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 2/24/22 Shelley Rael 2/24/22

Macros are Back – And We Still Aren’t Counting Them

Following up on a post about macros from nearly a year, ago, I address the question, “ How are foods chosen that will precisely fit a particular macro group?

Get out the calculator and read this first.

Shelley Rael 1/27/22 Shelley Rael 1/27/22

Nutrition Facts Panel, Part 2: Fats, Cholesterol, Carbohydrates, and Protein

Continuing with part 2 of this series on the Nutrition Facts label covers the macronutrients: fat, carbohydrates, and protein. I also address the sub-categories of fat including saturated fat and trans-fat, cholesterol, and the sub-categories of carbohydrates including the newest addition to the Nutrition Facts - added sugars.

See why those numbers don’t always add up and why protein seems like an afterthought. It isn’t

Shelley Rael 10/19/21 Shelley Rael 10/19/21

Protein - Plant vs. Animal Sources

Based on what people tell me, they often think that the only way to get protein in their diet is to eat meat or drink protein shakes.

And, yes, this is still true today that people think this.

How do I know? I teach nutrition at my local college, including a sports nutrition class.

Every single term, students are shocked to learn they can get protein from foods other than meat! Of course, some students know otherwise, but I am not overstating or exaggerating when I say that students, and likely the larger population, don’t know that there are plenty of food sources of protein. And meat isn’t the only source.

Shelley Rael 9/22/21 Shelley Rael 9/22/21

Protein: A Nutrient and A Food Group

One of the more considerable challenges in conversation about nutrition is when people classify nutrients as a food group.

For example, when people refer to carbs and how bad they think they are and believe they shouldn’t eat them. I am surprised that people think we should not eat any fruits, vegetables, or beans?

Because carbs are a nutrient. And the nutrient carbohydrates include fiber, starch, and various sugars.

Shelley Rael 4/2/21 Shelley Rael 4/2/21

Counting Macros? What are they anyway?

In the science of human nutrition, calories are the measure or units of energy that we need, and they come from food (and beverages). There are four sources of calories in human nutrition. Three are nutrients, and the fourth is not.

We call these three nutrients that provide calories “macronutrients” because they are necessary or essential nutrients in large quantities relative to the “micronutrients,” which are vitamins and minerals.

Shelley Rael 3/8/21 Shelley Rael 3/8/21

Food Groups vs Nutrients

One of the on-going things I see and hear is people using food groups and nutrients as interchangeable. They aren’t really.

Like the time my friend said she wasn’t going to have any carbs for lunch – then had a salad and a glass of wine. Really. That was a HIGH carb lunch. I would estimate that 80% of the meal was carbohydrates. It could be more. Look it up.