Embrace Your Real

Julie Ledbetter
  • 5.0 (968)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Semiweekly

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!

  1. 21h ago

    652: 3 Quick Wins to Get You Back on Track

    Hey hey beautiful human! By the end of June, summer can already feel a little loose. Maybe you've had a vacation, a few BBQs, later nights, pool days, skipped workouts, more snacks in the house, and meals that looked nothing like your usual routine. And you know how fast that can turn into, "Well, I already messed it up, so I'll just start again Monday." But sister, you do not need Monday. You do not need a perfect routine. You do not need to make some huge plan to fix everything. Sometimes you just need one next choice that makes you feel like yourself again. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm sharing three quick wins you can come back to anytime summer starts to throw you off. These are simple things you can do right away to support your body, calm the spiral, and remind yourself that you are not nearly as far off track as you think. What's Discussed: Why a busy weekend does not have to turn into a full week of feeling off track How starting your day with water and protein can help you feel more steady from the beginning Why hydration matters so much when summer heat, travel, saltier foods, and later nights are in the mix How 30 minutes of movement can help you reconnect with your body without trying to "make up for" anything Why getting back on track should never mean skipping meals or punishing yourself with restriction The Movement With Julie app is there when you need a workout that is already planned for you. You'll get new workouts every week, 30-minute and 60-minute options, and exercise swaps for limited equipment so you can stay consistent at home, at the gym, or while traveling. Head to movementwithjulie.com to get started. And when food starts feeling all over the place, Macro Counting Made Simple will help you understand your protein, carbs, and fats so you can stop guessing. If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 629: How To Stop Feeling Guilty Doing Things You Actually Enjoy. It is the perfect follow-up if summer has you feeling guilty for eating differently, missing workouts, or enjoying moments that do not fit perfectly into your usual routine. 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

    12 min

  2. 3d ago

    651: Perimenopause: What's Actually Happening, What It Does to Your Fitness + What Will Help the Most

    Hey hey beautiful human! Perimenopause is one of those things every woman will experience, yet so many of us are completely unprepared for it. Maybe you are in your 30s and starting to notice that your body feels different. Maybe you are in your 40s and quietly wondering why the workouts, meals, and routines that used to work suddenly are not working the same way anymore. And sister, this is not a discipline problem. Perimenopause is a hormonal transition, and it can affect your muscle, metabolism, sleep, mood, energy, recovery, cravings, and body composition. So in this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm breaking down what perimenopause actually is, what is happening hormonally, why your old approach may stop working, and what will help your body the most in this season. What's Discussed: What perimenopause actually is and why you can still be in it even if you are getting your period Why perimenopause can begin earlier than many women expect and last for years How estrogen and progesterone shifts can affect muscle, metabolism, sleep, mood, and recovery Why the same workouts and eating habits that worked in your 30s may stop giving you the same results Why strength training becomes even more important for your muscle, metabolism, blood sugar, bones, and body composition Why doing more cardio and eating less can backfire during perimenopause How protein, carbs, and healthy fats support your body through this hormonal transition The Movement With Julie app is there when you need a workout that is already planned for you. You'll get new workouts every week, 30-minute and 60-minute options, and exercise swaps for limited equipment so you can stay consistent at home, at the gym, or while traveling. Head to movementwithjulie.com to get started. And when food starts feeling all over the place, Macro Counting Made Simple will help you understand your protein, carbs, and fats so you can stop guessing. 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

    33 min

  3. Jun 18

    650: How to Work Out in the Heat Without It Wrecking Yourself

    Hey hey beautiful human! Summer workouts can humble you fast. You go to do the same workout you have been doing for months, and suddenly your heart rate is higher, you are sweating within five minutes, everything feels harder, and you start wondering if you somehow lost your fitness overnight. You did not lose your fitness. Your body is just working in a much more demanding environment. When it is hot, your body has to keep your muscles working and cool you down at the same time, which means your heart, hydration, energy, and recovery are all under more stress than usual. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm breaking down how to keep working out in the heat without burning yourself out. You'll learn what is actually happening in your body, how to adjust your workouts, what hydration really needs to look like, when electrolytes matter, and how to know the difference between normal summer discomfort and signs that your body needs you to stop. What's Discussed: Why working out in the heat feels so much harder, even when your fitness has not changed What happens when your body has to fuel your muscles and cool you down at the same time How heat affects your heart rate, sweat, energy, and workout intensity Why adjusting your workout time and intensity can help you stay consistent without overdoing it How to hydrate throughout the day instead of trying to catch up right before your workout When electrolytes can help and when plain water is probably enough How to tell the difference between normal summer workout discomfort and warning signs like dizziness, nausea, confusion, or a heart rate that will not come down The heat does not have to be the reason you stop showing up this summer. Your workouts may need to look a little different, but different does not mean less effective. With the right timing, hydration, intensity, and awareness, you can keep building strength without wrecking yourself in the process. Ready to make your summer workouts simpler? The Movement With Julie app gives you structured workouts you can do at home, in the air conditioning, on your schedule, with 30-minute and 60-minute options ready for you. Head to movementwithjulie.com and get started. If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 637: How to Make a 30-Minute Workout Actually Count. It's the perfect follow-up if the heat, your schedule, or summer plans are making your workouts feel harder to fit in, because it will help you make a shorter session feel focused, effective, and worth showing up for.  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

    11 min

  4. Jun 15

    5 Fitness Rules Then vs. Now: What We Got Wrong and What Actually Works

    Hey hey beautiful human! Let me ask you something. Were you ever taught that more cardio means better results, soreness means your workout counts, eating less is the fastest way to change your body, pain means progress, or you need a gym to get a real workout? If so, you are definitely not alone. A lot of us built our early fitness routines around these rules because they sounded disciplined, serious, and like the "right" way to get results. And when they did not work, we usually blamed ourselves instead of questioning the advice. But here is the truth: some of the fitness rules we were handed were never actually helping us. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm breaking down five outdated fitness beliefs, what we now know actually works, and how letting go of these rules can help you train smarter, fuel better, recover well, and finally make progress that lasts. What's Discussed: Why more cardio does not automatically lead to better body composition results Why soreness is not the best way to measure whether a workout was effective How under-eating can work against your metabolism, muscle, energy, and long-term progress Why "no pain, no gain" can lead to injury, burnout, and inconsistent results Why you do not need a gym to build real strength when you have a smart, progressive dumbbell plan How to let go of the rules that keep you stuck and start focusing on what actually moves your body forward Working hard without seeing the results match your effort usually means it is time to look at the rules behind your routine. This episode will help you spot the outdated fitness beliefs you may still be following and replace them with an approach that actually supports your body. For a structured strength plan that takes the guesswork out of your workouts, the Movement With Julie app is there for you. You'll get new workouts every week, how-to videos for every exercise, 30-minute and 60-minute options, and a plan you can follow at home or in the gym. Head to movementwithjulie.com to get started. And if nutrition is where you feel stuck, Macro Counting Made Simple will help you understand how to fuel your body instead of constantly trying to eat less. If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 636: 5 Fitness Habits That Are Secretly Sabotaging Your Results. It is the perfect follow-up if you are ready to spot the habits that may be keeping you stuck and replace them with habits that actually support your 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

    23 min

  5. Jun 11

    +9 Ways to Pick Out the Perfect Bathing Suit That You Actually Feel Confident In

    Bathing suit shopping can bring up a lot more feelings than it should. You walk in looking for something cute for summer, and suddenly one tiny piece of fabric has you questioning your body, your confidence, and whether you even want to go to the pool anymore. But please hear this: your body is not the problem. Bathing suits are just hard to find sometimes. They have to fit your chest, hips, butt, torso, thighs, waist, rib cage, and everything in between, so of course the process can feel frustrating. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm sharing nine practical tips to help make bathing suit shopping feel less dramatic, less defeating, and a whole lot more doable. From ignoring trends and buying the size that actually fits to choosing the right support, cover-ups, and try-on environment, this episode will help you find a suit that lets you enjoy your summer instead of obsessing over every little adjustment. What's Discussed: Why bathing suit shopping feels hard for so many women, regardless of body shape or confidence level How a cute cover-up can help you feel more styled, supported, and at ease Why you should shop for the support your body actually needs instead of what looks cute on the hanger How trying suits on at home can save you from the dressing room spiral Why asking another woman where she got her swimsuit can be one of the best shopping hacks How to tell whether a suit gives you freedom or turns into a full-time adjustment job Why the most important thing you can do after putting your suit on is focus on the day, not the suit If bathing suit shopping usually leaves you feeling defeated, this episode is your reminder that the perfect suit is not the one that makes your body look like someone else's. It is the one that lets you move, swim, laugh, eat, chase your kids, sit in the sun, take photos, and actually be part of your summer. If you loved this episode, I know you'll also love Episode 621: My Best Tips for Feeling Confident in Your Body. It will help you keep building the kind of confidence that lets you show up for your life, even on the days when your body image feels loud. 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

    11 min

  6. Jun 8

    The Comparison That's Actually Worth Making

    Hey hey beautiful human! Most of us have been told to stop comparing ourselves to other people, and honestly, that advice sounds good until you remember that your brain does not really work that way. You can tell yourself to stay in your own lane, but then you open your phone, see someone else's body, progress, or routine, and suddenly your brain is already measuring before you even meant to. So maybe the goal is not to stop comparing completely. Maybe the goal is to stop comparing yourself to people whose full story you do not know, and start comparing yourself to the one person you actually have enough context for: you. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm breaking down why comparison is not always the enemy, how to tell when it is helping versus hurting you, and how to look back at your own progress without turning it into a shame spiral. What's Discussed: Why comparison is a natural brain function, not a personal flaw Why external comparison usually leaves you feeling worse How your brain compares your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel Why your past self can become either a source of shame or a record of growth How to compare yourself to yourself in a way that is specific, honest, and forward-moving Why tracking your progress can build confidence when you use it as evidence, not judgment If you loved this episode, you'll also love: Episode 540: Why Beating Yourself Up Isn't Helping You Reach Your Goals. It pairs perfectly with this conversation because it helps you stop turning progress into another reason to judge yourself and start using it as something that supports you.   Ready to have every 30-minute session pre-planned, pre-programmed, and built around exactly this structure? Head to movementwithjulie.com and get started inside the Movement With Julie app.  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

    19 min

  7. Jun 4

    3 Things I Want You to Remember This Summer

    Hey hey beautiful human! Summer has a way of making us feel a little more aware of our bodies than usual. The swimsuits, the pool days, the photos, the warmer weather, and being around other bodies can bring up thoughts you may not have been dealing with the rest of the year. And even if you have been showing up for yourself, working on your relationship with your body, and trying to feel more confident, summer can still catch you off guard. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm sharing three honest reminders I want you to carry with you this season. There are no strategies or action steps in this one. Just the words I want you to come back to when your body image feels loud, when comparison starts creeping in, or when you feel tempted to sit out of your own life because you do not feel your best. What's Discussed: Why swimsuit season can bring up body image struggles, even when you have done a lot of inner work Why the people who love you are not focused on the things you are picking apart How to remember what you bring to the room beyond how you look Why your body deserves grace after everything it has carried you through this year How summer can make comparison feel louder and less fair Why comparing your real life to someone else's curated moment will never give you the full truth How to let the authentic version of you show up, get in the photo, get in the water, and enjoy your life now If summer has been making you feel more self-conscious than confident, this episode is your reminder that you do not have to wait for some future version of yourself to enjoy the season you are already in. You are allowed to show up, be present, and make memories in the body you have today. If you have been wanting a place where you can feel strong, capable, and supported by women who understand what it is like to keep showing up in real life, head to movementwithjulie.com and get started inside the Movement With Julie app. If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 628: 4 Ways to Talk to Yourself Like Someone You Actually Love. It will help you keep practicing the kind of inner dialogue that supports you, especially on the days when body image feels hard and you need to come back to a more loving way of speaking to yourself. 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

    9 min

  8. Jun 1

    The Minimal Effective Dose for Your Workouts/Nutrition When Life Gets Crazy This Summer

    Summer always sounds fun until your routine suddenly disappears. The kids are home more, weekends fill up fast, vacations happen, BBQs are on the calendar, pool days run long, and somehow your workouts, protein, steps, water, and goals start feeling like way too much to keep up with. And when life gets busy like that, it is so easy to think, "Well, I guess I'll just start over when things calm down." But I do not want summer to become the season where you feel like you are either doing everything perfectly or doing nothing at all. You do not need a perfect routine to keep taking care of yourself. You just need a simple baseline you can come back to when life feels full. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm sharing the minimal effective dose for your workouts and nutrition when summer gets chaotic. I'll walk you through the few habits that matter most so you can keep showing up, maintain your strength, support your energy, and stay connected to your goals without turning your health into another full-time job. What's Discussed: Why summer is the perfect time to focus on a realistic baseline instead of chasing perfection How two dumbbell workouts a week can still help you stay strong when your schedule is packed Why protein should be your first focus when meals feel random or unpredictable Why 7,000 steps a day can be a more doable movement goal during busy seasons How to add more daily movement without turning everything into a formal workout Why hydration needs extra attention when heat, travel, and summer activities pick up If summer usually makes you feel like your goals are slipping away, this episode will help you find a better middle ground. You'll learn how to simplify, stay consistent, and keep promises to yourself in a way that actually fits your real life. Ready to have your workouts planned for you so you can stay consistent without guessing what to do next? Head to movementwithjulie.com and get started inside the Movement With Julie app. If nutrition feels confusing, especially when your summer schedule is all over the place, Macro Counting Made Simple will help you understand your protein, carbs, and fats so you can fuel your body with more confidence and less stress. If you loved this episode, you'll also love Episode 640: Why Summer Is Actually the Best Time to Start Counting Macros. It will help you see why summer does not have to pull you away from your goals, and how macro counting can actually give you more flexibility when life feels full. 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

    18 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Ledbetter
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    653
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Embrace Your Real

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