Real World Nutrition News You Can Use

There is a lot of misinformation about nutrition. And nothing in this field is black-or-white, yes-or-no, but many shades of gray and a lot of “it depends.” So, my goal is to help clear up some of that misinformation with some snark, entertainment, and facts (with some opinion thrown in). 

Many of these topics come from interactions with the public, friends, clients, and students. I see sheer misinformation about the science of nutrition, and I do my best to clear things up one blog post at a time. 

If you have a topic you are wondering about, let me know

Looking for a specific topic? Search to see if it is already here.


Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Metabolic Syndrome: What It Is and Why It Matters

Metabolic syndrome isn't one disease or one number. Learn how blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and waist circumference can work together to increase health risks.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Top 5 Reasons Eating Well Can Feel So Hard

Eating well can be difficult for many reasons, from busy schedules and food costs to boredom and feeling restricted. Here are five common barriers and realistic ways to make eating well easier.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

What Does Healthy Aging Really Look Like?

Healthy aging doesn't have one look. Explore common myths about aging, what changes are normal, what isn't inevitable, and what can help preserve independence and function.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Healthy Aging Starts Earlier Than You Think

Healthy aging isn't something to think about when you reach a certain birthday. Learn why muscle, bones, nutrition, activity, sleep, relationships, and prevention matter throughout life.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: What's the Difference?

Have you ever wondered whether a reaction to food is an allergy or an intolerance? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they have different causes, symptoms, and health implications. Here's what you need to know.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Healthy Fats: Why Avocados Aren’t the Only Good Source

Healthy fats go far beyond avocados. Learn how saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats differ, where they're found, and why shifting the balance toward unsaturated fats matters more than avoiding fat.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

No Weight Loss? That Is Probably Okay

The scale isn't changing, but does that mean nothing is working? Learn why weight is only one measure of progress and what strength, energy, fitness, body composition, and other health changes can tell you.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

What Does “Junk Food” Actually Mean?

What actually makes a food “junk”? Learn why labels like junk food, processed, and ultra-processed don't tell the whole story and why nutrient density and your overall eating pattern matter more.

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Shelley Rael, MS RDN Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Too Busy to Eat Healthy? Why Making Time Matters

Busy schedules don't have to keep you from eating well. Learn practical ways to make nutrition fit into real life with simple habits, meal planning, and nutritious convenience foods.

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