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 ...
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Julie Ledbetter Podcasts
Hey beautiful human! You’ve probably asked yourself at some point: Should I be doing Pilates… or should I lift weights? And if you’ve ever felt stuck trying to choose between the two, this episode is for you. Let me be clear, Pilates can absolutely support your goals. It’s amazing for posture, mobility, and core strength. But if you’re trying to bu…
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6 Actually Helpful Ways to Get Back on Track This Fall (Without Burning Out by Week Two)
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23:27Hey beautiful human! Fall is here, and with it comes that fresh-start energy. The kids are back in school, the routines are settling in, and you’re probably thinking, “This is it. I’m ready to get back on track.” But if you’ve ever started September strong, only to feel burnt out and off-track by week two, you’re not alone. The problem isn’t your m…
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Hey beautiful human! Let’s talk about that gut-punch moment we’ve all had… You step on the scale after a big meal, a holiday weekend, or a night out—and boom. It’s up 3, 4, maybe even 5 pounds. Cue the panic: “Did I just ruin all my progress?” Here’s the truth: one meal can’t make you gain five pounds of fat—it’s not scientifically possible. But wh…
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Why You Don’t Have to Love Every Inch of Your Body to Treat it Well
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27:16Today we’re diving into a topic I’ve been wanting to talk about for a while, because it’s one of those sneaky things that can actually do more harm than good on your journey to self-love and body confidence. And that is toxic positivity. The truth is you don’t have to love every inch of your body to treat it with respect. You don’t have to be perfe…
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Why Your Life on the Outside Won’t Change Until This Does
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13:03Hello beautiful human! Let’s talk about the thing that keeps so many women stuck… “If I could just lose the weight…” “If life would just slow down…” “If people would just treat me differently…” The truth is, nothing on the outside changes until something inside you does. And in today’s episode, I’m breaking down exactly what that “something” is—and…
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How Many Reps Should You Actually Be Doing for Your Ideal Results?!
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20:48Hey hey, beautiful human! You’ve seen workouts that say “3 sets of 10–12 reps”... but what does that actually mean? Should you stop at 10? Push to 12? Is one better than the other? Let’s clear this up once and for all. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how rep ranges work, what each one does for your body, and how to know if you’re actuall…
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5 Things to Remember When Your Body Confidence is Feeling Low
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12:27Okay, let’s be honest… Some days, your body just feels... off. The jeans don’t fit right. A photo catches you off guard. And suddenly, you're in a full-on spiral, questioning your progress, your worth, and whether anything you’re doing is working. If you’ve been there (or you’re there right now), this episode is for you. I’m walking you through fiv…
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Hey beautiful human. There’s this idea out there that once you’re done tracking or dieting, intuitive eating should just click. That you’ll suddenly know what to eat, when to eat, and how much. But if things feel kind of chaotic instead? There’s a reason for that. In this episode, we’re getting into the real reason intuitive eating feels hard, espe…
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Why Your Brain Is Wired for Comparison & How to Unplug It
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13:08Hey beautiful human 💛 Let’s talk about something that messes with all of us: comparison. You’re feeling good, you’re proud of your progress… and then one scroll later, you see someone else’s abs, perfect kitchen, or gym PR, and suddenly, you’re second-guessing everything. Sound familiar? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why your brain does thi…
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What Most Women Get Wrong About Progressive Overload
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18:43
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18:43Hey beautiful human, welcome back! Have you ever looked at your workout and thought… “Wait… if I’m not lifting more weight this week, am I even making progress?” You’re not alone. In fact, today’s episode was sparked by a super thoughtful question inside the private Movement With Julie Facebook group. And it’s such an important one. So let’s clear …
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Should You Eat Before Your Workouts? Let’s Talk About It
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11:07Hey sis! Let’s settle this once and for all: Do you need to eat before a workout? You’ve probably heard all kinds of answers, some people swear by fasted training, others won’t touch a dumbbell without a snack first. So what’s the truth? I’m giving you real-world tips you can use starting today, plus snack ideas that are quick, effective, and easy …
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5 Ways to Maximize Your Self-Care Without More Time
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19:49In this episode of Embrace Your Real, we’re diving into something that might sound simple at first, but it has completely shifted the way I approach self-care. Something I call "Wellness Pairing"—the idea of combining simple, life-giving habits so they naturally fit into your day. Because let’s be honest. Between work, family, workouts, and everyth…
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Today we’re diving into a hot topic I’ve been getting lots of questions about lately—weighted vests. Are they worth the hype? Are they essential to see progress? And should you run out and buy one if you’re working out at home? I’m going to walk you through: What they’re good for How to use them When they’re actually helpful Just keep in mind that …
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5 Reasons Why Your Fitness Journey Needs a Dose of Gentle Energy
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19:22Hey beautiful human, today we’re talking about something I think a lot of women are feeling right now, even if they haven’t quite put it into words yet: mindful movement. I want to explore what it can actually look like when we apply it to fitness. And why softness doesn’t mean weakness—and how honoring your body doesn’t mean giving up on your goal…
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How to Respond When People Question Your Fitness Journey
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11:20Hey hey, beautiful human! If you’ve ever felt judged, misunderstood, or even a little bit discouraged by other people’s opinions about your fitness goals… this episode is for you. We’re diving into a mindset shift that’s helped me so much, especially when people don’t get why I pack my meals, prioritize my workouts, or count my macros. It’s based o…
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3 No BS Nutrition Reminders For A Summer That Doesn't Derail You
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16:37Today’s episode is all about getting grounded and giving you three super practical nutrition reminders we all need right now—especially in this season. With BBQs, vacations, ice cream runs, and all the summer celebrations in full swing, you skipped a lot of workouts, your nutrition didn’t reach your standards, you haven’t logged a single macro in d…
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Progress Feels Invisible? 6 Ways I Reframe Progress to Stay on Track
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11:35Hey hey, beautiful human! Today we’re having a real, honest conversation about those frustrating seasons where you’re doing all the right things—you’re working out, counting your macros, staying consistent—but it just feels like nothing is changing. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror or stepped on the scale and thought, “What’s even the point?”—th…
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The Science on Why Muscle Doesn’t Make You Look Bulky (and the Lie We’ve All Been Told)
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16:08Hey hey, beautiful human! Today we’re calling out one of the biggest lies women have been told about fitness: that building muscle will make you look bulky. If you’ve ever hesitated to lift heavier or commit to strength training because you were worried about looking “too big” or “too masculine,” this episode is going to shift your entire perspecti…
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3 Things TikTok Got RIGHT About Fitness (Yes, Really)
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12:44Hey hey, beautiful human! We’re flipping the script today and giving TikTok a little credit—because believe it or not, there are some things the app actually gets right when it comes to fitness. If you’ve been overwhelmed by the flood of fitness trends online, or unsure what’s legit vs. total nonsense, this bonus episode is gonna bring some clarity…
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5 Mindset Swaps That Made Motivation Irrelevant
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18:13Hey hey, beautiful human! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s been holding so many of us back: waiting for motivation. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I just need to get motivated again,” this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: motivation is fleeting, and if you’re relying on it to make progress… you’ll always end up stuck i…
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3 Reasons Why Your Maintenance Phase Isn’t a Failure—It’s a Strategy
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17:41Hey 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 i…
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Why Understanding These 2 Types of Hunger Can Change Everything
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7:52In 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 w…
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4 Underrated Hacks That Helped Me Stop Feeling Drained
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19:14Hey 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 happenin…
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What a Fit Day Actually Looks Like (It’s Not What You Think)
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10:13Hey there, beautiful human! Today, I want to take you behind the scenes and talk about what a “fit” day actually looks like. Because here’s the thing… it’s so easy to scroll through Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest and get the idea that being fit means having this flawless, aesthetic life. The perfectly prepped meals. The two-hour morning routine. T…
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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 y…
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What To Do When You Feel LIke You're Gaining Weight But Doing Everything 'Right
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8:42Today 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 goi…
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Everyone’s Talking About Reverse Dieting—But Do You Actually Need One?
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28:11Today 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…
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My Honest Thoughts on the ‘Girl Dinner’ Trend”
9:28
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9:28Today 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…
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How to Count Macros Without Obsessing Over Numbers
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28:45Today we’re diving into something I know so many of you have struggled with—because I have too—and that’s how to count your macros without it taking over your entire life. If you’ve ever felt like counting is too stressful, too rigid, or just too much to keep up with long-term… this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: counting your macros…
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This One Mindset Shift Helped Me Stop Skipping Workouts
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7:30Today we’re diving into a mindset shift that completely changed the way I approach my workouts—and helped me stop skipping them, even on the busiest or hardest days. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I don’t have time,” “I’m too tired,” or “It’s not worth it unless I go all in,”—this episode is going to shift everything for you. Because you don’t need…
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Body Image and Photos of Yourself: Navigating Photos, Angles, and Triggers
15:16
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15:16Today we are talking about something that I know so many of us struggle with—whether we say it out loud or not. And that is: how we feel about ourselves when we see a photo of ourselves that we don’t love. Maybe it’s a group picture someone tags you in. Maybe it’s a candid shot your partner took. Maybe it’s even a selfie you took yourself—and inste…
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Hey, hey beautiful human! Today we’re talking about something that does not get talked about enough in the fitness space… but it’s one of the most important pieces of your results. And that is: recovery. I know recovery isn’t as flashy or exciting as the workouts themselves. It’s easy to get caught up in the mindset of “more is better”—more workout…
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Stop Saying You Don’t Have Time: Here’s How to Structure Your Day With Purpose
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15:08Today we are talking about something I know so many of us feel on a day to day basis – and that’s feeling like there’s just never enough time in the day. Am I right or am I right? Between work, workouts, meals, family, errands, and a to-do list that feels like it never ends… it can feel like there’s no possible way to get it all done. And listen—I’…
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Why Adjusting Your Macros Matters When You Increase Your Exercise
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27:32“Julie, how do I know if I actually need to adjust my macros based on my new activity levels?” I get it. It can feel confusing to know when a change is actually needed and when you might just be overthinking it. The last thing I want is for you to feel like you’re constantly chasing numbers or tweaking your macros every time you happen to have a mo…
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What Soreness Really Says About Your Workouts
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15:47Today’s episode is inspired by a question I got from a member of the Movement with Julie community. And I love this question because I know so many of you have probably wondered the exact same thing—especially if you’re newer to strength training. Someone asked me whether they should increase weight or reps because they don’t always feel sore after…
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Why Beating Yourself Up Isn’t Helping You Reach Your Goals
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17:22Hey 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 b…
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What You Need to Know If You're Feeling Behind in Life
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9:49If 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…
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Stop Sabotaging Your Workouts: Fix These Dumbbell Form Mistakes First
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23:16If 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 tr…
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What I Do on Days I Don’t Feel Like Working Out
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11:12Not 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…
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Can’t Stop Craving Certain Foods? Here’s What’s Really Going On
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23:26If 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, …
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3 Things I’m Focusing on Right Now That Have Nothing to Do With Fitness (But Are Helping Me Get Stronger Anyway)
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8:36In 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 …
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Trying to Fix a Fitness Plateau? Don’t Make These Mistakes
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22:21When 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’r…
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What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Working Out for a Week (or More)
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10:36Headed 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 i…
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Think You’re in a Plateau? Here’s How to Know—and What to Do About It
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25:51Feel 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 sustainab…
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Why Consistency Measures Progress Better Than the Scale
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11:12If 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 w…
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5 Body Images Tips That Will Change the Game
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16:52Today, we are diving into a topic I haven’t talked about much lately: Body Image. I know this is a topic that we need to continue to come back to time and time again as SO many of us struggle with it. And honestly, for many of us, it’s something we’re going to constantly have to work on and that’s okay! So if you have been looking in the mirror and…
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You’ve probably heard that 10,000 steps a day is the magic number for health and fitness. But… is that actually true, or is it just another arbitrary goal that the internet ran with? If you’ve ever stressed about hitting your steps or felt like you’re failing if you don’t reach 10K, this episode is for you. What I discuss: Whether 10,000 steps a da…
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Nutrition Q&A: Protein After Workouts, Carbohydrate Timing and Going Over Your Macros
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15:21You know that feeling when you scroll through fitness advice online and suddenly feel like you’re doing everything wrong? One person says you have to chug a protein shake right after your workout, another says you must eat carbs before training or your workout is useless, and then there’s that whole debate about whether you should eat less the day …
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Overcoming Guilt: Prioritizing Your Health and Wellness While Caring for a Newborn
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9:25Hey, hey! If you’re a new mom, I know how much you’re carrying right now. The exhaustion, the endless to-do list, the constant feeling that no matter what you do, it’s never enough. But I need you to know this: prioritizing your body is not selfish—it’s survival. It’s not about “getting your body back” or bouncing back—it’s about feeling good in yo…
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How to Squeeze in Workouts: Real Advice From Busy Moms & Working Women
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15:27Hey, hey, sister! Today, we’re talking about how to find time to work out when life feels absolutely crazy. Now, if you’re new here or haven’t joined yet, Movement with Julie is my workout app designed to help you feel strong, confident, and capable in your body. And when you join, you also get access to our amazing private Facebook group, where wo…
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