Real World Nutrition

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...

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...

What does the word "diet" actually mean? For many people, the word immediately brings to mind weight loss, restriction, food rules, and giving up favorite foods. But the original meaning of diet is much simpler: it is...

Fast food is part of real life, but does eating it mean giving up on healthy eating? Not necessarily. In Episode 256 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, the focus is on realistic ways to make more balanced choices at...

What do those calorie numbers on restaurant menus actually mean? In this episode, restaurant menu labeling in plain language, including what the numbers represent, why they are listed, and what happens when a standard...

Food expiration dates are among the most misunderstood aspects of food safety, and confusion about them can contribute to unnecessary food waste. In this episode of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, food date labels are...

Should you work out on an empty stomach? Do you really need a protein shake after every workout? Are sports drinks necessary, and when do carbohydrates matter most? In this episode of Real World Nutrition, Registered...

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for more than 100 years. But if we know so much more today than we did decades ago, why is it still such a major health concern? In this episode...

Does cooking destroy nutrients? Is steaming better than boiling? Does microwaving “nuke” the nutrition out of food? Cooking changes food, but those changes aren't necessarily bad. Some nutrients decrease with heat...

Are superfoods really "super," or is the term mostly marketing? In this episode, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley Rael explores the differences between superfoods, functional foods, and nutraceuticals and...

Are bacon, hot dogs, deli meats, and sausage really as unhealthy as you’ve heard? In this episode, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley Rael explains what qualifies as a processed meat, why these foods have been...

Is red meat healthy, unhealthy, or somewhere in between? In this episode of Real World Nutrition, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley Rael explores what the research really says about red meat and health. Learn...

For many people, nutrition starts with good intentions but can gradually become a list of rules, restrictions, and expectations that feel impossible to maintain. Social media messages about clean eating, detoxes...

Is it protein? Calories? Carbohydrates? Fruits and vegetables? Supplements? The answer may be simpler and more practical than many people expect. In this episode, Shelley explores one of the most common nutrition...

Can a supplement provide the same benefits as whole foods? Many people assume that if a food contains a beneficial nutrient, taking that nutrient in a supplement should provide the same result. Nutrition research has...