Sustainability is a buzzword we see everywhere, especially when it comes to seafood. But what does it really mean, and how can you tell if your seafood choices are truly sustainable? In this episode, Shelley Rael explains what to look for when buying seafood, the truth about labeling and certification programs, and how responsible choices can support both personal health and environmental balance.

Seafood is one of the most misunderstood food groups. In this episode, Shelley Rael breaks down common myths about seafood, including confusion around mercury, the difference between fresh and frozen, and whether farmed fish is bad for you. Learn what really matters when choosing seafood and how to enjoy it as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Vegetarian eating often comes with numerous myths and misconceptions. Do vegetarians really struggle to get enough protein? Is a vegetarian diet automatically healthier? Can athletes or kids thrive on a vegetarian lifestyle? In this episode of Real World Nutrition, we debunk the most common misconceptions about vegetarian diets and explain what the science and real-life experiences really reveal.

Fat isn’t the enemy—but it isn’t a free pass either. In this episode of Real World Nutrition, learn the role fat plays in the body, the differences between saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats, and how to make real-world choices without falling for the hype.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been around for over 40 years, shaping everything from school lunches to food labels. But do they actually matter for your health? In this episode of Real World Nutrition, Shelley Rael unpacks the history, the myths, and the real impact of the Guidelines — and how they can be useful in everyday life.

From keto to intermittent fasting to plant-based diets, it feels like diet trends never stop evolving. But do these diets really hold the answers to better health, or are they just recycling old ideas with new names? In this episode, we explore the truth about diet trends, why so many foods are labeled “bad,” and how fear-based messages about food are hurting more than helping. Learn how to cut through the confusion, stop labeling foods, and focus on consistent eating patterns that actually support long-term health.

“Superfoods” and “clean eating” sound like the fast track to better health, but do they really mean anything? In this episode, we break down what’s hype and what’s fact, how these terms can fuel guilt or confusion, and what actually matters for a balanced diet.

This episode explores the true meaning of wellness and breaks down what truly helps you feel better in the long term versus what merely appears good on social media. Wellness isn’t a juice cleanse, a supplement, or a quick fix. It’s consistent action over time. Tune in for five realistic ways to build wellness into your day, and hear why some trends aren’t worth your energy.

This episode breaks down the most common food ingredients and additives on U.S. labels—what they are, why they’re used, and what’s actually worth paying attention to. Plus, a quick comparison to European ingredient standards.

Is removing artificial dyes or switching sugars making food healthier—or just better marketed? This episode breaks down the “health halo” effect and why ingredient swaps often miss the bigger picture. It also explores the deeper issue of food insecurity and why access to nutritious food matters more than cosmetic food changes. From misunderstood ingredients to misguided food trends, the focus shifts to what truly impacts public health.

Episode 198: Should You Worry About the Dirty Dozen

Is the Dirty Dozen list helping or harming your relationship with food? In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, I’m breaking down what the Dirty Dozen list is, why it keeps popping up, and what the data shows.

Episode 192: What Even Is a Healthy Food? Cutting Through the Confusion

The word “healthy” gets tossed around a lot, but what does it actually mean when it comes to food? In Episode 192 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley Rael, MS, RDN, discusses the complex layers of confusion and misinformation surrounding the term “healthy.” From food marketing tactics to outdated perceptions, Shelley explains why this term is more complicated than it seems.

Episode 188: Food Freedom: What "Eat What You Want Day" Really Means

May 11 is Eat What You Want Day. But what if we stopped labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and just ate what nourishes and satisfies us? In this episode of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley Rael, RDN, breaks down the toxic cycle of food guilt, how cheat days undermine your goals, and what food freedom really looks like. Learn how to stop justifying your food choices and start trusting yourself again.

Episode 172: Busting Nutrition Myths for 2025

Are nutrition myths keeping you from reaching your health goals? In episode 172 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley tackles 9 of the most common myths circulating in 2025. Do you really need a multivitamin every day? Are plant-based milks always healthier than dairy? Does eating late at night cause weight gain? These are just a few questions we’re answering with science-backed information.

Shelley also addresses whether egg whites are actually better than whole eggs and busts the myth that high-protein diets damage kidneys. She explains why no one-size-fits-all diet works for everyone and introduces five essential foods everyone should include, no matter their eating pattern.

Nutrition isn’t about perfection or following trends—it’s about finding what works for you based on facts, not myths. Tune in to learn practical, real-world nutrition tips and grab your free e-book, “Top 10 Nutrition Myths Busted: Get the Facts.” This guide helps you cut through the noise with science-backed information so you can make confident, informed choices about your health. Download your copy today.  

Real World Nutrition episodes mentioned: 

• Episode 123: The Truth About Supplements

• Episode 124: The Pros and Cons of Five Popular Dietary Supplements

• Episode 145: Debunking Nutrition Myths - You Need Supplements

• Episode 4: Should You Avoid Carbs? Can You?

• Episode 140: Debunking Nutrition Myths - Carbs are Bad for You

• Episode 171: Breaking Down Fad Diet Myths

• Episode 3: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned

• Episode 118: Detoxes and Cleanses - Myths and Realities

• Episode 141: Debunking Nutrition Myths - You Need a Detox

• Episode 6: Are Milk Alternatives a Healthy Option?

• Episode 44: Revisiting Protein

• Episode 45: How Much Protein Do You Need?

• Special 6 2022: Which Diet to Choose

Episode 171: Breaking Down Fad Diet Myths

Are you tired of fad diets promising quick fixes and impossible results? In Episode 171 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley Rael breaks down the top 5 fad diet myths that continue to mislead people. From the truth about carbs to the dangers of extreme calorie cuts, Shelley explains why these myths persist and how to avoid falling for them.

This episode doesn’t just debunk myths—it offers practical tips for focusing on what truly matters for your health. Learn how to set realistic goals, balance your meals, and build sustainable habits that last. Plus, Shelley shares how you can grab her free e-book, Top 10 Nutrition Myths Busted: Get the Facts, for even more science-based insights into common nutrition misconceptions.

🎧Don’t let fad diets derail your wellness journey. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to get the facts and take control of your health the smart way.

Real World Nutrition episodes mentioned: 

• Episode 4: Should You Avoid Carbs? Can You?

• Episode 140: Debunking Nutrition Myths - Carbs are Bad for You

• Episode 137: The Mystery of Your Calorie Needs - Solved!

• Episode 141: Debunking Nutrition Myths - You Need a Detox

• Episode 35: Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fats

• Episode 121: Fueling Your Fitness - Myths and More

Episode 146: Debunking Nutrition Myths - Gluten-Free Diets Are Healthier for Everyone

This week addresses the myth that gluten-free diets are healthier for everyone. Learn why gluten-free diets are necessary for some but not the general population. Discover practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet.

Episode 145: Debunking Nutrition Myths - You Need Supplements

This week focuses on the myth that you need supplements to get all your nutrients. With the supplement industry booming, many believe they can't meet their nutritional needs through food alone. But is this really the case?

Episode 144: Debunking Nutrition Myths - Organic Foods Are Healthier

Let’s debunk the myth that organic foods are always healthier. Discover the truth about organic vs. conventional foods and make informed choices for your diet.

Episode 143: Debunking Nutrition Myths - You Should Only Eat Egg Whites

Let’s debunk the myth that you should only eat egg whites. Discover the benefits of whole eggs and the essential nutrients in egg yolks.

Episode 142: Debunking Nutrition Myths - Eating Fat Makes You Fat

Discover the truth about healthy fats and their essential role in brain health, hormone production, and overall well-being. It isn’t fat that makes you have excess weight or body fat.