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

Seafood 101: What Counts as Seafood?

Seafood isn’t just fish. In this first part of my National Seafood Month series, I break down the main categories of seafood and what you should know about them.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Nut Nutrition: More Than Just a Snack

Nuts are more than just a crunchy snack. From heart health to protein and fiber, here’s what you should know about different types of nuts, serving sizes, and common pitfalls.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Vegetarian Nutrition Through the Lifespan

A vegetarian diet can work for all ages, but nutrition needs change over time. Here’s what to know for children, teens, pregnancy, and older adulthood.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

What Does Vegetarian Really Mean?

Vegetarianism is more than skipping meat. Here’s what it really means, how plant-based fits in, and the different ways people follow a vegetarian diet.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Is It Really Your Genes?

Genes matter, but they are not the full story. While family history contributes to disease risk, lifestyle choices have a much larger impact. Here’s why your daily habits matter more than your DNA.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Rising Obesity Rates and Sedentary Lifestyles

Obesity rates in the U.S. have climbed from 15% in 1980 to over 42% today. Food plays a role, but it is not the only factor. Technology, lifestyle shifts, and cultural changes have influenced the way we move, eat, and live.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Fat Facts: Why We Need It and Why Type Matters

Fat often gets labeled as unhealthy, but it’s essential for health. Discover the role of fat in the body, the different types, and what happens with too little or too much.

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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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