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 Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Changes Happen All the Time

Change is everywhere—fashion, technology, social norms, even medicine. So why do people resist nutrition recommendations when they evolve too?

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Dietary Guidelines Myths & Misinfo

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are often misunderstood. Here’s the real story on myths like “they’re rules,” “they caused obesity,” and more.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Vitamin B?

“Vitamin B” isn’t just one vitamin but eight. Do you really need a supplement, or are you already getting enough from food? Here’s what to know.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Don’t Blame the Rice

Rice often gets demonized as “bad carbs.” The truth? Rice is not the enemy. Here’s what you need to know about its nutrition, resistant starch, and role in a balanced diet.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

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.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Is Snacking Healthy or Harmful?

Snacking has a reputation for being either the hero or the villain in a healthy eating plan. The truth is, it can be both. Here’s how to know when snacks work for you and when they don’t.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Foods Don’t Always Nicely Fit Into the Food Groups

Ever wonder what food group mushrooms, olives, or oat milk belong to? Some foods just don’t fit the traditional categories. Here’s why that’s normal and why your overall eating patterns matter more than labels.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

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.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Are These Foods Healthy?

Not every “healthy” food lives up to the hype. Here’s the real story on five popular foods that may not be as nutritious as you think.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Does Clean Eating Actually Mean Anything?

Clean eating sounds simple, but it’s a vague, often fear-based term that can lead to guilt and restriction. Here’s what it really means, why it’s not always helpful, and how to find balance with food.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Wellness Trends That Aren’t Worth the Hype

Trendy wellness tips are everywhere, but not everything “healthy” is worth your time or money. Here’s the truth about popular trends and what truly supports wellness in the long term.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Dairy Foods – More Than Milk

Think dairy means drinking three glasses of milk every day? Think again. From cheese and yogurt to smoothies and coffee, dairy shows up in more ways than you might think, and the nutrients are worth paying attention to.

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