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

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.

Sugar is one of the most misunderstood parts of nutrition. Some call it poison. Others shrug it off as harmless. The truth is more nuanced. In this episode of Real World Nutrition, we explore the nature of sugar, its role in the body, the distinction between natural and added sugars, and why the quantity is more significant than cutting it out completely. Also covered are recommendations from major health organizations, common myths, the many names sugar hides under, and why nutrition is rarely black or white.

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.

From keto to intermittent fasting to plant-based diets, it feels like diet trends never stop evolving. But do these diets really hold the answers to better health, or are they just recycling old ideas with new names? In this episode, we explore the truth about diet trends, why so many foods are labeled “bad,” and how fear-based messages about food are hurting more than helping. Learn how to cut through the confusion, stop labeling foods, and focus on consistent eating patterns that actually support long-term health.

“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.

Is removing artificial dyes or switching sugars making food healthier—or just better marketed? This episode breaks down the “health halo” effect and why ingredient swaps often miss the bigger picture. It also explores the deeper issue of food insecurity and why access to nutritious food matters more than cosmetic food changes. From misunderstood ingredients to misguided food trends, the focus shifts to what truly impacts public health.

Every year, the Dirty Dozen list shows up like clockwork, stirring up fears about pesticide exposure from conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. But is this list really giving you the whole picture? In this episode, I revisit the Dirty Dozen—what it is, where it comes from, and most importantly, what it doesn’t tell you.   I discuss the facts behind pesticide residue levels, why the list can be misleading, and how it contributes to food anxiety, especially among those already trying to eat healthier on a budget. You’ll hear why I don’t recommend using this list to guide your produce choices and how it may cause more harm than good, especially if it makes someone skip nutritious foods altogether.   This episode ties into my blog post, Ignore the Dirty Dozen, where I go even deeper into the numbers and concerns. You don’t need to buy organic to be healthy. You don’t need to fear produce. Let’s bring some balance and facts back to the conversation.   Schedule a complimentary 30-minute introductory call today to discover how I can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. Enroll in the Mini Course: 6 Tips for the Busy Person to Have Sustainable Energy: All-Day Energy Through Food AND Companion Workbook

Summer produce isn’t just more affordable and flavorful, but it can also benefit your overall health and wellness. In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley explores the benefits of seasonal eating, particularly during the summer months.   From seasonal berries to garden-fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, summer fruits and vegetables are packed with benefits, including hydration, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Shelley shares how these foods support digestion, energy, and even skin health, while making meals more enjoyable and colorful.   You’ll get practical ideas for adding seasonal produce to snacks and meals without overthinking it, and tips for managing the excess that sometimes comes from a generous garden harvest. Shelley also highlights how community programs, such as Food is Free or food gleaning services, can help share the abundance and reduce food waste—no green thumb required.   If you want to feel more connected to your food, save money, and simply support your health, this episode is your fresh start.   Nationwide Map of Gleaning and Food Recovery Organizations to find a resource near you.    Schedule a complimentary 30-minute introductory call today to discover how I can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. Enroll in the Mini Course: 6 Tips for the Busy Person to Have Sustainable Energy: All-Day Energy Through Food AND Companion Workbook