Embrace Your Real

Welcome to Embrace Your Real with me, Julie Ledbetter, a podcast where I empower you to just be you. My hope for you is to stop hating your body, picking a part every flaw, questioning your worth, doubting your strength, making excuses, and constantly starting over. I get it, I’ve been there. I know it feels like an impossible cycle to break, but let me tell you: I’ve successfully broken the decade long struggle, and over the last 8 years I have helped thousands of other woman do the same. I know it’s possible and that’s why I am here to ensure you do, too! Every episode, I dish you a dose of real talk and actionable advice for building the body you want, creating unshakable confidence and embracing your authentic self. Each week I share my secrets on how to honor your body with movement, nourish your body with exactly what it needs, and give you transformative mental shifts that will help you show up for your life in a powerful way. Are you ready to embrace your real? Let's get it, let's go!

Why Summer Is Actually the Best Time to Start Counting Macros 05/14/2026

Why Summer Is Actually the Best Time to Start Counting Macros Hey hey beautiful human! Every summer, so many women tell themselves the same thing. They will start in September, get back on track after vacation, or wait until life feels more structured again. And honestly, it makes sense why summer feels like the wrong time to start something new, because there are BBQs, restaurant dinners, travel plans, kids at home, and days that do not follow the usual routine. But that is exactly why summer can be the best time to start counting macros. If you can learn how to fuel your body in the middle of real life, with social meals, looser routines, and more activity already built into your days, you are not building a habit that only works when everything is perfect. You are building one that can actually last. In this bonus episode of Embrace Your Real, I’m breaking down why the “I’ll start in September” mindset keeps so many women stuck, why your body may need more fuel in summer than you realize, and how macro counting can help you feel more confident, steady, and in control without putting your life on pause. What’s Discussed: Why waiting until September often turns into the same cycle all over again Why summer activity can increase your body’s need for consistent fuel How underfueling can show up as cravings, low energy, and workouts that feel harder than they should Why BBQs, vacations, and restaurant meals are not setbacks when you understand macros How summer gives you the chance to build consistency in real-life situations Why learning your numbers now can make autumn feel easier before it even begins Ready to have every 30-minute session pre-planned, pre-programmed, and built around exactly this structure? Head to and get started inside the Movement With Julie app. If you loved this episode, you'll also love: . It will help you take the awareness you built here and apply it in a practical way as your training evolves. If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/41118975

How Stress Actually Impacts Your Results 05/11/2026

How Stress Actually Impacts Your Results Have you ever had one of those seasons where you are doing the things you are “supposed” to do, but your body still feels like it is not catching on? You are showing up for your workouts, trying to eat well, doing your best to stay consistent, and yet your cravings feel stronger, your sleep feels off, your energy feels all over the place, and your progress feels slower than it should. If that is where you are, I do not want you to jump straight to blaming your discipline, because there may be something much deeper going on. It may be that your body has been living under more stress than you realize, and when cortisol stays elevated for too long, it can change the way your body holds fat, protects muscle, manages hunger, recovers from workouts, and responds to the effort you are putting in. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I’m breaking down what cortisol is actually doing in your body, why stress and undereating can quietly keep each other going, and what it looks like to support your body in a way that helps your results finally match the work you are doing. What’s Discussed: Why cortisol is not the enemy and what happens when it stays elevated for too long How chronic stress can affect fat storage, muscle, sleep, cravings, and recovery Why undereating can become a hidden stressor that keeps your body in survival mode Why “just stress less” is not realistic advice for women carrying full lives How fueling consistently can help your body feel safe enough to change Why sleep, intentional movement, and simple nervous system support matter more than you think Ready to have every 30-minute session pre-planned, pre-programmed, and built around exactly this structure? Head to and get started inside the Movement With Julie app. If you loved this episode, you'll also love: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/41118960

Do You Actually Need Creatine? 05/07/2026

Do You Actually Need Creatine? Hey hey beautiful human! Creatine is everywhere right now. Powders, gummies, influencers talking about it like it is the missing piece to finally getting stronger, building muscle, and seeing results. And when something shows up that often, it is easy to start wondering if you are falling behind by not taking it too. But here is the truth. Creatine is not a magic fix, and it is not something you need in order to see results. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I break down what creatine actually is, how it works in your body, and whether it is something that makes sense for you based on your goals, your routine, and your current season of life. What’s Discussed: What creatine actually is and why your body already produces it Why women often respond well to creatine supplementation How creatine helps improve strength, performance, and workout output The truth about muscle building and why creatine supports the process, not replaces it How creatine can benefit your metabolism and long-term health The surprising brain benefits of creatine, especially during stressful or busy seasons How creatine may support energy during certain phases of your cycle Why the scale may go up at first and what that actually means If you have been seeing creatine everywhere and wondering if you should start taking it, this episode will help you make a clear, confident decision without pressure or confusion. Ready to have every 30-minute session pre-planned, pre-programmed, and built around exactly this structure? Head to and get started inside the Movement With Julie app. If you loved this episode, you'll also love: 325: . And once you know why, Episode 371: will give you the practical tools to actually hit your target every day. If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/41138810

How to Make a 30-Minute Workout Actually Count 05/04/2026

5 Fitness Habits That Are Secretly Sabotaging Your Results 04/30/2026

Why Your Relationship With Food Matters More Than What You're Actually Eating 04/27/2026

The Busy Mom's Survival Guide to Staying Consistent (When the Newborn Stage Is Over) 04/23/2026

How To Fall Back In Love With Your Everyday Life 04/20/2026

7 Things That Are Quietly Wrecking Your Sleep (And Slowing Your Results) 04/16/2026

7 Things That Are Quietly Wrecking Your Sleep (And Slowing Your Results) When your progress has stalled, your cravings feel out of control, and your body never fully recovers, the common instinct is to blame your training or your nutrition. But while those things matter, there is one thing that overrides all of it the moment it goes wrong, and most women never think to look at it. Sleep. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I walk you through seven specific things that are quietly disrupting your sleep and exactly what to do about each one tonight. And what you will find is that some of the habits you think are helping you are actually the ones working against you the most. What's Discussed: Why sleep is the missing piece most women never think to look at Why skipping carbs at dinner raises cortisol overnight and wakes you up at 2 or 3am How finishing intense workouts too late keeps your nervous system activated when it should be settling Why chronically high cortisol leaves you wired but exhausted and what to actually do about it The half life of caffeine and why your 3pm coffee is still in your system at 9pm What social jet lag is and why inconsistent sleep and wake times are costing you recovery Why a warm or bright bedroom is actively working against deep sleep The one thing to start with tonight If you want a program that takes recovery just as seriously as the training itself, head to movementwithjulie.com to get started inside the Movement With Julie app. Rest days are programmed intentionally into the weekly schedule so your body always gets what it needs to repair and change. If you loved this episode, you'll also love: Episode 413: . It will help you take everything you learned here and apply it in a way that protects your results instead of quietly undermining them. If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/40698960

How to Choose the Right Protein Powder for You 04/13/2026

How to Choose the Right Protein Powder for You Protein powder should be simple, but the supplement industry has made it anything but. With dozens of types, misleading labels, and marketing designed to confuse, most women end up buying something that does not work for their body, their goals, or their digestion, and then blaming themselves when it does not feel right. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I cut through all of it and give you a clear, practical guide to understanding what every main type of protein powder actually does, how to read a label without getting tricked, and how to figure out which one is the right fit for you. I also get into why bloating from protein powder is almost never about the protein itself, what collagen is actually missing that makes it an incomplete protein source, and why the best protein powder is simply the one you will actually use consistently. What's Discussed: Why protein powder causes so much unnecessary confusion and what this episode will clear up What protein powder actually is and the one reason it exists Whey concentrate, what it is, who it is for, and why it is the most straightforward starting point Whey isolate, how it differs from concentrate, and why bloating may not be about the whey at all Casein, why it digests differently, and when it actually makes sense to use it Plant based protein, why pea and rice combined gives you a more complete profile, and what to watch on the label Egg white protein, why it is having a moment, and who it works best for Bone broth protein, what it actually supports, and why it is not a primary protein source Collagen, what it is missing, and why it cannot replace a complete protein source How to read a label without getting tricked, what to look for and what to avoid The trial and error reality and how to figure out what actually works for your body If you want clarity on how to calculate and hit your daily protein target in a way that actually works for your real life, check out Macro Counting Made Simple at And if you want your training structured so your nutrition and recovery are always working together, head to to get started inside the Movement With Julie app. If you loved this episode, you'll also love: 325: . And once you know why, Episode 371: will give you the practical tools to actually hit your target every day. If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/40698935

What to Actually Do When You're Really Sore 04/09/2026

What to Actually Do When You're Really Sore Most people treat soreness as proof that a workout worked, the more destroyed you feel the next day the better the session must have been. But soreness is not a measure of effort or progress, and training through it the wrong way is one of the most common reasons people plateau, get injured, and end up taking more rest than they ever intended to. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I break down the science of what is actually happening in your body when soreness hits and why the conventional wisdom of either pushing through it or resting completely is getting it wrong. I also get into why active recovery beats both of those options in most cases, what protein, carbohydrates, hydration, and sleep are each doing for your recovery at a cellular level, and how smart programming eliminates the guesswork entirely so your body is always training hard and recovering smarter. What's Discussed: Why soreness is not proof your workout worked and what it actually means What DOMS is, why it happens, and when it peaks The difference between normal soreness and pain that is a genuine warning sign Should you train through soreness and the honest answer What active recovery actually is and why it beats complete rest How to program around soreness so you never hit the same muscle group twice Why protein is the most important recovery tool you have Why carbohydrates matter more than most people realize after a hard session How dehydration is quietly making your soreness worse than it needs to be Why sleep is where most of your muscle repair actually happens How to know when soreness is information and when it is a warning If you want a workout program that already has recovery built into the structure so you are never guessing which muscles to train or when to pull back, head to to get started inside the Movement With Julie app. If you loved this episode, you'll also love: Episode 413: .It will help you take everything you learned here and apply it in a way that actually protects your progress instead of quietly undermining it. If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/40698920

How To Stop Feeling Guilty Doing Things You Actually Enjoy 04/06/2026

4 Ways to Talk to Yourself Like Someone You Actually Love 04/02/2026

Adjusting Your Nutrition When Your Workouts Change 03/30/2026

Adjusting Your Nutrition When Your Workouts Change Have you been eating the same way for months… even though your workouts look completely different now? If you’ve added training days, increased intensity, switched from cardio to strength, or moved into a new phase, your nutrition needs to shift with it. In this episode, I walk you through why keeping the same macros year-round can keep you stuck and how to recognize when your body is asking for more fuel. I break down the signs you might be under-fueling, what to adjust when your workouts increase, and how to approach different phases like building, maintenance, fat loss, and deload weeks. You’ll learn how to match your nutrition to your current training so your workouts and your food actually support each other instead of working against each other. Here’s what you’ll learn: • Why eating the same macros year-round can stall progress • The signs your body needs more fuel beyond just hunger • What to adjust when you add workout days or increase intensity • How to fuel differently during building, maintenance, and fat loss phases • Why under-eating during a strength phase limits your results • How to approach deload weeks without drastically cutting calories If you want clarity on how to calculate and adjust your macros as your workouts change, check out Macro Counting Made Simple at . And if you want your training structured in a way that naturally cycles through building, maintenance, and deload phases, head to movementwithjulie.com to get started inside the Movement With Julie app. If this conversation helped you realize your nutrition might need to shift with your training, go listen to next. It will help you take what you learned here and apply it in a clear, practical way so you can fuel your workouts with confidence. If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/40664255

Why You Feel Hungry Right After Working Out (And What to Do) 03/26/2026

5 Workout Mistakes That Keep You Spinning Your Wheels 03/23/2026

Why Your Body Might Feel Stronger Than It Looks (And What to Do About It) 03/19/2026

How to Actually Get Enough Protein in Your Diet (When It Feels Impossible) 03/16/2026

How to Actually Get Enough Protein in Your Diet (When It Feels Impossible) If you feel like getting enough protein is a constant struggle, you are not alone. I talk to women every single week who know protein matters for building muscle, staying full, and changing their body composition, but actually hitting their target feels overwhelming. In this episode, I’m breaking down why protein can feel so hard to prioritize and how to make it doable in your real life. I walk you through the three biggest barriers I hear all the time: not liking protein-rich foods, feeling uncomfortably full when you try to eat more, and believing protein is too expensive. I also share practical, realistic solutions for each one and give you a behind-the-scenes look at what a normal week of hitting your protein goal can actually look like, including busy mornings, takeout nights, and imperfect days. This conversation is about consistency and sustainability, not perfection. Here is what you will learn: • Why protein should be your top macro priority • How to find protein sources you genuinely enjoy • Ways to prepare protein so you do not get bored • How to spread protein throughout the day to avoid feeling overly full • When liquid protein can be helpful • Budget-friendly protein options that support your goals • What a realistic week of hitting your protein target actually looks like If you want to keep learning, I think you'll also love Episode 325: , and Episode 371: . If this episode encouraged you, make sure you’re following the podcast so you never miss a new one. And if you found it helpful, I would love for you to leave a quick review or share it with a friend who is trying to figure out her nutrition. If you want to stop guessing how much protein you should be eating, head to macrocountingmadesimple.com and get your personal numbers calculated inside Macro Counting Made Simple. And if you’re looking for structured workouts to pair with your nutrition, check out Movement With Julie at sale.movementwithjulie.com. If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/40494990

3 Questions to Ask Before You Start Tracking Macros as a Mom 03/12/2026

My Best Tips for Feeling Confident in Your Body 03/09/2026

My Best Tips for Feeling Confident in Your Body If you’ve been having one of those seasons where getting dressed feels frustrating, the mirror feels loud, or you keep comparing yourself to who you used to be, this episode is for you. Body confidence is not something you unlock once and keep forever. Some days feel steady and grounded. Other days feel heavy and discouraging. That does not mean you are failing. It means you are human. In this episode, I’m sharing my best reminders for building body confidence in real life, not in a “someday when I look different” way, but right now. We talk about giving yourself permission to be where you are, stopping the habit of putting your life on hold, reframing the pressure around your body, shifting your self-talk, and creating practical changes that help you feel supported instead of critical. This conversation is about rebuilding trust with yourself and learning how to live fully in the body you have today. Here’s what you’ll learn: • Why struggling with body confidence does not mean you are failing • How waiting to love yourself keeps you from living your life • Why your body is not the problem, even if it feels that way • The impact of your internal self-talk and how to shift it • Why clothes should fit your body, not the other way around • How curating your social media feed affects your confidence • The power of celebrating what your body has carried you through • Why confidence can begin with neutrality instead of love • The reminder that you are allowed to take up space If you’re ready to build strength in a way that supports your body instead of punishing it, the Movement With Julie app gives you structured, approachable strength training designed to help you feel strong from the inside out. If this episode resonated, you may also enjoy: Episode 491: 9 Small Wins You Can Start Celebrating Today If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/40363695

The Permission I Wish Someone Had Given Me Sooner 03/05/2026

7 Unconventional Ways to Stay Consistent (And Actually See Results) 03/02/2026

7 Unconventional Ways to Stay Consistent (And Actually See Results) If you’ve ever started a new routine feeling super motivated, only to fall off a few weeks later and wonder why you cannot stay consistent, this episode is for you. Real life gets busy, motivation fades, and relying on willpower alone eventually becomes exhausting. The good news is there are ways to stay consistent that do not require you to feel fired up every day. In this episode, I’m sharing seven unconventional strategies that make consistency feel doable, even with a full schedule, low-energy seasons, and imperfect weeks. We talk about building systems that remove decision fatigue, setting up your environment so the right choice is the easy choice, simplifying habits so they actually stick, and using mindset tools that protect your progress when life happens. This conversation will help you stop starting over and start seeing results that come from steady, repeatable action. Here’s what you’ll learn: • Why systems matter more than goals for long-term results • How to remove barriers before they derail you • The best way to start small so habits become automatic • A simple rule that prevents one off day from turning into a lost week • How identity-based habits make consistency easier • How to stack habits onto routines you already do • Simple progress tracking that keeps you motivated without obsessing If you’re listening and thinking, “Okay, I need help turning this into a real plan,” this is exactly what Movement With Julie and Macro Counting Made Simple are designed to do. The workout structure is already built inside the app, and the nutrition framework inside MCMS gives you a clear, supportive system so you are not relying on motivation to make decisions every day. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: Episode 477: Mastering Nutrition Even on a Busy Schedule If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: /episode/index/show/embraceyourreal/id/40278625

Why Walking Before vs. After Meals Changes Everything 02/26/2026

The 3 Phases of Training + Why and How to Cycle Through Them 02/23/2026

What Changed When I Stopped Waiting to Feel Ready 02/19/2026

Feeling Weaker Before Your Period, Here's What's Actually Happening 02/16/2026

3 Things To Remember When You Feel Like You're Failing 02/12/2026

The Best Workout Split to Follow in 2026 02/09/2026

Why Imperfect Consistency Beats Trying to Be Perfect Every Time 02/05/2026

Fad Diet Truths (and What Actually Works Instead) 02/02/2026

Embrace Your Real

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