Embrace Your Real

Okay, let's be honest… Some days, your body just feels... off. The jeans don't fit right. A photo catches you off guard. And suddenly, you're in a full-on spiral, questioning your progress, your worth, and whether anything you're doing is working.

If you've been there (or you're there right now), this episode is for you.

I'm walking you through five mindset shifts to keep in your back pocket for those low-confidence days, the ones where nothing feels quite right. These aren't surface-level affirmations. These are truth-based reminders that actually help reframe the way you show up for your body.

Inside this episode, you'll hear:

• Why loving your body has nothing to do with loving how it looks

• What confidence is really rooted in (hint: it's not your size)

• How to unlearn the body shame you've picked up over the years

• Why care rooted in respect lasts longer than motivation rooted in self-criticism

• And why how you feel in your body will always matter more than how it looks in the mirror

This is the episode to come back to whenever you feel disconnected from your body, discouraged by your progress, or just need a reminder that you don't have to be perfect to be confident.

And if this episode speaks to you, I know you'll also love Episode 462: 4 Verses For When You Struggle With Body Image (Part 1)

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.

There's this idea out there that once you're done tracking or dieting, intuitive eating should just click. That you'll suddenly know what to eat, when to eat, and how much.

But if things feel kind of chaotic instead? There's a reason for that.

In this episode, we're getting into the real reason intuitive eating feels hard, especially after years of under-eating, skipping meals, or labeling foods as "good" or "bad." I'll walk you through:

• What happens to your hunger cues when your body's been in survival mode

• Why cravings aren't just about what your body needs, but what it's used to

• How blood sugar affects your ability to feel hunger and fullness

• Why macro counting can actually build the foundation for intuitive eating

• And how repetition (not guessing) brings those cues back online

If your goal is to eat without overthinking but your body's not giving you clear signals yet. this is where you start.

And if you want help building that stable, consistent foundation, check out my Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy. I'll show you exactly how to fuel your body in a way that actually makes sense.

For more on tuning in to hunger and cravings, make sure to listen to Episode 554: Why Understanding These 2 Types of Hunger Can Change Everything.

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 💛

Let's talk about something that messes with all of us: comparison.

You're feeling good, you're proud of your progress… and then one scroll later, you see someone else's abs, perfect kitchen, or gym PR, and suddenly, you're second-guessing everything.

Sound familiar?

In today's episode, I'm breaking down why your brain does this (yes, there's science behind it), how it messes with your confidence, and most importantly, three mindset shifts that'll help you stop spiraling and start showing up for yourself with more clarity, grace, and strength.

Inside the episode, I share:

• Why comparison is literally hardwired into your brain, and how social media hijacks that

• The difference between inputs and outcomes (and why most comparisons aren't even fair)

• How to shift from self-judgment to self-growth using admiration

• Why your worth can't be outsourced to likes, progress pics, or anyone else's approval

• And how to build a stronger self-image that's rooted in how you live, not how you look

This episode isn't about surface-level "just stop comparing yourself" advice, it's a deep reset on how you think, what you focus on, and how you start showing up with more intention in your own life.

And if this one resonated with you, you'll want to listen to Episode 336: 3 Unconventional Ways to Overcome the Comparison Game next.

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, welcome back!

Have you ever looked at your workout and thought… "Wait… if I'm not lifting more weight this week, am I even making progress?"

You're not alone. In fact, today's episode was sparked by a super thoughtful question inside the private Movement With Julie Facebook group. And it's such an important one.

So let's clear up the confusion around progressive overload, what it really means, why it's essential for results, and how it actually shows up in your training (even when your workouts change weekly!).

Inside this episode, I'm walking you through:

• The real definition of progressive overload (it's more than just lifting heavier)

• Why your body needs new challenges to keep seeing change

• How Movement With Julie is built to create overload through smart variation

• 6 ways you might already be progressing, without even realizing it

• The signs your body gives you when you're hitting that next level

If you've ever wondered whether your workouts are "enough," this episode will give you so much clarity and confidence to keep showing up and trust the process.

And if this resonated with you, I think you'll really love episode 303: 15 Basic Resistance Training Principles You Need to Know – Part 1.

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 sis! Let's settle this once and for all: Do you need to eat before a workout?

You've probably heard all kinds of answers, some people swear by fasted training, others won't touch a dumbbell without a snack first. So what's the truth?

I'm giving you real-world tips you can use starting today, plus snack ideas that are quick, effective, and easy to digest.

Bottom line? Fueling is personal, but there's also a strategy behind it. And I'm walking you through both.

Want to feel better in your workouts and get the results you're working for? This episode is your guide.

In today's episode, we're breaking it all down based on your schedule, your goals, and your body. I walk you through:

• When fasted workouts are fine—and when they might backfire

• What to eat before training (without needing a full meal)

• Why afternoon and evening workouts require fuel

• What happens when you under-eat before a lift (and how to fix it)

• And how to simplify your approach so your body feels strong and steady—without overthinking it

🎧 If this topic hits home, you'll definitely want to listen to Episode 554: Why Understanding These 2 Types of Hunger Can Change Everything

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

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