​​You have probably seen “net carbs” on food labels or heard the term in low carb and keto spaces. But what does it actually mean, and does it matter?

In this episode, we break down what carbohydrates are, how net carbs are calculated, where the concept came from, and why it is not formally recognized in nutrition science. We also discuss blood sugar, fiber, sugar alcohols, food marketing, and what matters more than chasing a net carb number.

If you have ever wondered whether net carbs are helpful or just another diet trend, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

Listen: Episode 229 Fiber 101: Soluble, Insoluble, Functional Fiber and Resistant Starch

Listen: Episode 228 What Are Carbohydrates? Fiber, Starch, and Sugar Explained

Read more: What Are Net Carbs and Do They Actually Matter?

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Fiber is often oversimplified as something that “keeps you regular.” In reality, it plays a far more complex role in digestive health, blood glucose regulation, cholesterol management, gut microbiome diversity, and long term disease risk.

In this episode, the discussion continues the carbohydrate series by breaking down the different types of fiber, including soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, functional fiber, and resistant starch. The episode also connects fiber recommendations to the Dietary Guidelines and explains why the source of carbohydrate matters.

Listen: Episode 228 What Are Carbohydrates? Fiber, Starch, and Sugar Explained

Read more: Fiber 101: Soluble, Insoluble, Functional Fiber, and Resistant Starch

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Carbohydrates are among the most debated nutrients in modern nutrition discussions. In this episode, fiber, starch, and sugar are clearly explained, along with how they function in the body and why they remain misunderstood.

This episode builds on the recent carbohydrate blog series and connects to the ongoing discussion about the 2025 to 2030 Dietary Guidelines. It also sets the stage for upcoming episodes that will explore carbohydrates in greater depth.

If you have ever wondered what carbohydrates actually are and why they matter, this episode provides context without oversimplifying the science.

Read more: What Are Carbohydrates? Fiber, Starch, and Sugar Explained

Learn more or contact me: ShelleyRael.com

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Understanding nutrition starts with understanding nutrients. This episode breaks down the six classes of essential nutrients and explains what they do, where they are found, and why removing entire nutrient categories can cause problems. The episode also covers phytochemicals, food groups, and how nutrients work together with our eating patterns in real life.

Read more: The Six Classes of Essential Nutrients (and Phytochemicals)

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After more than 200 episodes, it felt like the right time to pause and reintroduce the voice behind the podcast. This episode shares the philosophy, experience, and real-world perspective that shape the conversations here each week.

From individual nutrition counseling to teaching, hospital work, community programs, and supporting people across the lifespan, this episode explains why the basics of nutrition still matter and why health has to fit real life, not an idealized version of it. This is an honest look at what guides the work, the podcast, and the approach to wellness without extremes, trends, or quick fixes.

Read more: Nutrition, Experience, and the Real World: Why the Basics Still Matter

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The discussion covers common red flags in supplement marketing, including fear-based messaging, exaggerated claims, lack of transparency, and misuse of credentials. It also explains the role of the Federal Trade Commission in requiring disclosure of paid partnerships and affiliate relationships.

Listeners will learn how to evaluate supplement claims, identify reliable sources of information, and understand where supplements may or may not fit into a balanced approach to health. This episode emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based nutrition, and informed decision-making.

Read more: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements

Read more: FDA’s Dietary Supplement page

Read more: Dietary Supplements and Affiliate Links

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Read: Raw Milk: Risks and Realities

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This second episode in a two-part series explains why certain vitamins and minerals appear on the label, what nutrients of concern really mean, how sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamin D fit into daily intake, and how to interpret percent Daily Value in a practical way.

You will learn why the label uses a 2,000-calorie reference, what 5 percent and 20 percent Daily Value actually tell you, why some nutrients have no %DV at all, and how to use the label as a comparison tool rather than a scorecard.

If the Nutrition Facts Panel has ever felt unclear or misleading, this episode helps put the numbers in context so they support better overall patterns rather than creating stress.

Read More: Nutrition Facts Panel Part 1: Serving Sizes, Servings Per Container, and Calories

Read More: Nutrition Facts Panel Part 2: Fats, Cholesterol, Carbohydrates, and Protein

Read More: Nutrition Facts Panel Part 3: Sodium, Potassium, and Other Vitamins and Minerals

Read More: Nutrition Facts Panel Part 4: % Daily Value and Other Information

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