Hey there, beautiful human! Today, I want to take you behind the scenes and talk about what a “fit” day actually looks like.   Because here’s the thing… it’s so easy to scroll through Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest and get the idea that being fit means having this flawless, aesthetic life. The perfectly prepped meals. The two-hour morning routine. The seamless outfit. The color-coded snack containers. And while that might look cute on camera, let me be honest with you—it’s not reality.    So in today’s episode, I want to debunk that “perfect day” myth and walk you through what my real days actually look like—messy moments, flexibility, and all. Because imperfection? That’s not a setback. That’s the strategy.   What I discuss

1. The importance of consistency on the messy, busy, real-life days to get real results.
2. What a true “fit” day really looks like in real life.
3. How to ditch perfectionism and focus on fueling your body well most of the time, and trusting the process over time.

If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… episode 531: Why Consistency Measures Progress Better Than the Scale.

• If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

• Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

• Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

• Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

• Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Hey, hey beautiful human! Today we are diving into something I know you’ve seen all over your feed—fitness advice from TikTok.

 

And listen, I love a good scroll just like the next woman. TikTok has brought a lot of awareness to fitness and nutrition, which is great… but it’s also spread a lot of confusion. And honestly? Some of the most viral tips you’ve probably heard… are just plain wrong.

 

So in this episode of Embrace Your Real, I want to set the record straight on three major fitness trends that TikTok has gotten totally wrong. Because I don’t want you wasting time, energy, or mental stress following advice that’s not actually helping you build the body you want.

 

What I discuss:

1. The importance of structured strength training.

2. How Carbs can actually help with recovery and sleep.

3. Why Spot targeting fat loss isn’t a thing.

4. Progressive overload and rest are key.

 

If you loved this episode, I know you’ll also love episode 56: 7 Common Workout Mistakes You're Probably Making

 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/7-common-workout-mistakes-youre-probably-making

 

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

• Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

• Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

• Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

• Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

• Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

 

Today we’re diving into a struggle I know so many of you have felt—when you’re tracking your macros, lifting weights, staying consistent… and yet you feel like you’re gaining weight.

It’s frustrating. It’s confusing. And it can make you second-guess everything you’re doing.

In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I’m breaking down what’s actually going on when this happens—and giving you clear steps to navigate it with confidence, instead of panic.

Because more often than not? Your body is telling you something important—and this is not the time to throw in the towel.

What I discuss:

• Why feeling puffy or “heavier” doesn’t always mean fat gain

• How inflammation, water retention, and stress impact the scale and how your body feels

• The most common hidden reasons women feel like they’re gaining, even when doing “everything right”

• How to know if it’s time to adjust your plan—or stay the course

• Why trusting the process (not just the scale) is key to long-term success

• How to shift from reactive to empowered when this shows up in your journey

 

if you loved this episode, you’ll also love… Episode 162: How I Dealt With Gaining 40 Pounds https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/how-i-dealt-with-gaining-40-pounds 

 

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

• Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

• Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

• Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

• Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

• Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

 

Today we’re diving into something that’s been all over fitness TikTok—reverse dieting.

You’ve probably heard people say it’s the secret to healing your metabolism, fixing fat loss plateaus, or even losing weight while eating more. But is that really how it works?

In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I’m breaking down what reverse dieting is really for, who it helps, and—most importantly—how to know if YOU actually need one.

Because this isn’t a magic trick. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it only works when it’s used in the right situation.

What I discuss:

• What reverse dieting is actually meant to do (and what it’s not)

• Five clear signs your body might need a reverse diet

• How to know if you just need more consistency—not more food

• Why you shouldn’t panic when the scale fluctuates

• The step-by-step method to reverse diet the right way

• How healing your metabolism can change your results and your relationship with food

If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/are-you-undereating-without-realizing-it-5-surprising-signs 

 

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

• Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

• Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

• Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

• Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

• Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

 

Today we’re diving into something I’ve seen all over social media lately—and that’s the “girl dinner” trend.

If you’ve ever thrown some crackers, cheese, and a handful of snacks on a plate and called it dinner… this episode is for you.

Because while I totally get the appeal of an easy, no-cook meal, here’s the truth: if you’re working hard to build muscle, increase your energy, and feel more in control of your cravings—girl dinner is not it.

In this episode, I break down why this trend might be holding you back, what your body actually needs to feel nourished, and how to make simple, satisfying meals without overthinking it.

What I discuss:

• Why “girl dinner” leads to cravings, blood sugar crashes, and fatigue

• The two nutrients your body is begging for—especially if you’re training

• How to reframe food as fuel (without being rigid or “all or nothing”)

• What a balanced meal actually looks like

• My 3-step formula for building quick, satisfying meals on busy days

• Why wanting to nourish your body doesn’t make you high-maintenance—it makes you intentional

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

• Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

• Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

• Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

• Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

• Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

 

Today we’re diving into something I know so many of you have struggled with—because I have too—and that’s how to count your macros without it taking over your entire life.

If you’ve ever felt like counting is too stressful, too rigid, or just too much to keep up with long-term… this episode is for you.

Because here’s the truth: counting your macros should be a tool—not a trap. And if it’s leaving you burned out, anxious, or stuck in all-or-nothing mode? You’re doing way more work than you need to.

What I discuss:

• Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how aiming for “close enough” actually gets you better results

• How stress over counting can backfire by increasing cortisol (and what that does to your body)

• The simple habit I use to reduce decision fatigue and make counting easier

• Why focusing on protein first is a game-changer

• How to navigate “off” days without guilt, shame, or starting over

• What it looks like to loosen up on tracking in busy seasons—without losing your progress

Whether you’re brand new to macro counting or just want to make it feel more sustainable, this episode is going to help you build a better, healthier relationship with the process.

If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… Episode 475: https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/easy-ways-to-add-activity-to-your-busy-schedule

• If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

• Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

• Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

• Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

• Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

• Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Today we’re diving into a mindset shift that completely changed the way I approach my workouts—and helped me stop skipping them, even on the busiest or hardest days.

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I don’t have time,” “I’m too tired,” or “It’s not worth it unless I go all in,”—this episode is going to shift everything for you.

Because you don’t need more motivation. You don’t need more guilt. You just need a new way to see movement—one rooted in self-respect, not self-punishment.

What I discuss:

• The all-or-nothing trap that keeps women stuck and inconsistent

• How I redefined what “counts” as a workout (and why that changed everything)

• Why a short walk or 15-minute lift is enough

• The science behind why even 5 minutes of movement boosts your mood and brain function

• What actually builds consistency—and why it has nothing to do with discipline

• The exact question I ask myself when I don’t “feel like it”

If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/3-reasons-why-you-cant-stay-consistent-what-to-do-about-it

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

• Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

• Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

• Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

• Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

• Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

 

 

Today we’re diving into something I know so many of you have struggled with—because I have too—and that’s how to count your macros without it taking over your entire life.

If you’ve ever felt like counting is too stressful, too rigid, or just too much to keep up with long-term… this episode is for you.

Because here’s the truth: counting your macros should be a tool—not a trap. And if it’s leaving you burned out, anxious, or stuck in all-or-nothing mode? You’re doing way more work than you need to.

What I discuss:

• Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how aiming for “close enough” actually gets you better results

• How stress over counting can backfire by increasing cortisol (and what that does to your body)

• The simple habit I use to reduce decision fatigue and make counting easier

• Why focusing on protein first is a game-changer

• How to navigate “off” days without guilt, shame, or starting over

• What it looks like to loosen up on tracking in busy seasons—without losing your progress

Whether you’re brand new to macro counting or just want to make it feel more sustainable, this episode is going to help you build a better, healthier relationship with the process.

If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… Episode 475: https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/easy-ways-to-add-activity-to-your-busy-schedule

• If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

• Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

• Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

• Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

• Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

• Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

• Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Today we are talking about something that I know so many of us struggle with—whether we say it out loud or not. And that is: how we feel about ourselves when we see a photo of ourselves that we don’t love.

Maybe it’s a group picture someone tags you in. Maybe it’s a candid shot your partner took. Maybe it’s even a selfie you took yourself—and instead of seeing the fun memory, the beautiful moment, or the experience you were having, your brain zooms in on that one thing you hate about how you look.

“Ugh, my arms look huge.”

“Why do I look so puffy?”

“I didn’t realize my legs looked like that.”

If you’ve ever had a moment where a photo stole your joy… this episode is for you.

 

What I discuss: 

• What a “self-discrepancy moment” is

• Some factors that can significantly change how you look in pictures

• What to do when the self-discrepancy moment hits

• 6 actionable steps to positively react

 

And if you loved today’s episode, I know you’ll also love…

Episode 338: To the Woman Obsessing About What Her Body Looks Like…https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/to-the-woman-obsessing-about-what-her-body-looks-like 

 

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Hey, hey beautiful human! Today we’re talking about something that does not get talked about enough in the fitness space… but it’s one of the most important pieces of your results.

And that is: recovery.

I know recovery isn’t as flashy or exciting as the workouts themselves. It’s easy to get caught up in the mindset of “more is better”—more workouts, more intensity, more sweat. But the truth? Recovery is where the magic actually happens.

Your progress doesn’t happen in the workout itself—it happens in the rebuilding process after.

So today we’re breaking down:

• What recovery really is (and what it isn’t)

• Why it’s so essential for building muscle, burning fat, and staying consistent long-term

• The science behind how your body repairs and rebuilds

• What effective recovery actually looks like—and the most common mistakes I see women make

• Some simple action steps you can start today to improve your recovery and feel better in your body

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page