The Science on Why Muscle Doesn’t Make You Look Bulky (and the Lie We’ve All Been Told)

Hey 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 perspective. Spoiler: muscle is not the enemy. It’s your secret weapon. What I discuss: Why muscle is actually what gives your body the shape, definition, and curves you’re after The real science behind muscle growth and why women don’t “bulk up” like men How muscle supports your metabolism, your confidence, and your long-term health Why the fear of getting bulky is rooted in outdated myths—not facts This episode is your permission slip to train smarter, lift heavier, and finally let go of the fear that strength isn’t feminine. It so is. If you loved this episode, you’ll also love Episode 237: How to Overcome Your Fear of Building Muscle and How to Start Building Muscle ASAP. I’ll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/ep237/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-building-muscle-and-how-to-start-building-muscle-asap 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! 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—and maybe even a few “aha” moments. What I discuss: Why walking is one of the most underrated tools for fat loss, recovery, and hormone support The truth about progressive overload—and how it’s the real secret to strength and body composition changes Why eating enough (yes, more food!) is key to seeing real results from your training So if you’ve been stuck in the cardio-only, eat-less-do-more trap… this episode is your permission slip to simplify, lift smarter, and fuel your body like it deserves. If you loved this episode, you’ll also love Episode 126: 8 Numbers That Don’t Matter (And Never Did!) I’ll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/8-numbers-that-dont-matter-and-never-did 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 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 in that start-stop cycle. What if you didn’t need motivation at all? What I discuss: Why motivation is just a feeling—and not something you can rely on The brain science behind why we default to old habits when life gets busy How simple systems (not willpower!) are the key to real, lasting consistency Why habits are stronger than emotions—and how to make them automatic 5 practical mindset shifts to stay consistent even on the hardest days So if you’re tired of waiting for the “perfect Monday” or that magical burst of inspiration… this episode is going to shift everything for you. If you loved this episode, you’ll also love Episode 537: What I Do on Days I Don’t Feel Like Working Out. I’ll link it in the show notes for you to easily go listen to next. 👉 https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/what-i-do-on-days-i-dont-feel-like-working-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  

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 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. The seamless outfit. The color-coded snack containers. And while that might look cute on camera, let me be honest with you—it’s not reality.    So in today’s episode, I want to debunk that “perfect day” myth and walk you through what my real days actually look like—messy moments, flexibility, and all. Because imperfection? That’s not a setback. That’s the strategy.   What I discuss The importance of consistency on the messy, busy, real-life days to get real results. What a true “fit” day really looks like in real life. How to ditch perfectionism and focus on fueling your body well most of the time, and trusting the process over time. If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… episode 531: Why Consistency Measures Progress Better Than the Scale. 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: The importance of structured strength training. How Carbs can actually help with recovery and sleep. Why Spot targeting fat loss isn’t a thing. 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