Real World Nutrition

In Episode 174 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley explores the idea of “Small Changes, Big Health Impacts,” building on episode 173, discussing the power of accountability in wellness. Many people fail to achieve their health goals because they aim too high and take on too much all at once. This can lead to frustration and burnout, ultimately derailing progress.   Shelley dives into why...

In this Real World Nutrition podcast episode, Shelley explores accountability and its vital role in wellness. Accountability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool for staying on track and achieving your health and wellness goals. Whether striving to exercise more, improve your nutrition, or maintain a healthier lifestyle, having the proper accountability structure can make all the diff...

Are nutrition myths keeping you from reaching your health goals? In episode 172 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley tackles 9 of the most common myths circulating in 2025. Do you really need a multivitamin every day? Are plant-based milks always healthier than dairy? Does eating late at night cause weight gain? These are just a few questions we’re answering with science-backed information...

Are you tired of fad diets promising quick fixes and impossible results? In Episode 171 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley Rael breaks down the top 5 fad diet myths that continue to mislead people. From the truth about carbs to the dangers of extreme calorie cuts, Shelley explains why these myths persist and how to avoid falling for them.   This episode...

Starting a new year often means setting ambitious health and wellness goals, but how can you make sure they are achievable and sustainable? In Episode 170 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley shares 5 tips to guide you toward your healthiest year.   Instead of focusing on restrictions, consider adding nourishing foods to your diet and how daily movement—without punishing workouts—can becom...

The new year is a time for fresh starts, but let’s focus on setting realistic health goals instead of making fleeting resolutions. Episode 169 of the Real World Nutrition podcast discusses practical strategies for creating meaningful goals that foster lasting wellness habits.   Let’s start by reflecting on 2024—what went well, what didn’t, and what needs adjustment or a complete pivot. Then, explo...

The holidays are a time for togetherness, but they can also bring stress, overwhelming obligations, and feelings of loneliness. In Episode 168 of Real World Nutrition, we’re diving into the powerful role of social connections in overall health and wellness—particularly during this busy time of year.   Research consistently shows that staying connected with friends, family, and community can reduce...

The holidays are a time for gathering, celebration, and, yes—delicious food. In Episode 167 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley focuses on embracing the joy of holiday eating through mindfulness.   Discover how to savor traditional family recipes, appreciate cultural holiday foods, and approach seasonal indulgences without guilt. Shelley explains the principles of mindful eating, emphasiz...

The holidays can be magical—but they can also be stressful. From packed schedules to family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Episode 166 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast focuses on practical stress management strategies to help you navigate this busy season.   Host Shelley A. Rael reminds listeners that stress isn’t just about what happens to us—it’s how we respond. While we can’t contr...

Episode 165 of the Real World Nutrition podcast addresses how to keep up your physical activity during the holidays. The holidays are a time for delicious meals and cherished gatherings, but they also increase the risk of foodborne illness. In Episode 165 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley is tackling food safety during one of the busiest food seasons.   From proper storage techniques to...

Episode 164 of the Real World Nutrition podcast addresses how to keep up your physical activity during the holidays.   The holiday season often brings packed schedules, shorter days, and colder weather, making it easy to let exercise routines slide. In Episode 164 of Real World Nutrition, Shelley shares practical tips for staying active even during this busy time of year.   Discover the many benef...

Episode 163 of the Real World Nutrition podcast tackles one of the biggest challenges of the holiday season: enjoying food without the guilt. In “Healthy Holiday Eating Without Guilt,” Shelley explores how to find a balanced approach to holiday meals, sidestepping the stress and worry that often come with holiday gatherings and seasonal treats. She shares strategies to help listeners enjoy the foo...

In Episode 162 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, host Shelley A. Rael, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, discusses immune health and what “immune-boosting” means.    Contrary to popular belief, no miracle food or pill can suddenly “boost” immunity. Instead, it’s about consistently maintaining a balanced lifestyle and supporting your immune system. Learn the nutrient-rich foods that aid immunit...

In Episode 161 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, host Shelley A. Rael, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, wraps up the Mastering the Grocery Store Series with a look at the beverage aisle.    Drinks can significantly impact your health, hydration, and daily energy levels, but not all beverages are created equal. This episode covers essential information on choosing water, flavored waters, juice...

In Episode 160 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, host Shelley A. Rael continues her Mastering the Grocery Store series with a deep dive into the pantry aisle. Often overlooked, the pantry aisle holds the key to easily creating balanced, nutritious meals. Shelley covers how to stock up on essential staples like whole grains, canned goods, healthy oils, and spices to build a foundation for flexib...

In Episode 159 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley continues the Mastering the Grocery Store series by exploring the canned goods aisle—an often overlooked section of the grocery store filled with convenient and nutritious options. Whether stocking up for a busy week or prepping for emergencies, canned foods can be a valuable part of your pantry.   In this episode, Shelley confidently hel...

In Episode 158 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley continues the Mastering the Grocery Store series by exploring the frozen food aisle, helping listeners understand how to make healthier choices beyond just convenience. From selecting nutrient-dense frozen fruits and vegetables to navigating pre-made meals, Shelley breaks down what to look for on labels and how to avoid common pitfalls, s...

In Episode 157 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley continues the Mastering the Grocery Store series by going into the egg section. Shelley explores the often confusing world of egg labels. With terms like ‘cage-free,’ ‘organic,’ ‘pasture-raised,’ and ‘omega-3 enriched,’ it can be challenging to understand what you’re buying and how it aligns with your values. Shelley breaks down the meani...

In Episode 156 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley continues the Mastering the Grocery Store series by heading to the back of the store and the meat and seafood aisle. With so many options, knowing how to make healthy and sustainable choices is essential. Shelley breaks down the different types of meats – from red meat and poultry to processed options – and offers tips on choosing leaner...

In Episode 155 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley continues the Mastering the Grocery Store series by taking listeners through the grocery store's often confusing bread and bakery section. With so many different options, making the healthiest choice can be difficult. In this episode, Shelley explains the differences between white bread, whole wheat, multigrain, and gluten-free bread and...

In this episode of Real World Nutrition, Shelley Rael continues her Mastering the Grocery Store series by heading to the snack food aisle. With so many options marketed as “healthy,” it’s easy to be misled by packaging claims. Shelley explains how to navigate this confusing section of the grocery store by teaching listeners how to read nutrition labels, understand serving sizes, and avoid common t...

In this episode of Real World Nutrition, Shelley Rael continues her Mastering the Grocery Store series with a deep dive into the cereal aisle. The cereal aisle is filled with colorful boxes and confusing labels, making it difficult to make healthy breakfast choices. Shelley simplifies the process by teaching listeners how to read cereal labels, identify high-fiber and whole-grain options, and redu...

In this episode of Real World Nutrition, Shelley explores the dairy aisle and helps you navigate its many options. From traditional cow's milk to plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, and oat milk, explore each choice's nutritional benefits and potential drawbacks. She also breaks down the differences between various types of yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products, offering practical advice...

​​In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley heads to the produce section of your grocery store. As one of the first areas shoppers encounter, the produce section can be exciting and overwhelming. This episode offers essential tips for selecting the freshest fruits and vegetables, focusing on vibrant colors, firmness, and aroma. Shelley also covers proper storage techniques, from...

In this introductory episode of the new Real World Nutrition podcast series, we dive into the essentials of mastering the grocery store. Navigating a grocery store can be overwhelming with its complex layouts and countless options, but with the right strategies, it can become a smooth and even enjoyable experience. This episode covers the typical design of grocery stores, including the perimeter,...