Real World Nutrition News You Can Use

There is a lot of misinformation about nutrition. And nothing in this field is black-or-white, yes-or-no, but many shades of gray and a lot of “it depends.” So, my goal is to help clear up some of that misinformation with some snark, entertainment, and facts (with some opinion thrown in).

Many of these topics come from interactions with the public, friends, clients, and students. I see sheer misinformation about the science of nutrition, and I do my best to clear things up one blog post at a time.

If you have a topic you are wondering about, let me know.

Looking for a specific topic? Search to see if it is already here.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 2/10/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 2/10/26

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines: What They Got Right

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines are not flawless, but they do reflect meaningful progress. Here is what they got right and why it matters for real world nutrition.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/29/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/29/26

How to Build a Balanced Plate When Carbohydrates Are Involved

LA practical framework and sample meal plans for including carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar in balanced meals after weeks of nutrition education. Let’s apply things now.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 12/13/25 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 12/13/25

Nutrition Facts Panel, Part 2: Fats, Cholesterol, Carbohydrates, and Protein

A clear breakdown of fats, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and protein on the Nutrition Facts label, written to help you understand what each number actually represents.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 8/28/25 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 8/28/25

Do You Need to Cut Out Sugar? What to Know First

Before cutting sugar completely, it helps to understand the difference between added and natural sugars, what moderation means, and what the science actually says about sugar and health.