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 feeling deprived, join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley A. Rael as she cuts through the hype and gives real talk about eating healthier.
Launched in 2021 and with over 250 episodes in the library, new episodes drop weekly, every Friday.
Available on your favorite podcast app/platform, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PodBean, Spotify, and Stitcher.
Looking for a specific topic?
Search to see if it is already here.
When Diets Go Sideways: Keto, Carnivore, and Other Diet Trends
Some popular diets began with very different purposes than the ones they are associated with today. The ketogenic diet was developed as a medical therapy for epilepsy, elimination diets are used as short-term diagnostic tools, and Whole30 was designed as a temporary elimination and reintroduction program. Meanwhile, carnivore have become a major social media trend despite limited long-term research.
This episode explores what happens when dietary approaches are simplified, repackaged, and promoted for weight loss, wellness, or a wide range of health concerns. The discussion looks at the difference between the medical ketogenic diet and modern keto, the purpose of elimination diets, how temporary programs can become long-term restrictions, and why social media often turns nuanced nutrition questions into simple answers.
The Best Diets: Why DASH, MIND, Mediterranean, and Flexitarian Rank Well
Every year, "best diet" lists rank eating patterns based on nutrition, health outcomes, sustainability, and other factors. But what can these rankings actually teach us about healthy eating?
In this episode, the focus is on DASH, MIND, Mediterranean-style, Flexitarian, and plant-forward eating patterns, and the characteristics they share. These approaches emphasize variety, nutrient-rich foods, flexibility, and sustainable habits rather than rigid rules and extreme restriction
What Makes a Diet “Good”? 7 Traits of Healthy Eating Patterns
What actually makes a diet "good"? Not how quickly it produces weight loss, how restrictive it is, or how many foods it eliminates.
In this episode, the second in a mini-series about diets and dietary patterns, the focus is on seven characteristics commonly found in eating patterns that support health: adequacy, balance, variety, moderation, sustainability, enjoyment, and cultural fit.
Episode 187: Fueling Your Fitness – Small Shifts for Sustained Summer Energy
Episode 187: Fueling Your Fitness – Small Shifts for Sustained Summer Energy
Prepping for more active summer days? Get realistic strategies for maintaining energy and hydration during the summer months. As warmer weather invites more outdoor activity – hikes, bike rides, early morning runs, or lunchtime walks – it’s easy to forget how important it is to fuel and hydrate intentionally.
Episode 186: Earth-Friendly Eating: How Your Food Choices Impact the Planet
Episode 186: Earth-Friendly Eating: How Your Food Choices Impact the Planet
Explore the connection between our dietary choices and environmental health. Building on the 2025 Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” Shelley discusses the significant impact of food production on greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land degradation.
Episode 156: Healthy and Sustainable Choices in the Meat and Seafood Aisle
Episode 156: Healthy and Sustainable Choices in the Meat and Seafood Aisle
The Mastering the Grocery Store series is now in the meat and seafood aisle. With so many options, knowing how to make healthy and sustainable choices is essential. Shelley breaks down the different types of meats – from red meat and poultry to processed options – and offers tips on choosing leaner cuts and avoiding excess sodium. She also discusses the health benefits of fatty fish like salmon and provides insights into sustainable seafood options. For those looking to reduce their environmental footprint, Shelley explains how to look for grass-fed, pasture-raised, and sustainably caught labels. Whether you’re a meat lover or trying to cut back, this episode provides practical tips on making smarter choices that support your health and the planet.