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.

Sugar is one of the most misunderstood parts of nutrition. Some call it poison. Others shrug it off as harmless. The truth is more nuanced. In this episode of Real World Nutrition, we explore the nature of sugar, its role in the body, the distinction between natural and added sugars, and why the quantity is more significant than cutting it out completely. Also covered are recommendations from major health organizations, common myths, the many names sugar hides under, and why nutrition is rarely black or white.

Black tea or green tea—which one is better for your health? This episode breaks down what the research actually shows about tea, including its antioxidant properties, impact on heart health, energy benefits, and the differences in caffeine content compared to coffee. Plus, what matters most if you’re choosing tea for health benefits.

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 197: Seasonal Eating: The Power of Summer Produce for Your Health & Plate

Summer produce isn’t just more affordable and flavorful, but it can also benefit your overall health and wellness. In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley explores the benefits of seasonal eating, particularly during the summer months.

Episode 196: Hot Dogs, Ice Cream & Real-Life Moderation: Enjoying Summer Treats Without the Guilt

Summer is the season of sunshine, s’mores, and… stomach-stretching hot dog contests? In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley breaks down what moderation actually looks like when it comes to enjoying summer treats without succumbing to guilt or overindulging.

Episode 195: Coffee, Caffeine, and Energy: What Helps, What Hurts

Let’s talk caffeine — from coffee to energy drinks. What’s helpful? What’s harmful? And how much is too much? In this episode, Shelley covers what you need to know about your favorite pick-me-up.

Episode 194: Whatever Happened to Dietary Cholesterol? Why It’s Not the Villain Anymore

Cholesterol has had a long, complicated reputation. For years, we were told to avoid eggs, shrimp, and other high-cholesterol foods. However, recent research has significantly altered our understanding of dietary cholesterol. Episode 194 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast unpacks the science behind cholesterol: what it is, why your body needs it, and how dietary cholesterol differs from the cholesterol measured in your blood.

Episode 193: Omega-6 Isn’t the Villain: What We Get Wrong About Seed Oils

Have you heard about the controversy surrounding omega-6 fatty acids and seed oils? These oils have been getting a bad rap online, blamed for everything from inflammation to chronic disease. But how much of that is based on evidence, and how much is misinformation?

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 191: Summer Eating Without Food Guilt: Tips for Grilling, Getaways, and Balanced Wellness

In this episode of Real World Nutrition, Shelley shares how to enjoy summer eating, from cookouts to vacations, without guilt, restriction, or “starting over Monday” thinking. You’ll get realistic tips for potlucks, travel snacks, alcohol, and staying active without rigid rules.

Episode 190: Why It Could Be Too Late to Build Your Bones – But Not Too Late to Protect Them

May is Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Month, and in this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley breaks down what you need to know about bone health, beyond just calcium and aging.

Episode 189: Sipping Smarter: Mindful Drinking for Summer Parties

In this Real World Nutrition episode, we discuss mindful drinking during summer celebrations, from Memorial Day to weddings, cookouts, and beach vacations. Shelley revisits some of the themes from last month’s episode on Alcohol, Stress, and Health: Finding Balance, and shifts the focus toward how alcohol fits into the fun and flow of summer events.

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 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.