Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN

What Social Determinants of Health Really Mean and Why SNAP Matters — Real World Nutrition Learn what social determinants of health are, how they affect access to food, and why SNAP is essential for millions of Americans.

Before judging people on SNAP, understand what social determinants of health mean. It’s not about “bad choices” — it’s about access, income, and opportunity. The system needs fixing, not the people. www.shelleyrael.com/blog/social-...
#RealWorldNutrition

Understanding Food Labels: Marketing Claims and Misleading Terms Explained | Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 215 — Real World Nutrition Confused by food labels like “natural,” “low-carb,” or “non-GMO”? Learn how marketing language influences your food choices and what actually matters on the label. Part two of a two-part series that...

Front-of-package claims can be confusing at best, misleading at worst. This week’s episode of Real World Nutrition breaks down “non-GMO,” “natural,” and other buzzwords so you know what actually matters on a food label. #RealWorldNutrition
🎧 Listen: www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/...

Thank you!

Chicken Labels Explained: What They Really Mean (and What to Ignore) — Real World Nutrition Confused by chicken labels like “natural,” “free-range,” and “no hormones”? Learn what these labels actually mean and which ones matter for your health and your wallet.

Chicken labels can be confusing. “Free-range,” “vegetarian-fed,” “no hormones,” “natural.” Some sound great but mean almost nothing. Learn what’s legit and what’s marketing hype. #RealWorldNutrition Read: Chicken Labels: What You Need to Know www.shelleyrael.com/blog/chicken...

I get that a lot. Encouraging people to eat veggies and they automatically think “salad.” I remind them that there are so many other options.

I love it! 🍠

Raw milk isn’t the “pure” health food it’s claimed to be. Pasteurization doesn’t ruin milk — it keeps it safe. Learn what’s real and what’s risky: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/raw-milk #RealWorldNutrition

Raw Milk vs Pasteurized Milk: Why the Risk Doesn’t Add Up — Real World Nutrition Raw milk is gaining attention online, but studies show serious safety risks and little real benefit over properly pasteurized milk. Get the facts and why I believe it’s a risky choice.

There’s a lot of hype about raw milk being “healthier.” It’s not. Pasteurization prevents illness without taking away nutrition. Raw milk carries real risks with no proven benefits. Let’s stop pretending otherwise. #RealWorldNutrition 
Read: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/raw-mil...

Roasting is an easy way to make vegetables taste richer and sweeter while preserving their nutritional value. Toss diced veggies in olive oil and season; spread on a baking sheet and place in a hot oven to turn simple produce into something you actually want to eat. #RealWorldNutrition

What You Should Know About Dietary Supplements, Affiliate Links, and Who to Trust — Real World Nutrition Learn how dietary supplements are regulated, what DSHEA of 1994 means, and how to spot red flags when health information comes from social media influencers with affiliate links.

A lot of “health” advice on social media is a sales pitch. The supplement world is still like the Wild West, and affiliate links are everywhere. Know who benefits before you buy. Your health deserves more than influencer marketing. #RealWorldNutrition
www.shelleyrael.com/blog/affilia...

Deconstructing Food Labels: Understanding What They Really Say<br/>| Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 214 — Real World Nutrition 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 inter...

Food labels are supposed to help you make informed choices, but many are marketing tricks. This week’s episode of Real World Nutrition on Food Labels explains what’s required by law vs. what’s meant to get your attention. #RealWorldNutrition
🎧 Listen: www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/...

November’s a good time to check in with yourself. Progress isn’t about doing everything right—it’s about noticing what helps you feel your best and doing more of that. #RealWorldNutrition

Egg Facts and Label Truths: What You Really Need to Know — Real World Nutrition Eggs are nutritious, affordable, and versatile—but their labels can be confusing. Learn what egg terms like “free-range,” “natural,” and “no hormones” actually mean and why eggs still deserve a spot i...

Eggs are simple, affordable, and packed with nutrients—but egg carton labels can be confusing. “Cage-free” doesn’t always mean what you think, and “no hormones” is just marketing. Here’s what’s real when it comes to eggs: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/eggs-2025 #RealWorldNutrition

Peanut butter is more than just for sandwiches. It offers protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients that support energy and fullness. Look for simple ingredient lists, like peanuts and salt, and enjoy it in reasonable portions. #RealWorldNutrition

Beef Tallow vs Seed Oils: What the Science Really Says About Fats — Real World Nutrition Seed oils are trending as “toxic” and beef tallow is hyped as the healthier swap. Learn what seed oils and beef tallow actually are, review fat-profiles of common cooking fats, and see why simply swap...

Beef tallow is in the spotlight, but switching from seed oils to tallow doesn’t make fast food healthy. Calories are the same. It’s the fat profile that matters. Moderation wins. Read Beef Tallow, Seed Oils & Why It Won’t Change Anything
#RealWorldNutrition www.shelleyrael.com/blog/beef-ta...

Steady energy starts with balanced meals — think fiber, protein, and smart carb choices. Small, consistent habits support blood sugar health and overall wellness for everyone, not only those with diabetes.#RealWorldNutrition

“Processed” isn’t a bad word. Everything we eat is processed in some way, but the degree matters. The NOVA classification breaks it down and helps you make informed choices—without the guilt. #RealWorldNutrition www.shelleyrael.com/blog/nova-cl...

Seafood and Sustainability: How to Make Responsible and Informed Choices | Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 213 — Real World Nutrition 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, ...

Seafood sustainability isn’t just about the ocean. It’s about how seafood is caught, farmed, and how we choose what to eat. This week on Real World Nutrition, learn what sustainable seafood means and how to make informed choices. #RealWorldNutrition www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/...

The year isn’t over yet. Two months is plenty of time to make progress on something that matters to your health. Focus on what you can do today, not what you didn’t do yesterday. #RealWorldNutrition

What Foods Are Genetically Modified or Bioengineered? The Facts You Need to Know — Real World Nutrition Learn which foods are actually genetically modified or bioengineered (BE), what GMO vs. BE means, and why most foods labeled “non-GMO” never had a GMO version to begin with.

Not every food in the store is “GMO.” Only a few crops actually are. Learn what bioengineered foods really are, why “BE” replaced “GMO,” and how to know the difference between facts and marketing. Read: What Foods Are GMO? www.shelleyrael.com/blog/gmo-foo...  #RealWorldNutrition

Cinnamon can bring warmth and sweetness to food without added sugar. It has antioxidants and may help with blood sugar control, but it’s not a cure-all. Use it for flavor and balance, not as a “fix.” #RealWorldNutrition

Seafood and Sustainability: Making Smart, Eco-Friendly Choices — Real World Nutrition Wondering how to choose seafood that’s both nutritious and sustainable? Learn what sustainability means, how to shop smarter, and which labels and certifications actually matter.

Seafood can be healthy for you and the planet, but only if we consider sustainability. Learn what to look for when choosing seafood that supports both your nutrition and long-term availability. #RealWorldNutrition www.shelleyrael.com/blog/seafood...

Hunger isn’t only about food. It’s tied to income, housing, education, and access to grocery stores. Real nutrition solutions start by understanding those bigger systems. #RealWorldNutrition

Seafood Myths Explained: Mercury, Frozen vs. Fresh, and Farmed vs. Wild — Real World Nutrition Seafood myths can make choosing fish confusing. Learn the facts about mercury, whether frozen fish is as good as fresh, and the truth about farmed vs. wild caught seafood.

Seafood myths are everywhere: frozen vs. fresh, farmed vs. wild, and the truth about mercury. These misconceptions often keep people from eating a healthy protein source. In this week’s blog, I set the record straight: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/seafood... #RealWorldNutrition

Seafood Myths and Misinformation: Getting the Facts About Fish, Mercury, and More | Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 212 — Real World Nutrition 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,...

Mercury, frozen vs fresh, wild vs farmed — the myths about seafood never end. This week’s Real World Nutrition Podcast breaks down what’s true and what’s not so you can make confident choices at the seafood counter. #RealWorldNutrition
Listen: www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/...

Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring challenges. It means responding to them without letting frustration take over. Progress starts with realistic optimism and consistency. #RealWorldNutrition

Understanding Non-GMO Food Labels: What They Really Mean — Real World Nutrition Non-GMO labels can be confusing and sometimes unnecessary. Learn which foods are actually genetically modified and when the label matters—or doesn’t.

Non-GMO doesn’t always mean something useful. Many foods labeled non-GMO aren’t GMO crops at all. Understanding which foods are actually GMO helps you see past the marketing and keep more money in your pocket. 🔗 www.shelleyrael.com/blog/labels-... #RealWorldNutrition

There’s no perfect diet. The best way to eat is one that gives you energy, supports your health, and is sustainable long term. Keep it real and find what works for you. #RealWorldNutrition #Wellness

Glad you got some comfort from this. We don’t always have thing figured out and that’s okay. Stop. Acknowledge. Move forward.

Seafood 101: Types of Seafood Explained — Real World Nutrition Seafood includes much more than just fish. Learn about shellfish, crustaceans, mollusks, and finfish in this first part of my National Seafood Month blog series.

Seafood isn’t just about salmon and tuna. Shellfish, crustaceans, and finfish all count, and each comes with unique nutrition and considerations. Learn more about the basics of seafood in my latest blog: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/seafood... #RealWorldNutrition