Today 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’ve been there, too. There have absolutely been seasons where I’ve told myself, “If I just had a few more hours in my day, I could finally stay on top of everything.”

But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not always about how much time we have—it’s about how we’re using the time we do have.

What I discuss:

• Why feeling overwhelmed by time often comes down to how we’re structuring our days

• The simple but powerful difference between being busy and being productive

• How to identify where your time is actually going

• And most importantly—practical ideas and tips to be more mindful and intentional with your time each day

If you loved this episode, you’ll also love…

Episode 475: Easy Ways to Add Activity to Your Busy Schedule

https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/easy-ways-to-add-activity-to-your-busy-schedule

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

“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 more active week.

So in this episode, we are going to break down exactly why adjusting your macros even matters in the first place—and just as importantly, when it does not make sense to adjust them. Because there is a big difference between occasional bursts of activity and true, consistent changes in your movement patterns that require more support through your nutrition.

What I discuss:

• When it is actually time to adjust your macros

• Why under-fueling is one of the fastest ways to stall your progress

• The 4 most important steps to follow for adjusting your macros

If you loved this episode, you will also love: Episode 243: https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/what-are-the-four-phases-of-macro-counting

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’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 working out. Such a good question—and we’re breaking it all down today.

Because there’s a really common belief out there that if you’re not sore after your workout, it didn’t work. But here’s the truth:

Soreness does not equal success.

What I discuss:

1. Soreness is Triggered by Novelty, Not Necessarily Effectiveness

2. Soreness Reflects Inflammation, Not Muscle Growth

3. Being Sore Doesn’t Mean You’re Targeting the Right Muscle Effectively

4. The Body Adapts Quickly (And That’s a Good Thing!)

5. Chasing Soreness Can Lead to Overtraining, Not Progress

6. The Importance of Progressive Overload

Also, don’t forget to listen to:

Episode 13: How Much Weight Should I be Lifting? https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/how-much-weight-should-i-be-lifting

And episode 68: Getting Off Your Fitness Plateau with Progressive Overload https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/getting-off-your-fitness-plateau-with-progressive-overload

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 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 be more disciplined?” “You’re so lazy. You messed up again.” And the thing is—we think that voice is helping. We think it’s keeping us in check, keeping us accountable, making sure we don’t slip.

But the truth? That voice might be the very thing holding you back from your goals.

So in today’s episode, we’re diving into what the research says about self-criticism versus self-compassion. I’m going to walk you through how to practice self-reflection without spiraling into shame, and I’ll give you actual scripts you can use to reframe negative self-talk the moment it shows up.

What I Discuss:

1. Why beating yourself up doesn’t make you more disciplined, but more discouraged.

2. What really is Self-compassion.

3. How to practice accountability without judgment by asking curious, kind questions.

4. How to change your self-talk in the moment using simple, powerful reframes.

If you loved this episode, you will also love: Episode 480: The Power of Small Efforts in Your Fitness Journey

https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/the-power-of-small-efforts-in-your-fitness-journey

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

If 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 along” mindset, and offering you real, practical perspective shifts to help you move forward with more clarity, peace, and power. You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more grounded, and deeply reminded that your timeline is still right on time.

What I Discuss:

Why feeling behind often means you actually care

The myth of a “universal timeline” and how to stop comparing yours

How to reframe the inner dialogue of “I should be further along”

Using your desire for more as fuel—not shame

The power of moving just one inch forward each day

Why your current season is sacred, even if it looks messy

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

If 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 training.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why form matters so much

• How poor form triggers injury

• Signs your form might be off

• The most common dumbbell form mistakes I see

• How to fix those common mistakes so you can keep making progress and feeling good while you do 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

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Not 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’re tired, overwhelmed, or just not in the mood, this episode will help you figure out what your body actually needs—and how to respond in a way that supports your long-term goals.

What I Discuss:

• Why “movement” doesn’t always have to look like a workout

• How getting steps in can keep you on track

• The “just one circuit” mindset I use to get started

• How I swap workouts based on how my body feels

• Why rest is sometimes the most productive thing you can do

• How the Movement With Julie app makes it easy to stay flexible and consistent

If you loved this episode, I know you’ll also love episode 272: How to Handle Life Getting in the Way of Your Fitness 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

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

If 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, what your cravings actually mean, and the sustainable steps you can take to reduce and respond to them in a healthier, more empowered way.

This episode is your go-to guide for understanding cravings without guilt—and learning how to respond to them with clarity and confidence.

What I Discuss:

• Why cravings aren’t about lack of motivation or discipline

• The 6 most common root causes of food cravings (including some you might not expect)

• How under-eating and blood sugar crashes can trigger intense cravings

• Why your sleep, stress, and emotional state matter more than you think

• Seven realistic and science-backed strategies to reduce cravings

• What specific cravings like chocolate, chips, and caffeine may actually mean

• How to build meals and habits that support your hormones, energy, and results

…If you loved this episode, you’ll also love Episode 466: 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