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

In this bonus episode of Embrace Your Real, we’re digging into a topic that trips so many of us up: hunger. Have you ever paused and thought, “Wait… am I actually hungry, or just stressed, tired, or bored?” If yes—you’re not alone.

Today, we’re breaking down the two types of hunger you need to understand if you want to build a better relationship with food and fuel your body with intention.

What I discuss:

• The difference between physical hunger (your body’s call for fuel) and emotional hunger (your brain’s call for comfort)

• How each one shows up in your body, and what questions to ask to tell them apart

• Why recognizing your hunger cues can totally change your consistency with nutrition, especially if you’re macro counting

This episode will help you slow down, tune in, and respond to your body from a place of trust—not reaction.

If you loved this episode, you’ll also love Episode 466: Still Hungry After Hitting Your Macros? Do This… I’ll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next.
👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/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

Hey hey, beautiful human! Today we’re tackling a topic that I know is going to hit home for so many of you: Underecovery.

What if the real reason you’re constantly running on empty isn’t just that you’re doing too much — but that you’re recovering too little? Because sister, underecovery is a real thing. And most women don’t even know it’s happening until their body forces them to slow down.

So if you’re tired of being tired… and you’re ready to feel strong, energized, and in control of your body again, this one’s for you.

What I discuss:

• What underecovery actually is (and how it’s different from just being tired)

• How it shows up in your day-to-day life and workouts

• The signs your body might be screaming for more recovery — not more effort

• Simple, real-life ways to build smarter recovery into your routine without overhauling your life

If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… Episode 544: The Science of Recovery.

https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/the-science-of-recovery

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