Real World Nutrition

February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about the number ONE cause of death worldwide—heart disease. While diet plays a significant role in heart health, it’s not the whole picture. In Episode 175 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley discusses the non-food factors that impact your heart, including stress, sleep, and physical activity.

Chronic stress increases blood pressure and inflammation, poor sleep raises cardiovascular risk, and lack of movement weakens the heart. But small, sustainable lifestyle changes can make a big difference!

In this episode, Shelley shares practical tips for managing stress, improving sleep, and moving more—without completely overhauling your life.

Let’s chat if you want to improve your heart health beyond just diet! Schedule a free Introductory Call today. 

Prior episodes related to heart disease and heart health: 

Episode 20: Eating for Your Heart

Episode 71: Five Foods for a Healthy Heart

Episode 72: Heart Disease and Cancer - Many Diseases Under Those Names

Episode 125: Understanding Heart Disease and the Many Risk Factors

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

In Episode 174 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, Shelley explores the idea of “Small Changes, Big Health Impacts,” building on episode 173, discussing the power of accountability in wellness. Many people fail to achieve their health goals because they aim too high and take on too much all at once. This can lead to frustration and burnout, ultimately derailing progress.

Shelley dives into why slow and steady wins the race, illustrating how small, intentional steps can lead to significant results. Small changes form the foundation of sustainable habits, from eating healthier and exercising more to running a marathon.

This episode includes practical examples, such as setting realistic SMART goals and breaking large objectives into manageable steps. Shelley also shares her personal story of struggling with a 5K to successfully run a marathon, all by starting with small, consistent changes.

Whether you aim to eat better, move more, or improve your overall wellness, this episode offers actionable tips to help you start small, stay consistent, and achieve big results. Tune in for inspiration and practical strategies to make meaningful progress on your health journey!

Read more: Small Changes, Big Health Impacts: Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

In this Real World Nutrition podcast episode, Shelley explores accountability and its vital role in wellness. Accountability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool for staying on track and achieving your health and wellness goals. Whether striving to exercise more, improve your nutrition, or maintain a healthier lifestyle, having the proper accountability structure can make all the difference.

Shelley addresses various ways to implement accountability, including accountability buddies, scheduled check-ins, apps, sharing progress on social platforms, and even simply telling someone about your goals. Each method has unique benefits and challenges, and this episode will help you determine which works best for your lifestyle and personality.

Tune in to learn practical strategies, actionable insights, and how accountability can transform your wellness journey. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools to identify the best accountability method for you and start making meaningful progress toward your goals.

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

Are nutrition myths keeping you from reaching your health goals? In episode 172 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley tackles 9 of the most common myths circulating in 2025. Do you really need a multivitamin every day? Are plant-based milks always healthier than dairy? Does eating late at night cause weight gain? These are just a few questions we’re answering with science-backed information.

Shelley also addresses whether egg whites are actually better than whole eggs and busts the myth that high-protein diets damage kidneys. She explains why no one-size-fits-all diet works for everyone and introduces five essential foods everyone should include, no matter their eating pattern.

Nutrition isn’t about perfection or following trends—it’s about finding what works for you based on facts, not myths. Tune in to learn practical, real-world nutrition tips and grab your free eBook, “Top 10 Nutrition Myths Busted: Get the Facts.”

Get your free e-book, “Top 10 Nutrition Myths Busted: Get the Facts.” This guide helps you cut through the noise with science-backed information so you can make confident, informed choices about your health. Download your copy today.  

Real World Nutrition episodes mentioned: 

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

Are you tired of fad diets promising quick fixes and impossible results? In Episode 171 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley Rael breaks down the top 5 fad diet myths that continue to mislead people. From the truth about carbs to the dangers of extreme calorie cuts, Shelley explains why these myths persist and how to avoid falling for them.

This episode doesn’t just debunk myths—it offers practical tips for focusing on what truly matters for your health. Learn how to set realistic goals, balance your meals, and build sustainable habits that last. Plus, Shelley shares how you can grab her free e-book, Top 10 Nutrition Myths Busted: Get the Facts, for even more science-based insights into common nutrition misconceptions.

Tune in to Real World Nutrition Episode 171 today!

Get your free e-book, “Top 10 Nutrition Myths Busted: Get the Facts.” This guide helps you cut through the noise with science-backed information so you can make confident, informed choices about your health. Download your copy today.  

Real World Nutrition episodes mentioned: 

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

Starting a new year often means setting ambitious health and wellness goals, but how can you make sure they are achievable and sustainable? In Episode 170 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley shares 5 tips to guide you toward your healthiest year.

Instead of focusing on restrictions, consider adding nourishing foods to your diet and how daily movement—without punishing workouts—can become a joyful part of your routine. Shelley also debunks common myths, such as exercising on an empty stomach to burn more fat, and emphasizes the importance of fueling your body rather than depriving it.

This episode provides practical, actionable advice to help you take a balanced and positive approach to your health. Whether you’re looking to refine your current habits or start fresh, this podcast is your guide to setting—and sticking with—sustainable wellness goals for 2025.

Tune in to Real World Nutrition Episode 170 today!

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

The new year is a time for fresh starts, but let’s focus on setting realistic health goals instead of making fleeting resolutions. Episode 169 of the Real World Nutrition podcast discusses practical strategies for creating meaningful goals that foster lasting wellness habits.

Let’s start by reflecting on 2024—what went well, what didn’t, and what needs adjustment or a complete pivot. Then, explore the difference between resolutions and goals, using the SMART framework to set actionable intentions.

Shelley offers practical tips, such as starting small, focusing on process-oriented goals, tracking progress, and staying flexible when life throws curveballs. The emphasis is on progress, not perfection, and on building habits that align with one's values and lifestyle.

This episode is your guide to evaluating the past year and setting yourself up to thrive in 2025. 

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

The holidays are a time for togetherness, but they can also bring stress, overwhelming obligations, and feelings of loneliness. In Episode 168 of Real World Nutrition, we’re diving into the powerful role of social connections in overall health and wellness—particularly during this busy time of year.

Research consistently shows that staying connected with friends, family, and community can reduce stress, improve mental health, and strengthen your immune system. But how do we prioritize these connections without sacrificing self-care?

This episode offers practical strategies for maintaining meaningful relationships during the holiday season. From scheduling quality time with loved ones to setting boundaries around social commitments, you’ll learn how to balance connection and personal well-being.

We’ll also explore ways to combat holiday loneliness by reaching out, volunteering, or creating new traditions that foster relationships. Remember, social connections aren’t just about showing up—they’re about being present.

🎧 Tune in to Real World Nutrition with Shelley A. Rael on your favorite podcast platform for actionable advice on building and maintaining supportive connections this holiday season.

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

The holidays are a time for gathering, celebration, and, yes—delicious food. In Episode 167 of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley focuses on embracing the joy of holiday eating through mindfulness.

Discover how to savor traditional family recipes, appreciate cultural holiday foods, and approach seasonal indulgences without guilt. Shelley explains the principles of mindful eating, emphasizing that it’s not about restriction but about enjoying the entire food experience.

For social settings where full mindfulness isn’t practical, Shelley introduces the concept of “more mindful” eating, offering practical ways to stay present while navigating busy holiday gatherings. Learn tips for slowing down, tuning in to hunger and fullness cues, and finding balance without sacrificing joy.

This episode reminds us that holiday eating is about connection, celebration, and pleasure—and you can enjoy it all without stress or guilt. 

🎧 Tune in to embrace the holiday season with confidence and joy with Real World Nutrition with Shelley A. Rael on your favorite podcast platform for a stress-less holiday season.

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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

The holidays can be magical—but they can also be stressful. From packed schedules to family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Episode 166 of the Real World Nutrition Podcast focuses on practical stress management strategies to help you navigate this busy season.

Host Shelley A. Rael reminds listeners that stress isn’t just about what happens to us—it’s how we respond. While we can’t control others or unexpected events, we can control how we approach these challenges.

This episode dives into:

With actionable advice and gentle reminders, this episode helps you prioritize your well-being without sacrificing the season's joy.

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach 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