Real World Nutrition Podcast

Move past the fads, gimmicks, trends, detoxing, cleanses, fasting, and other unrealistic ideas about eating in the real world. If you want to eat and enjoy food without being deprived because you live in the real world, join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley A. Rael as she sorts through the hype and gives real talk about eating healthier.

Launched October 2021 with new episodes weekly, each Friday.

Available on your favorite podcast app/platform, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcasts, I Heart Radio, PodBean, Spotify, and Stitcher.

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What Are Carbohydrates? Fiber, Starch, and Sugar Explained

Carbohydrates are among the most debated nutrients in modern nutrition discussions. In this episode, fiber, starch, and sugar are clearly explained, along with how they function in the body and why they remain misunderstood.

 

This episode builds on the recent carbohydrate blog series and connects to the ongoing discussion about the 2025 to 2030 Dietary Guidelines. It also sets the stage for upcoming episodes that will explore carbohydrates in greater depth.

 

If you have ever wondered what carbohydrates actually are and why they matter, this episode provides context without oversimplifying the science.

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The Six Classes of Essential Nutrients and Phytochemicals

Understanding nutrition starts with understanding nutrients. This episode breaks down the six classes of essential nutrients and explains what they do, where they are found, and why removing entire nutrient categories can cause problems. The episode also covers phytochemicals, food groups, and how nutrients work together with our eating patterns in real life.

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How to Read the Nutrition Facts Panel: Serving Sizes, Calories, and Macronutrients

Nutrition labels are everywhere, but many people still find them confusing. This episode breaks down the Nutrition Facts panel in a clear, practical way. Learn what serving sizes really mean, how to interpret calories, and how fats, carbohydrates, and protein are listed so you can use food labels as a helpful tool rather than a source of stress. This is part one of a two-part series on understanding the Nutrition Facts panel.

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