Have you ever thought, If I can’t stick to this perfectly, why even bother? It’s so easy to fall into the all-or-nothing trap. One missed workout or indulgent meal, and suddenly it feels like everything’s ruined. I’ve been there too, thinking, Why even try if I’m just going to mess it up?

But here’s the truth: healthy eating isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. Those small, simple changes—like tossing a handful of spinach into your morning smoothie or swapping sugary creamer for a less sweet option—they really do add up. And over time? They can make a big difference.

Think of it like planting a garden. You’re not going to wake up tomorrow to a full bloom of veggies and flowers, but with a little care and consistency, those seeds will grow. The same goes for healthy eating. It’s not about doing everything right all the time; it’s about letting small actions take root and grow into habits that last.

Here’s something I always remind my clients: perfection is overrated. The goal is to build habits that feel doable, even on the busiest days. It’s about learning to roll with the occasional “oops” moments, instead of letting them derail you completely.

So go ahead—have the dessert, skip the meal plan when you need a break, and then keep going. Because healthy eating isn’t about never stumbling; it’s about learning to walk with confidence.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to start feeling better. Start small. Start where you are. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s feeling good, one little step at a time.

Myth 5: “It’s Too Hard to Stick With Healthy Eating”

How many times have you started eating healthier, only to feel like it’s just too much to keep up with? The meal planning, the grocery shopping, the cooking—it can feel like a mountain to climb, especially when life is already busy.

But here’s the thing: sticking with healthy eating doesn’t mean doing it all, all the time. It’s not about being perfect every day or following a rigid plan. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that actually fit into your life.

Think about the last time you tried a drastic diet. Sure, it might have felt great at first, but how long did it last? Now compare that to something simple—like swapping soda for sparkling water, or adding an extra veggie to your dinner. Those little changes are easier to stick with and can make a huge difference over time.

Here’s a trick I share with my clients: focus on just one small, doable habit at a time. Instead of overhauling your whole routine, start with something that feels manageable—like prepping a go-to snack or choosing one “better” option for dinner. These tiny wins not only build confidence but also help you create habits that stick for the long haul.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be all-consuming. The goal isn’t to create more stress in your life—it’s to simplify, to fuel your body, and to feel good about the choices you’re making.

So instead of focusing on how hard it feels, start small. Just one step today. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight—you just need to begin.

Let’s Make Healthy Eating Work for You

Here’s the big takeaway: healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, time-consuming, or perfect. It’s not about doing it all or following every food rule—it’s about finding what works for you.

By letting go of these myths, you can stop feeling stuck and start seeing how small, intentional changes really do add up. Whether it’s learning to read labels, finding affordable staples, or simply focusing on progress over perfection, the key is to start where you are and take it one step at a time.

This is exactly what I love helping moms like you figure out. Through Real Food Made Easy, we focus on practical, judgment-free strategies that make eating well feel less overwhelming and way more doable—no strict rules, just real-life solutions that fit into your busy day.

So here’s my challenge to you: pick one thing today. Maybe it’s checking a label, adding an extra veggie to dinner, or planning a snack that keeps you fueled. The goal isn’t to do everything—it’s to start with something that feels manageable.

Because healthy eating isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, confidence, and creating habits that work for your life. One small step at a time, you’ve got this.