Embrace Your Real

Hey friend! We need to talk about something that might be sabotaging your progress—and I'm not talking about your workouts or your nutrition. I'm talking about how you talk to yourself.

We all have that inner voice, right? And for so many of us, that voice is harsh. It's critical. It says things like: "You should be further along." "Why can't you be more disciplined?" "You're so lazy. You messed up again." And the thing is—we think that voice is helping. We think it's keeping us in check, keeping us accountable, making sure we don't slip.

But the truth? That voice might be the very thing holding you back from your goals.

So in today's episode, we're diving into what the research says about self-criticism versus self-compassion. I'm going to walk you through how to practice self-reflection without spiraling into shame, and I'll give you actual scripts you can use to reframe negative self-talk the moment it shows up.

What I Discuss:

1. Why beating yourself up doesn't make you more disciplined, but more discouraged.

2. What really is Self-compassion.

3. How to practice accountability without judgment by asking curious, kind questions.

4. How to change your self-talk in the moment using simple, powerful reframes.

If you loved this episode, you will also love: Episode 480: The Power of Small Efforts in Your Fitness Journey

https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/the-power-of-small-efforts-in-your-fitness-journey

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

If you've ever looked around and thought, "How am I this far behind?"—this episode is for you, sister. Whether it's in fitness, motherhood, your career, relationships, or money… that sinking feeling of falling behind is so common, but also completely misleading.

In this heartfelt episode, I'm breaking down the truth behind that "I should be further along" mindset, and offering you real, practical perspective shifts to help you move forward with more clarity, peace, and power. You'll walk away feeling lighter, more grounded, and deeply reminded that your timeline is still right on time.

What I Discuss:

Why feeling behind often means you actually care

The myth of a "universal timeline" and how to stop comparing yours

How to reframe the inner dialogue of "I should be further along"

Using your desire for more as fuel—not shame

The power of moving just one inch forward each day

Why your current season is sacred, even if it looks messy

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

If you've ever felt like you were putting in the work but not seeing results, if you've struggled with little aches and pains, or if you've ever second-guessed whether you're doing a move correctly—this episode is for you.

Because the truth is: form is everything. It's not just a "nice to have"—it's the foundation of everything we do in strength training.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why form matters so much

• How poor form triggers injury

• Signs your form might be off

• The most common dumbbell form mistakes I see

• How to fix those common mistakes so you can keep making progress and feeling good while you do 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

Not every day is a high-motivation day—and that's normal! In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm sharing exactly what I do when I just don't feel like working out. From simple mindset shifts to practical strategies that keep me consistent without forcing it, you'll walk away with permission to honor your body and still make progress.

Whether you're tired, overwhelmed, or just not in the mood, this episode will help you figure out what your body actually needs—and how to respond in a way that supports your long-term goals.

What I Discuss:

• Why "movement" doesn't always have to look like a workout

• How getting steps in can keep you on track

• The "just one circuit" mindset I use to get started

• How I swap workouts based on how my body feels

• Why rest is sometimes the most productive thing you can do

• How the Movement With Julie app makes it easy to stay flexible and consistent

If you loved this episode, I know you'll also love episode 272: How to Handle Life Getting in the Way of Your Fitness Goals

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

If you feel like food cravings are constantly sabotaging your goals, this episode of Embrace Your Real is for you. So many women assume cravings are just a sign of weakness or lack of willpower—but the truth is, cravings are a signal your body is trying to send you. In this episode, I'm breaking down the science behind why you crave certain foods, what your cravings actually mean, and the sustainable steps you can take to reduce and respond to them in a healthier, more empowered way.

This episode is your go-to guide for understanding cravings without guilt—and learning how to respond to them with clarity and confidence.

What I Discuss:

• Why cravings aren't about lack of motivation or discipline

• The 6 most common root causes of food cravings (including some you might not expect)

• How under-eating and blood sugar crashes can trigger intense cravings

• Why your sleep, stress, and emotional state matter more than you think

• Seven realistic and science-backed strategies to reduce cravings

• What specific cravings like chocolate, chips, and caffeine may actually mean

• How to build meals and habits that support your hormones, energy, and results

…If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 466: Still Hungry After Hitting Your Macros? Do This....

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

In this episode of Embrace your Real, I'm sharing 3 things I've personally been focusing on lately that honestly have nothing to do with fitness or nutrition—but they've helped me show up stronger, more focused, and more energized in my workouts.

Because here's the truth: sometimes the key to building the body you want isn't found in more workouts or more discipline... it's in building a life that supports your goals. From the inside out.

Because the truth is, sometimes when you hit a plateau, the answer isn't to push harder. It's not to add more workouts, tighten your macros, or stress about your steps. Sometimes, the thing that unlocks progress is actually the least expected strategy: Cultivating more peace in your life.

What I discuss:

• Protecting my energy

• Savoring the little moments

• Being intentional with what I consume

If you loved this episode, I know you'll also love episode 436: 6 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress Daily

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

When your progress stalls, it's easy to panic and start doing all the wrong things in the name of "fixing it." In this episode, I'm breaking down the most common mistakes women make when they hit a fitness plateau—and why these go-to fixes like eating less, adding more cardio, or jumping into a new program are actually making things worse. If you're feeling stuck, this episode will help you understand what not to do, so you can stop spinning your wheels and start seeing progress again.

What I Discuss:

• Why eating less and less can slow your metabolism

• The truth about cardio and why more isn't always better

• What really happens when you cut carbs too low

• How overtraining leads to burnout, not progress

• Why switching workout programs too often kills your results

• How to spot whether it's a true plateau—or just a consistency issue

If you loved this episode, You'll also love episode 331: 5 Reasons Why "More" Isn't Better

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

Headed into spring break or just life-ing a little harder than usual and worried about missing your workouts? In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what happens to your body when you take a week (or more) off from training. Spoiler alert: you're not losing all your progress—and in fact, the break might be exactly what your body needs.

I dive into muscle memory, why rest is part of the process, how often you should actually plan time off, and how to shift your mindset so you don't spiral into guilt. Plus, I share what a deload week is and how you can use it to come back feeling stronger, not behind.

Whether you're on vacation, dealing with a crazy schedule, or just feeling off, this episode will help you embrace the pause and stay committed to your long-term goals.

What's Discussed:

• Why taking a week off won't erase your progress

• How long it really takes to lose muscle or strength

• What muscle memory is and why it's on your side

• The power of planned rest and how often to take it

• What a deload week is and how it supports long-term gains

• Nutrition tips to help support your body during a break

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

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Feel like you're stuck even though you're doing everything right? Before you overhaul your whole plan, listen up! In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm walking you through exactly how to tell if you're truly in a fitness plateau—or if there's just one key piece missing from your routine. I'm also giving you 5 of the most effective and sustainable strategies to break through a plateau without burning out or giving up.

What I Discuss:

• The difference between a real plateau and a perceived one

• 6 questions to ask yourself to confirm if you're actually stuck

• Why living in a calorie deficit too long can stall your progress

• The four macro counting phases you need to cycle through

• How strength training and progressive overload move the needle

• Why walking more can be a game-changer for fat loss

• How recovery (not more hustle) might be the secret you're missing

• The power of loosening your grip and focusing on joy over pressure

• Resources to help: Macro Counting Made Simple + Movement With Julie

Episodes Mentioned:

Episode 529: Do You Actually Need 10K Steps a Day?

Episode 13: How Much Weight Should I be Lifting?

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

If you're here, you're probably someone who wants to feel strong, confident, and healthy. But let's be real—most of us have had those moments where we step on the scale, see a number we don't like, and let it ruin our entire day. And if you've ever felt like your progress is tied to that number, this episode is for you.

Today, we're breaking down why consistency is a million times more important than whatever the scale says. And more importantly, I'm going to give you five mindset shifts that will help you break free from that frustrating scale obsession.

And if you need more help staying consistent, check out episode 403: The Ultimate Guide to Being Consistent in 2024

https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/the-ultimate-guide-to-being-consistent-in-2024

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