Real World Nutrition

Is removing artificial dyes or switching sugars making food healthier—or just better marketed? This episode breaks down the “health halo” effect and why ingredient swaps often miss the bigger picture. It also explores the deeper issue of food insecurity and why access to nutritious food matters more than cosmetic food changes. From misunderstood ingredients to misguided food trends, the focus shifts to what truly impacts public hea...

Every year, the Dirty Dozen list shows up like clockwork, stirring up fears about pesticide exposure from conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. But is this list really giving you the whole picture? In this episode, I revisit the Dirty Dozen—what it is, where it comes from, and most importantly, what it doesn’t tell you.

I discuss the facts behind pesticide residue levels, why the list can be misleading, and how it contribut...

Summer produce isn’t just more affordable and flavorful, but it can also benefit your overall health and wellness. In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley explores the benefits of seasonal eating, particularly during the summer months.

From seasonal berries to garden-fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, summer fruits and vegetables are packed with benefits, including hydration, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidant...

Summer is the season of sunshine, s’mores, and… stomach-stretching hot dog contests? In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley breaks down what moderation actually looks like when it comes to enjoying summer treats without succumbing to guilt or overindulging.

While the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest might be the extreme example of indulgence, most of us are just trying to navigate the occasional cookout,...

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, but when it comes to energy, there’s a lot of confusion about what actually helps and what might be working against you. In Episode 195 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley Rael, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, breaks down the difference between coffee, caffeine, and energy, and what you should really know about each.

Shelley discusses the pros and cons of caffein...

Cholesterol has had a long, complicated reputation. For years, we were told to avoid eggs, shrimp, and other high-cholesterol foods. However, research has significantly altered our understanding of dietary cholesterol. In Episode 194 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, I unpack the science behind cholesterol: what it is, why your body needs it, and how dietary cholesterol differs from the cholesterol measured in your blood.

We’l...

In Episode 193 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley Rael, RDN, dives into the controversy surrounding omega-6 fatty acids and seed oils. These oils have been getting a bad rap online, blamed for everything from inflammation to chronic disease. But how much of that is based on evidence, and how much is misinformation?

Shelley explains the role of omega-6 fats in the body, their importance for health, and the context we oft...

The word “healthy” gets tossed around a lot, but what does it actually

mean when it comes to food? In Episode 192 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley Rael, MS, RDN, discusses the complex layers of confusion and misinformation surrounding the term “healthy.” From food marketing tactics to outdated perceptions, Shelley explains why this term is more complicated than it seems.

She dives into what the FDA considers a “health...

Summer is a time for sunshine, travel, and delicious food, but for many, it also brings a wave of guilt, restriction, or “starting over Monday” thinking. In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley is breaking down how to enjoy everything summer has to offer without falling into common mindset traps.

Shelley addresses how “vacation mode” can lead to the all-or-nothing cycle and how to break free from it while sti...

May is Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Month, and in this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley Rael, RDN, breaks down what you need to know about bone health, beyond just calcium and aging.

She explores the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, busts common myths, and highlights both non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors for men and women. Shelley shares what nutrition strategies can suppo...

This Real World Nutrition episode discusses mindful drinking during summer celebrations, from Memorial Day to weddings, cookouts, and beach vacations. Shelley revisits some of the themes from last month’s episode on Alcohol, Stress, and Health: Finding Balance, and shifts the focus toward how alcohol fits into the fun and flow of summer events.

Shelley discusses why drinking is often part of the social scene, and how this doesn’t...

May 11 is Eat What You Want Day. But what if we stopped labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and just ate what nourishes and satisfies us? In this episode of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley Rael, RDN, breaks down the toxic cycle of food guilt, how cheat days undermine your goals, and what food freedom really looks like. 

🎧Tune in and learn how to stop justifying your food choices and start trusting yourself again.

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In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley discusses realistic strategies for maintaining energy and hydration during the summer months. As warmer weather invites more outdoor activity—hikes, bike rides, early morning runs, or lunchtime walks—it’s easy to forget how important it is to fuel and hydrate intentionally.

Shelley covers why hydration is more important in the heat, the signs of underhydration, and easy w...

In this episode of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley explores the connection between our dietary choices and environmental health. Building on the 2025 Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” Shelley discusses the significant impact of food production on greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land degradation.

Get practical insights into sustainable eating, including incorporating more plant-based meals, reducing fo...

We’ve all had those days—back-to-back meetings, errands, workouts, family obligations—and suddenly it’s 8pm, and you haven’t eaten a real meal. You’re not alone.

In Episode 185 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley shares strategies for creating fast, nourishing meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Grocery shortcuts and batch-prepped staples help you quickly build a balanced plate. Shelley helps adjust your minds...

Alcohol is often seen as a go-to way to relax or take the edge off after a stressful day. But how much does it really help—and where might it actually be adding to the problem? This episode explores the connection between alcohol, stress, and overall health, offering a clear, no-pressure look at how drinking habits can impact your body and mind.

Many people turn to alcohol to cope with stress, but few realize how it can affect th...