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 6/9/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 6/9/26

The Best Diets: DASH, MIND, Flexitarian, Mediterranean, and Why They Consistently Rank Well

What makes a diet one of the best? Learn why DASH, MIND, Mediterranean, Flexitarian, and plant-forward eating patterns consistently receive high rankings and what they have in common.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 5/26/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 5/26/26

Building a Heart-Healthy Plate Without Overthinking It

Heart-healthy eating does not need to be expensive, bland, or complicated. Learn practical ways to build balanced meals that support long-term health.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 5/16/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 5/16/26

Are Olives a Healthy Food?

Olives are often overlooked compared to olive oil. This blog looks at their nutrition, benefits, and how they fit into a healthy eating pattern.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 5/5/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 5/5/26

The Mediterranean Diet: What It Is (and What It’s Not)

The Mediterranean diet is often called one of the healthiest ways to eat. But what does that actually mean? This blog breaks down what it is, what it isn’t, and how to apply it in real life.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 8/19/25 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 8/19/25

The Truth About Diet Trends

Diets have been around for more than a century. From the grapefruit diet to keto to Mediterranean eating, here’s the truth about what works, what doesn’t, and how to focus on lasting health instead of the latest fad.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 5/8/25 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 5/8/25

Mediterranean Diet: A Simple Guide to Starting Fresh This Summer

The Mediterranean Diet is more than olive oil and red wine. It’s a way of life. Discover what makes it so popular, how to adopt its core habits, and why it’s one of the healthiest patterns in the world.