One of the things I hear is that people think that grains are wholly unnecessary in the diet. Lots of things are entirely unnecessary, like wine, potato chips, and caramel. That doesn’t mean that we throw them out entirely unless you are a heretic.

The big difference between the grains and the wine, potato chips, and caramel is their nutrients. Grains, especially whole grains, have a lot of nutrients and not just “carbs.”

What is “plant-based” eating and how is it different from vegetarianism? Good question. In today’s episode, I go over plant-based eating, how I define it, and how others I encountered approach it. And how is this term really different from someone who is vegetarian. Not much.

Many people set goals for the new year to lose weight, eat healthier, or start the latest trending diet, including lists of foods to cut out or avoid. This year consider an approach different from a temporary diet or short-term program by doing something for more than a few weeks while also improving health and weight.

As we start the new year, and before starting the fasting, cleanse, latest trendy or temporary way of eating, think about more long-term ways of eating. Losing weight is easy - people do it all the time. Keeping it off is hard - that is where mindset changes are important. 

Why do we feel the need to wait until the first of the year, first of the month, or first of the week to “get back on track” or start eating better?

We can “course correct” any time and today I address how it makes sense to do it right away rather than wait.

Ever wonder about those dates on food packages such as Sell-By, Use-By, and Best-By? They are not terms representing safety or even food expiration. And what about leftovers - how long are they good for?

In today’s episode, I go over what these dates mean and when to toss prepared foods to reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

What is meant by alcohol in “moderation”? Alcohol in moderation is one of the few things precisely defined. But, unfortunately, moderation is one of those words with some ambiguity to it. It means something different depending on the subject, person, and pre-existing habits.

Many people talk about organic food and choose this because it is healthier. But is this really the case? I speak the truth, as always, in today’s episode.

Moving from Mindless to Mindful Eating. Have you heard these terms: mindless eating and mindful eating? Even if you knew of these terms, you might not know the meanings or the absolute difference. In today’s episode, I cover the differences, the consequences, and what we can do to move from mindless to more mindful eating.

Here in the U.S. Thanksgiving is this coming week. While traditions vary by family and region, I do cover common things that I have observed over the years and FIVE tips to help you make good choices. Enjoy - and don’t deprive yourself. Happy Thanksgiving.

With the surge milk alternatives in the refrigerator section of the grocery store, which is the best? Are they all nutritionally equal? Many people are surprised to learn what is NOT in their favorite dairy alternative and how many other ingredients are in there. Take a listen, and then take a look at what is in your fridge.

People will always ask me for the formula to calculate their water intake. Or, they tell me they drink a gallon or more of water every day? Is this necessary? In today’s episode, I cover what counts, how much you need, and how to personalize it for you. 

You hear it all the time, and you may even say it: “I am eating low carb,” “I cut carbs,” or “I don’t eat carbs.” But can you avoid carbs? Should you? Carbohydrates are not a food group but a nutrient essential for human health, and it is in many more foods than people realize. Learn the truth about whether carbs “make you fat” and more in today’s episode.

Sometimes you will hear that “fresh is best,” referring to fruits and vegetables. But is this true? Aren’t canned foods processed? And frozen foods have fewer nutrients, right? When I tell people to eat more fruits and vegetables, I encourage various colors, whether fresh, frozen, or canned.

While people often use some of the information interchangeably, these are two different things. Nutrients are what our body needs to survive, and food groups are general classifications of foods. So, carbohydrates are a nutrient, not a food group. In this episode, I go into the details and distinction of what nutrients and what are food groups. And which nutrients are found in which food groups.

Welcome to the Real World Nutrition Podcast by Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN LD - Subscribe to automatically get new episodes each week.