Author | Lightnews

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 5h

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

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.

www.shelleyrael.com

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 1d

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

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 2d

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...

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.

www.shelleyrael.com

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 3d

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

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 4d

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 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.

www.shelleyrael.com

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 5d

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/...

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,...

www.shelleyrael.com

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 6d

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

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 7d

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

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.

www.shelleyrael.com

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 8d

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

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 9d

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

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 9d

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

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.

www.shelleyrael.com

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 10d

Food is fuel, but it’s also part of traditions and memories. Eating well doesn’t mean giving that up. It’s about finding a way to eat that supports your health and still fits real life. #RealWorldNutrition #HealthyEating

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 11d

Oats are more than a breakfast food. They can be sweet or savory, quick or slow-cooked, and even used in baking or smoothies. Learn about different oats, their benefits, and creative ways to enjoy them: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/oat-nut... #RealWorldNutrition

Oatmeal Benefits, Types, and Creative Ways to Enjoy It — Real World Nutrition

Learn about different types of oats, their health benefits, how to make oatmeal more filling, and creative recipes beyond breakfast.

www.shelleyrael.com

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 12d

Vegetarian diets can work at every age, but nutrient needs look different for kids, teens, pregnancy, adults, and older adults. This episode covers what matters most for each stage of life. www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/... #RealWorldNutrition

Vegetarian Nutrition Through the Lifespan: What You Need to Know | Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 211 — Real World Nutrition

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 ...

www.shelleyrael.com

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 12d

Not an uncommon “pitfall” 😊

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 12d

I am always happy to help educate. Share with the masses.

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 13d

Positivity isn’t about ignoring challenges. It’s about perspective—choosing to focus on action instead of frustration. The right mindset can make healthy habits easier to stick with. #RealWorldNutrition #Wellness

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 14d

“Natural,” “organic,” and “low carb” are front-of-the-package claims that can be true yet misleading. Labels are designed to sell, not necessarily to inform. Here’s what those tricky food label terms actually mean: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/labels-... #RealWorldNutrition

Tricky Food Label Claims: What Front-of-Package Labels Really Mean — Real World Nutrition

Front-of-the-package food claims can be misleading. Learn what terms like natural, organic, whole grain, low-carb, and no added sugar really mean on food labels.

www.shelleyrael.com

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 15d

Optimism doesn’t cure everything, but it helps people manage stress better, recover faster, and maintain healthier habits. Your mindset affects your body more than you might think. #RealWorldNutrition #Wellness

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 16d

Pumpkin is nutrient-rich and useful in more than pie. Fresh, canned, or roasted seeds, there are many ways to add it to your meals. Learn how to choose, prepare, and use pumpkin in everyday cooking. Pumpkin Beyond Pie: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/pumpkin... #RealWorldNutrition

Pumpkin Nutrition and Everyday Uses Beyond Pie — Real World Nutrition

Learn about pumpkin nutrition, how to choose and prepare fresh pumpkin, the difference between carving and baking pumpkins, benefits of pumpkin seeds, and creative ways to use pumpkin beyond pie.

www.shelleyrael.com

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Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 17d

From almonds to walnuts, nuts offer protein, fiber, and healthy fats. A small handful is enough for benefits, but watch for added sugar or salt. Learn more about types, benefits, serving sizes, and pitfalls: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/nut-nut... #RealWorldNutrition

Health Benefits of Nuts: Nutrition, Serving Sizes, and Pitfalls — Real World Nutrition

Nuts are nutrient-dense foods packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Learn the health benefits of different nuts, serving sizes, and what to watch out for.

www.shelleyrael.com

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 19d

Vegetarian myths are everywhere: protein, nutrients, “it’s healthier,” and more. Episode 210 of Real World Nutrition looks at the facts behind these claims. Listen: www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/... look for Real World Nutrition with Shelley A. Rael on your favorite podcast app/platform.

Vegetarian Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction | Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 210 — Real World Nutrition

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...

www.shelleyrael.com

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 20d

Most people don’t think about their medical info until they’re asked for it. Med lists, allergies, labs, and provider contacts belong in one place—not across old emails and sticky notes. Make it easy to access before there’s an emergency. #RealWorldNutrition #HealthInfo

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 20d

Optional labels in 2025 can highlight real benefits or simply act as marketing. Knowing which labels are required and which are optional helps cut through the noise at the grocery store. www.shelleyrael.com/blog/labels-... #RealWorldNutrition

Food Label Claims Explained: Optional and Regulated Information — Real World Nutrition

Food labels include optional claims that may or may not be regulated. Learn how to spot nutrient claims, health claims, and structure-function claims so you know what to trust.

www.shelleyrael.com

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN @shelrael.bsky.social · 22d

Having your health info in one spot isn’t overkill—it’s smart. Medications, labs, diagnoses, allergies, and provider contacts should not live in random notes or memory. Make it easy to access when it’s needed. #RealWorldNutrition #HealthLiteracy