'I'm a dietician. These are the 6 questions I always get asked, answered.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Moshy

I always start the year with the best intentions.

January arrives and I'm brimming with optimism — armed with meal prep plans, a fridge stocked with perfectly chopped vegetables and a vow to embrace healthier eating habits.

But then life happens.

Between school drop-offs, work and mediating my kids' arguments over who gets the pink bowl, our family meals quickly devolve into whatever we can throw together in 10 minutes.

And when I finally have a moment to scroll through Instagram, I'm bombarded by a tidal wave of conflicting information.

Should I be cutting carbs or embracing them? Is my mid-morning Diet Coke making me more tired? Why is healthy food so expensive? And wait — why do we hate fruit smoothies now?

If you're trying to cut through the online noise and get credible advice, here are answers to six of the most common questions Dietitian Kirby Sorenson gets asked.

1. There is so much conflicting advice about nutrition on social media. How do I figure out what works for me?

"Nutrition is a science, but it's not always black and white," said Kirby. While the advice she's shared here is general, sometimes you need support tailored to your specific needs.

That's where a service like Moshy can help. Moshy is an online health service that connects you with expert guidance from accredited doctors, dietitians and health practitioners, all from the convenience of your own home.

It's designed to help busy people access flexible professional support for managing their health goals, including weight management, with tools like telehealth appointments that fit into your schedule.

Kirby, who works with Moshy, said achieving your health goals requires looking at the big picture. "A holistic approach means focusing on more than just what you eat or how much you exercise," she explained.

"It's about considering everything that impacts your health, like sleep, stress and your emotional wellbeing, and addressing them together."

Kirby also highlighted the benefits of having access to a supportive community to connect and share their own experiences.

"Navigating health changes can feel overwhelming," she said. "But with the right support, you can make informed decisions and build healthy habits that actually stick."

2. Will eating small meals more often speed up my metabolism?

"This isn't going to boost or speed up your metabolism," said Kirby. "If the same total calorie intake is consumed, meal frequency does not impact basal metabolic rate or total calorie expenditure noticeably."

Want to improve your metabolic health? Kirby said the best thing you can do is "get adequate sleep, lift weights and avoid always being in a calorie deficit."

3. Should I cut back on fruit because of the sugar?

The internet has turned on fruit and you can't scroll past a smoothie recipe without seeing comments condemning the sugar content.

Kirby said the truth is more complex than that. "Fruit is good for you, it's packed with vitamins, minerals and a lot of fibre. The sugar in fruit provides energy. Sugar in fruit is not processed sugars like chocolate bars, lollies and cake."

4. Are carbs the enemy?

"People often ask me, 'Will bread make me gain weight?'" said Kirby. "Bread alone doesn't cause weight gain. No single food can be blamed for weight gain — including carbohydrates!"

Kirby explained that weight gain happens when you're in a calorie surplus. "You can eat bread and still manage your weight, if that's your goal, if your overall calorie intake is balanced."

Instead of avoiding carbs, Kirby recommended high-fibre options like whole grains, fruits, starchy vegetables and pulses. "These carbs provide energy, keep you fuller for longer and are packed with nutrients."

5. How can I eat healthy on a budget? 

"Healthy foods are not always expensive, even though it can feel that way. Planning is the key to making sure eating healthy can be affordable."

Here's what Kirby suggested to make healthy eating more affordable:

• Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season.

• Purchase frozen and like fruits, vegetables, pulses, tinned tuna and salmon. "These are just as nutritious as the fresh varieties, but check to make sure there is no added sugar or salt."

• Compare prices by checking the price per kg.

• Buy in bulk. "Rice, pastas, oats, nuts and seeds are often cheaper than buying single serves."

• Avoid shopping while hungry to reduce impulse purchases.

• Choose home brand options. "These can have very similar nutrition content to branded options and are a quarter of the price!"

• Look at budget supermarkets. "Shop outside of the big two Aussie supermarkets. The discount chains can shave a lot of money off your grocery bills and you're still getting the same foods."

6. How do I stay healthy when I'm out or at parties?

Social events can feel tricky when you're trying to stick to your nutritional goals. That's where Kirby's "zoom out" approach comes in.

"Ask yourself, how often am I eating out of my usual routine? Realistically, it's probably one or two meals out of 21. Instead of freaking out, focus on making the other meals in your week more nutritious," she suggested.

Here are Kirby's tips for staying on track without overthinking it:

• Listen to hunger and fullness cues.

• Don't skip meals before events.

• Enjoy food mindfully.

And the most important reminder? "Food is just one part of the event. It's also a time to connect with friends and family. Food doesn't need to be the centre of everything," said Kirby.

To connect with accredited doctors, dietitians and health practitioners, visit Moshy's website.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Feature Image: Getty.

Fad diets, crazy fitness routines… you've spent your life trying to figure out what works. You don't want another quick fix, you want this to be a sustainable change. So what's different about Moshy? We know that adopting healthy habits isn't something that happens in isolation. Our Moshy team of health practitioners and experts tailors your program to you, which goes way beyond treatments to include meal plans, dietitian check-ins and your very own community of women going through their own weight management journeys. We'll customise your plan, check in and collaborate with you until you get where you want to go.