What Does Vegetarian Mean?

Vegetarian eating looks different at every stage of life. From childhood and adolescence to pregnancy, adulthood, and older age, nutrient needs shift and so do the challenges of meeting them. In this episode of Real World Nutrition, I discuss the key considerations for vegetarian nutrition at various ages, including protein, iron, vitamin B12, and more. Whether you are a vegetarian now, raising vegetarian kids, or considering it later in life, this episode provides practical, no-nonsense guidance backed by evidence.

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.

Vegetarian eating is more than just “no meat.” In this episode, I explain what vegetarian really means, the different types of vegetarian diets, and why people choose this eating style. We’ll cover the cultural and historical roots of vegetarianism, common misunderstandings, and what day-to-day meals can look like for different vegetarian approaches. If you’ve ever wondered about the spectrum of vegetarian eating, this episode clears up the confusion.

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.

Salt often gets a bad reputation, but the truth is more nuanced. In this episode, we’re talking about sodium: what it does in the body, why we need it, and how too much can create real health problems. You’ll learn about the sources of sodium in your diet, how to interpret food labels, and practical strategies for balancing your intake without extremes. This episode pairs with the blog “Salt: Why Your Body Needs It—But Not Too Much,” linked in the show notes.

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.