Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN
banner
shelrael.bsky.social
Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN
@shelrael.bsky.social
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA). Married with a grown kiddo, granddaughter, and 3 rescue dogs. Founder of #RealWorldNutrition, helping people navigate eating and living healthier in the real world. ShelleyRael.com
Sodium, potassium, vit D, calcium, iron. These aren’t random on a label. They’re there because most people get too much of some and not enough of others. This post explains what to look for and why it matters.
www.shelleyrael.com/blog/nutriti...
#RealWorldNutrition #NutritionEducation #FoodLabels
Nutrition Facts Panel Explained: Sodium, Potassium, and Key Vitamins and Minerals — Real World Nutrition
Learn how to read sodium, potassium, vitamin D, calcium, and iron on the Nutrition Facts panel and what these nutrients mean for everyday health.
www.shelleyrael.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:13 PM
You do not need a reset because you enjoyed food or skipped workouts. The goal right now is support, not control.
#RealWorldNutrition
December 20, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Hangovers are not caused by bad luck or the wrong drink order. They are physiology.

This article breaks down hangover myths vs facts, what helps, what does not, and why time matters more than any so-called cure.

www.shelleyrael.com/blog/hangove...

#RealWorldNutrition #NutritionFacts
Hangover Myths vs Facts: What Actually Helps After Drinking — Real World Nutrition
What really causes a hangover and which common cures are myths or facts? Learn what helps, what does not, and how hydration, food, and time affect hangover recovery.
www.shelleyrael.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
This season is not the time for extremes. It is the time for basics. Eat enough. Sleep when you can. Move a little. Give yourself some slack.
#RealWorldNutrition
December 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Holiday stress does not mean you are failing at self-care. It means your nervous system is working. This article explains how stress affects eating, energy, and sleep, and what helps in real life.

www.shelleyrael.com/blog/holiday...

#RealWorldNutrition #HolidayStress #StressAndNutrition
Burnout-Proof Holidays: How to Manage Stress and Protect Your Energy — Real World Nutrition
Learn how stress affects your body, eating habits, and energy levels, and how to manage holiday stress without burnout or guilt.
www.shelleyrael.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Hydration often drops off in winter, but your body still needs it. The new episode of Real World Nutrition breaks down simple ways to stay hydrated without turning it into a chore.
Listen here: www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/...
#RealWorldNutrition #winterwellness #hydration
Winter Hydration Strategies for Better Energy, Health, and Holiday Wellness| Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 219 — Real World Nutrition
Winter is a season when people often forget to hydrate, yet the body still needs consistent hydration to function well. This episode breaks down why hydration is often overlooked during cold weather, ...
www.shelleyrael.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM
A reset is not the same as a restriction plan. It is a reminder that you can support your body without going to extremes.

The past is past. Choose what helps you feel better today. One choice at a time.

#RealWorldNutrition #selfcare
December 15, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Fats, sugars, cholesterol, and protein can be confusing on a Nutrition Facts label. I break it down in a simple, practical way so you know what matters and what does not. Get the info at: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/nutriti...
#RealWorldNutrition
Understanding Fats, Sugar, Cholesterol, and Protein on the Nutrition Facts Label — Real World Nutrition
Learn how to read the Nutrition Facts panel for fats, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and protein with clear, practical guidance. Understand what each line means and how to use it
www.shelleyrael.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Stress eating is common during the holidays, but stress relief should not rely only on food. Breaks, sleep, movement, and boundaries count too. #RealWorldNutrition #holidayhealth #mindfuleating
December 13, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Alcohol sedates the brain, but it does not support real sleep. Even one drink changes REM patterns, and more drinks only multiply the disruptions. I explain how this works in my latest blog.
www.shelleyrael.com/blog/alcohol... #RealWorldNutrition #sleephealth
How Alcohol Affects Sleep Quality and What Really Happens in the Body — Real World Nutrition
Learn how alcohol impacts your brain, body, and sleep quality. Understand what happens after one drink versus several and why alcohol does not improve sleep.
www.shelleyrael.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Holiday eating should not come with a side of guilt. Food is part of celebration. Enjoy it. Pay attention to what feels good and let the rest go. #RealWorldNutrition #holidaywellness #nutritionfacts
December 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Hydration slips in winter, even though we still need it every day. Cold air, indoor heat, alcohol, and busy schedules make dehydration more common than people think. Here is why winter hydration matters and how to stay on track: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/holiday... #RealWorldNutrition
www.shelleyrael.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The latest episode looks at practical habits that actually fit during the holidays. No strict rules and no guilt. Just simple routines that help you stay steady this season. 
Real World Nutrition podcast listen here: www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/...  
#RealWorldNutritionPodcast
Realistic Holiday Habits That Support Your Health Without Guilt | Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 218 — Real World Nutrition
The holidays are not a test of discipline. In this episode, we talk about what realistic habits look like during a busy and food-centered season. This is about balance and permission to be human, not ...
www.shelleyrael.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The 12 Days of Wellness starts today. If you want clear, realistic wellness tips for the holidays, you can still join and get every message. Sign up for FREE at 12DaysofWellness.com #RealWorldNutrition #12DaysofWellness

www.shelleyrael.com/12-days-of-w...
December 8, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The 12 Days of Wellness starts Monday. Straightforward daily tips to help you feel more balanced this month. Learn more at 12DaysofWellness.com sign up for free. #RealWorldNutrition www.shelleyrael.com/12-days-of-w...
12 Days of Wellness 2025 — Real World Nutrition
www.shelleyrael.com
December 7, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Serving size is not a recommendation. It is not a judgement. It is just the amount people typically eat. And that number explains every other number on the Nutrition Facts panel. #RealWorldNutrition
Get the breakdown here: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/nutriti...
Nutrition Facts Panel Explained Serving Sizes, Servings Per Container, and Calories — Real World Nutrition
A straightforward guide to understanding serving sizes, servings per container, and calories on the Nutrition Facts panel, written for real life use.
www.shelleyrael.com
December 6, 2025 at 10:47 PM
People love how practical and easy this program is. Join the 12 Days of Wellness starting Monday. 12DaysofWellness.com #12DaysofWellness #12DaysofWellness2025 #RealWorldNutrition www.shelleyrael.com/12-days-of-w...
12 Days of Wellness 2025 — Real World Nutrition
www.shelleyrael.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Alcohol can change hunger cues, cravings, and decision-making more than people realize. If holiday drinks leave you reaching for extra snacks, there is a reason. I break it down here.
www.shelleyrael.com/blog/alcohol... #RealWorldNutrition
How Alcohol Affects Hunger and Cravings — Real World Nutrition
Learn why alcohol increases hunger and cravings, how it influences appetite hormones and decision making, and what you can do to stay mindful during holiday drinking.
www.shelleyrael.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Sneak peek: One of the tips teaches you how to use a daily “anchor” to stay grounded. Simple and helpful. 12DaysofWellness.com #12DaysofWellness #12DaysofWellness2025 #RealWorldNutrition www.shelleyrael.com/12-days-of-w...
December 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Holiday stress adds up fast. These short wellness tips make the season easier to manage. Join at 12DaysofWellness.com #12DaysofWellness #12DaysofWellness2025 #RealWorldNutrition

www.shelleyrael.com/12-days-of-w...
December 4, 2025 at 10:51 PM
12 Days of Wellness starts Monday, December 8. One clear tip each day to keep things manageable during the holidays. Learn more and join for free at 12DaysofWellness.com
#RealWorldNutrition #12DaysofWellness www.shelleyrael.com/12-days-of-w...
12 Days of Wellness 2025 — Real World Nutrition
www.shelleyrael.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Holiday food gets a bad reputation, but enjoying food is not a failure. You can eat what you like, stay mindful, and move on without turning it into an all-day debate in your head. Holiday Eating Without the Guilt www.shelleyrael.com/blog/holiday... #RealWorldNutrition
Holiday Eating Without Guilt and Pressure — Real World Nutrition
Learn how to enjoy holiday food without guilt, stress, or diet culture pressure. Practical strategies for balanced eating and a healthier mindset during the festive season.
www.shelleyrael.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Health choices do not happen in a vacuum. Income, transportation, stress, access, and other things shape what people can actually do. Learn more in the latest episode. Look for Real World Nutrition on your favorite podcast app or at: www.shelleyrael.com/rwn-podcast/... #RealWorldNutrition
Social Determinants of Health and the Reality Behind Food Access | Real World Nutrition Podcast Episode 216 — Real World Nutrition
A practical look at how social determinants of health shape daily choices, especially when it comes to food access and programs like SNAP. This episode breaks down the real barriers people face, the a...
www.shelleyrael.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
One month left in 2025. A small reset can feel helpful. The 12 Days of Wellness keeps it practical and manageable, with a way to finish the year with purpose. Starts on Dec 8 - learn more and sign up at 12DaysofWellness.com www.shelleyrael.com/12-days-of-w... #RealWorldNutrition #12DaysofWellness
12 Days of Wellness 2025 — Real World Nutrition
www.shelleyrael.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Holiday food safety is not optional. If you think the sniff test works, it doesn’t. I lay out the practical steps to keep the unwanted guests away this season.
Read here: www.shelleyrael.com/blog/food-sa...
#RealWorldNutrition
Holiday Food Safety Tips to Avoid Foodborne Illness — Real World Nutrition
Practical, real world strategies to avoid food poisoning during Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. Includes safe cooking, reheating, storing, and travel tips.
www.shelleyrael.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:33 PM