In this episode of Embrace Your Real, we're diving into something that might sound simple at first, but it has completely shifted the way I approach self-care. Something I call "Wellness Pairing"—the idea of combining simple, life-giving habits so they naturally fit into your day. Because let's be honest. Between work, family, workouts, and everything else pulling at your time, making space to journal, pray, walk, meditate, or even pause to breathe can feel unrealistic. That's why this episode is all about taking the pressure off. I'm walking you through how I've learned to pair small habits together in a way that feels doable, supportive, and realistic. These aren't elaborate routines. They're little shifts that can help you finally make self-care part of your everyday life What I discuss:

• Five easy wellness pairings you can start using right away to make self-care more doable and less overwhelming
• Simple ways to build consistency—even when life feels full or your schedule is unpredictable
• Real-life examples to help you create a self-care rhythm that works with your energy, not against it
• A fresh perspective on what self-care actually looks like (spoiler: it doesn't require silence, candles, or two free hours)
• Encouragement to show up for yourself in small, meaningful ways—even if no one else sees 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 a hot topic I've been getting lots of questions about lately—weighted vests. Are they worth the hype? Are they essential to see progress? And should you run out and buy one if you're working out at home?

I'm going to walk you through:

• What they're good for

• How to use them

• When they're actually helpful

Just keep in mind that just like with fancy gym equipment, supplements, or apps, weighted vests are a tool, not a requirement.

And if you want to increase your progressive overlaod but don't want to use a weighted vest, I break down how to make your workouts more intense in episode 263: How to Keep Yourself Challenged When You Don't Have Access to Other Weights

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

Hey beautiful human, today we're talking about something I think a lot of women are feeling right now, even if they haven't quite put it into words yet: mindful movement.

I want to explore what it can actually look like when we apply it to fitness. And why softness doesn't mean weakness—and how honoring your body doesn't mean giving up on your goals.

What I discuss:

• Five ways to embrace softer, more intentional movement without losing progress

• A better understanding of what "softness" in fitness actually looks like

• Tips for balancing structure with grace, discipline with flexibility

• Permission to pursue your goals without hustle culture energy

• And ideas for building a routine that truly supports your whole self—mind, body, and heart

Also, if you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 413: The Importance of a Rest Day: Don't Let Overexercising Ruin Your Progress.

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

Hey hey, beautiful human! If you've ever felt judged, misunderstood, or even a little bit discouraged by other people's opinions about your fitness goals… this episode is for you.

We're diving into a mindset shift that's helped me so much, especially when people don't get why I pack my meals, prioritize my workouts, or count my macros. It's based on Mel Robbins' "Let Them" theory, and trust me, it's a total game-changer.

What I discuss:

• Why you don't need to explain your fitness goals to anyone

• How to stay consistent when others around you aren't

• Why their judgment says more about them than it does about you

• Three mindset shifts to stay focused, confident, and committed

This episode is your permission slip to stop seeking approval, protect your energy, and keep building the body you want, no matter what others say. Let them talk. You? You keep showing up.

If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 523: Choosing Yourself: What It Really Means and Why It's Time to Start. I'll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/choosing-yourself-what-it-really-means-and-why-its-time-to-start

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

Today's episode is all about getting grounded and giving you three super practical nutrition reminders we all need right now—especially in this season.

With BBQs, vacations, ice cream runs, and all the summer celebrations in full swing, you skipped a lot of workouts, your nutrition didn't reach your standards, you haven't logged a single macro in days. And now you're tempted to just say, "Whatever. I'll start over in the fall."

You don't need a fresh month or a magical reset date to start making choices that support the version of you you want to be. You can choose to recommit right now. Not perfectly. Just intentionally.

What I discuss:

• How To embrace summer without guilt, recommit to goals anytime, enjoy life's moments, and maintain a healthy mindset.

• How macro counting can help achieve nutrition goals by prioritizing protein and allowing balance and consistency.

• How to stay motivated and embrace your authentic self with self-love and confidence.

If you loved this episode, you'll also want to tune into episode 461: 7 Tips To Stay On Track For The Rest Of The Summer

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

Hey hey, beautiful human! Today we're having a real, honest conversation about those frustrating seasons where you're doing all the right things—you're working out, counting your macros, staying consistent—but it just feels like nothing is changing.

If you've ever looked in the mirror or stepped on the scale and thought, "What's even the point?"—this episode is for you.

What I discuss:

• Why "slow" progress is normal (and actually a good thing!)

• What's happening inside your body during those quiet, "nothing's working" phases

• The mental shift that's helped me stay consistent—even when results aren't visible yet

• Why your brain adapts before your body does

• And how to build habits that create results—even before you can see them

Because the truth is: just because you can't see progress yet doesn't mean it's not happening. Invisible change is still change. And consistency is what brings it to life.

If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 534: Trying to Fix a Fitness Plateau? Don't Make These Mistakes. I'll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/trying-to-fix-a-fitness-plateau-dont-make-these-mistakes

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 calling out one of the biggest lies women have been told about fitness: that building muscle will make you look bulky.

If you've ever hesitated to lift heavier or commit to strength training because you were worried about looking "too big" or "too masculine," this episode is going to shift your entire perspective.

Spoiler: muscle is not the enemy. It's your secret weapon.

What I discuss:

• Why muscle is actually what gives your body the shape, definition, and curves you're after

• The real science behind muscle growth and why women don't "bulk up" like men

• How muscle supports your metabolism, your confidence, and your long-term health

• Why the fear of getting bulky is rooted in outdated myths—not facts

This episode is your permission slip to train smarter, lift heavier, and finally let go of the fear that strength isn't feminine. It so is.

If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 237: How to Overcome Your Fear of Building Muscle and How to Start Building Muscle ASAP. I'll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/ep237/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-building-muscle-and-how-to-start-building-muscle-asap

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! We're flipping the script today and giving TikTok a little credit—because believe it or not, there are some things the app actually gets right when it comes to fitness.

If you've been overwhelmed by the flood of fitness trends online, or unsure what's legit vs. total nonsense, this bonus episode is gonna bring some clarity—and maybe even a few "aha" moments.

What I discuss:

• Why walking is one of the most underrated tools for fat loss, recovery, and hormone support

• The truth about progressive overload—and how it's the real secret to strength and body composition changes

• Why eating enough (yes, more food!) is key to seeing real results from your training

So if you've been stuck in the cardio-only, eat-less-do-more trap… this episode is your permission slip to simplify, lift smarter, and fuel your body like it deserves.

If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 126: 8 Numbers That Don't Matter (And Never Did!) I'll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/8-numbers-that-dont-matter-and-never-did

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 diving into a topic that's been holding so many of us back: waiting for motivation.

If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "I just need to get motivated again," this episode is for you. Because here's the truth: motivation is fleeting, and if you're relying on it to make progress… you'll always end up stuck in that start-stop cycle.

What if you didn't need motivation at all?

What I discuss:

• Why motivation is just a feeling—and not something you can rely on

• The brain science behind why we default to old habits when life gets busy

• How simple systems (not willpower!) are the key to real, lasting consistency

• Why habits are stronger than emotions—and how to make them automatic

• 5 practical mindset shifts to stay consistent even on the hardest days

So if you're tired of waiting for the "perfect Monday" or that magical burst of inspiration… this episode is going to shift everything for you.

If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 537: What I Do on Days I Don't Feel Like Working Out. I'll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/what-i-do-on-days-i-dont-feel-like-working-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

Hey hey, beautiful human! Today we're tackling a topic that's been so misunderstood in the fitness space: maintenance phases.

If you've ever felt like eating at maintenance meant you were falling behind, losing progress, or just "holding still"… this episode is going to change everything.

Because maintenance? It's not a pause—it's a strategy. And it's one of the most powerful tools for your long-term success.

What I discuss:

• What a maintenance phase really is—and why it's not "doing nothing"

• How eating at maintenance restores your metabolism, hormones, and energy

• Why maintenance phases are essential for muscle building, performance, and recovery

• The mindset shift that helped me finally break out of the "always be cutting" trap

So if you're tired of chasing results that don't stick… or feeling like rest equals failure… I promise this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale.

If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 313: 8 Reasons Why Macro Counting Isn't a Fad Diet. I'll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/8-reasons-why-macro-counting-isnt-a-fad-diet

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