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 1/17/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/17/26

What Are the Names of Added Sugars?

Added sugars go by many names. This post explains how added sugars are defined, where they appear on labels, and why recognizing sugar aliases matters.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/9/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/9/26

Sugars: Natural vs Added

Not all sugar is the same. Learn the difference between natural and added sugars, how to read labels, and what actually matters for health.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/8/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/8/26

What Are Carbohydrates? Fiber, Starch, and Sugar Explained

Carbohydrates are more than bread and sugar. Learn what they are, how the body uses them, and why they matter for energy and health.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/3/26 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 1/3/26

Carbohydrates vs Sugar: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Carbohydrates and sugar are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can make nutrition feel far less confusing.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 12/27/25 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 12/27/25

Nutrition Facts Panel, Part 4: % Daily Values and Other Information

What Percent Daily Value actually means, why it uses 2,000 calories, and how to use it as a helpful tool instead of a source of confusion.

Shelley Rael, MS RDN 9/2/25 Shelley Rael, MS RDN 9/2/25

The Role of Sugar in the Diet: Friend, Foe, or Something in Between?

Sugar often gets a bad reputation, but the truth is more nuanced. Learn why sugar is essential, what happens when we don’t get enough, and how excess can be harmful.

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.