Today, I want to talk about something that goes beyond motivation or surface-level advice. Because let’s be real—building the body you want isn’t just about reps, sets, or calories. It’s about the choices you make every single day. The small decisions that either move you closer to your goals or keep you stuck where you are. If you’ve been feeling frustrated with your progress, or like you’re spinning your wheels, this episode is the wake-up call you might need. Because once you realize inaction is still a choice, you also realize you always have the power to choose differently. So in this episode, I’m breaking down: Why staying stuck is still a decision. How to reframe inaction so it actually empowers you. The mindset shift that can change how you show up every single day. And practical steps you can take to choose progress over comfort. If you loved this episode, I think you’ll also love: How to Take Control of Your Day and Live a More Positive Life 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
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12:25
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12:25
8 sneaky things stopping you from building a stronger core
Hey, hey beautiful human… Welcome back to another episode of Embrace Your Real. Today we are diving into something that almost every woman asks me about at some point: How do I actually build a strong core? You’ve probably done the ab workouts on YouTube, you’ve probably cranked out crunches or planks at the end of your workouts, and maybe you’ve even felt the burn, but you still don’t feel stronger in your core. If you’re wondering why you don’t “see” all that effort in the mirror, I've got the answer you've been looking for… there are sneaky little mistakes that so many women make when it comes to core training. And today, I want to break those down for you in plain English so you understand not only what they are, but why they matter, and what to do instead. So in this episode, we’re going to cover: The difference between abs and your actual core Why crunches alone won’t cut it How compound lifts are secretly the best core training Why bracing during your lifts matters more than you think The problem with fast, flashy ab circuits How stress and hormones sneak in and mess with your core And why nutrition and recovery are the real secret sauce for definition and strength 🎧 Want more? Check out Episode 493: Why I would rather have THIS than Six Pack Abs 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
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23:27
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23:27
Why Comparison is Stealing Your Body Confidence
Hey beautiful human! You were feeling good… until one scroll on social media made you question everything about your body. Sound familiar? Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or even someone at the gym, comparison has a sneaky way of creeping in, stealing your joy, and convincing you you’re not doing enough. But here’s the truth: comparison doesn’t just mess with your mindset, it can actually mess with your metabolism too. In this episode, I’m breaking down why comparison spirals hit so hard and how to break free so you can build real, lasting body confidence. We’re getting into: How comparison triggers your stress response (and affects your sleep, cravings, and results) Why social media is designed to keep you feeling “behind” 5 tools to protect your mental space and stay focused on your growth How structured workouts and personalized nutrition help silence the noise The one truth about social media that instantly takes away its power If you’ve ever caught yourself feeling “less than” because of what someone else looks like online, this episode is your permission to step back and reconnect with your progress. 🎧 Want to go even deeper on this? Listen next to Episode 567: Why Your Brain Is Wired for Comparison & How to Unplug 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
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10:59
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10:59
Understanding Your Metabolism 101
Ever caught yourself saying, “I just have a slow metabolism,” or “My metabolism broke after I turned 30”? You’re not alone, but the truth is, your metabolism isn’t some mysterious force working against you. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what your metabolism is, what it does in your body, and how your daily habits either fuel it or slow it down. By the end, you’ll finally understand how to support your metabolism so you can feel energized, strong, and in control. We’re getting into: What your metabolism actually is (without the science-y jargon) The four main ways your body burns energy every single day The two big mistakes women make that slow metabolism down (and how to fix them) Sneaky habits like poor sleep, skipping protein, and stress that hurt your progress The truth about metabolism and aging — and why lifestyle matters more than birthdays The best habits you can start today to keep your metabolism fueled and firing If you’ve ever felt frustrated, stuck, or confused about your metabolism, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward. 🎧 Want to keep learning? Listen to Episode 361: 5 Ways To Actually Boost Your Metabolism 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
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25:04
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25:04
Why There Are No “Bad” Foods in a Healthy Lifestyle
Hey beautiful human! Ever eaten pizza and immediately thought, “Ugh, I was so bad today”? Or labeled a slice of cake, a handful of chips, or even a piece of bread as “bad”? You’re not alone, but it’s time to let that thinking go. Because food is not good or bad. It’s just food. And the guilt, shame, and all-or-nothing mindset? That’s what’s keeping so many women stuck. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why there are no “bad” foods, and how to finally let go of food guilt so you can fuel your body with freedom. We’re getting into: The difference between nutrient-dense and less nutrient-dense foods without labeling Why guilt and rigid food rules do more harm than a cookie ever could How your body processes food based on amounts, not morality Real-life tools to create balance without shame, punishment, or perfection How macro counting can help you ditch the guilt and finally feel in control around food If you’re tired of the “good” vs. “bad” food game and want a healthier, more sustainable way to nourish your body — this one’s for you. 🎧 Want help simplifying macro counting? Listen next to Episode 251: 8 Ways to Make Macro Counting Simple (For Getting Started or Getting Back on Track) 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
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!
South Africa