Real World Nutrition

Explore how front-of-package food labels use marketing language to influence choices. Learn which claims are regulated, which are misleading, and how to identify red flags when reading labels.

Part two of a two-part series that makes sense of the information on your food labels.

Food labels are full of numbers, claims, and buzzwords — but how much of it really matters? This episode breaks down the basics: what’s required by law, what’s optional but regulated, and how to interpret those common phrases like “low fat,” “good source of,” or “light.” Learn how to read the ingredients list, understand nutrient claims, and separate useful facts from marketing fluff.

Sustainability is a buzzword we see everywhere, especially when it comes to seafood. But what does it really mean, and how can you tell if your seafood choices are truly sustainable? In this episode, Shelley Rael explains what to look for when buying seafood, the truth about labeling and certification programs, and how responsible choices can support both personal health and environmental balance.

Seafood is one of the most misunderstood food groups. In this episode, Shelley Rael breaks down common myths about seafood, including confusion around mercury, the difference between fresh and frozen, and whether farmed fish is bad for you. Learn what really matters when choosing seafood and how to enjoy it as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Vegetarian eating often comes with numerous myths and misconceptions. Do vegetarians really struggle to get enough protein? Is a vegetarian diet automatically healthier? Can athletes or kids thrive on a vegetarian lifestyle? In this episode of Real World Nutrition, we debunk the most common misconceptions about vegetarian diets and explain what the science and real-life experiences really reveal.

Fat isn’t the enemy—but it isn’t a free pass either. In this episode of Real World Nutrition, learn the role fat plays in the body, the differences between saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats, and how to make real-world choices without falling for the hype.

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.

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.

“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.

Episode 200: “Decoding Food Ingredients: What’s Really in Your Food?”

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.