Real World Nutrition Podcast

Move past the fads, gimmicks, trends, detoxing, cleanses, fasting, and other unrealistic ideas about eating in the real world. If you want to eat and enjoy food without being deprived because you live in the real world, join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Shelley A. Rael as she sorts through the hype and gives real talk about eating healthier.

Launched October 2021 with new episodes weekly, each Friday.

Available on your favorite podcast app/platform, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcasts, I Heart Radio, PodBean, Spotify, and Stitcher.

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Episode 179: The Lifespan of a Diet Trend – Why Some Stick and Others Fade

Episode 179: The Lifespan of a Diet Trend – Why Some Stick and Others Fade


Diets come and go, but why do some trends stick while others fade into obscurity? In this episode of the Real World Nutrition Podcast, take a deeper dive into diet trends through the decades—from the Grapefruit Diet of the 1950s to the rise of keto and intermittent fasting. What have we learned from these trends? Do people respond better to strict rules or flexibility? How do social trends and marketing influence what we eat?

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Episode 178: Finding Your Motivation for Consistency with Your Health and Wellness Goals

Episode 178: Finding Your Motivation for Consistency with Your Health and Wellness Goals

We all set goals—whether it’s eating healthier, exercising regularly, or making more time for self-care—but staying consistent can be a real challenge. Motivation is often the deciding factor in whether we stick with our habits or let them slide. What is your motivation style, and how can you make it work for you?

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Episode 174: ​​Small Changes, Big Health Impacts: Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Episode 174: ​​Small Changes, Big Health Impacts: Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race

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!

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Episode 173: The Power of Accountability in Wellness

Episode 173: The Power of Accountability in Wellness

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.

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Episode 169: New Year Reset: Setting Realistic Health Goals

Episode 169: New Year Reset: Setting Realistic Health Goals

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 considers 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 like 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 your values and lifestyle.

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

🎧Tune in on your favorite podcast platform and take the first step toward achieving your goals.

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