3 Reasons Why Your Maintenance Phase Isn’t a Failure—It’s a Strategy

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  

Today 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 muscle, increase your energy, and feel more in control of your cravings—girl dinner is not it. In this episode, I break down why this trend might be holding you back, what your body actually needs to feel nourished, and how to make simple, satisfying meals without overthinking it. What I discuss: Why “girl dinner” leads to cravings, blood sugar crashes, and fatigue The two nutrients your body is begging for—especially if you’re training How to reframe food as fuel (without being rigid or “all or nothing”) What a balanced meal actually looks like My 3-step formula for building quick, satisfying meals on busy days Why wanting to nourish your body doesn’t make you high-maintenance—it makes you intentional 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 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 should be a tool—not a trap. And if it’s leaving you burned out, anxious, or stuck in all-or-nothing mode? You’re doing way more work than you need to. What I discuss: Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how aiming for “close enough” actually gets you better results How stress over counting can backfire by increasing cortisol (and what that does to your body) The simple habit I use to reduce decision fatigue and make counting easier Why focusing on protein first is a game-changer How to navigate “off” days without guilt, shame, or starting over What it looks like to loosen up on tracking in busy seasons—without losing your progress Whether you’re brand new to macro counting or just want to make it feel more sustainable, this episode is going to help you build a better, healthier relationship with the process. If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… Episode 475: 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

Today 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 more motivation. You don’t need more guilt. You just need a new way to see movement—one rooted in self-respect, not self-punishment. What I discuss: The all-or-nothing trap that keeps women stuck and inconsistent How I redefined what “counts” as a workout (and why that changed everything) Why a short walk or 15-minute lift is enough The science behind why even 5 minutes of movement boosts your mood and brain function What actually builds consistency—and why it has nothing to do with discipline The exact question I ask myself when I don’t “feel like it” If you loved this episode, you’ll also love… https://www.juliealedbetter.com/embrace-your-real/3-reasons-why-you-cant-stay-consistent-what-to-do-about-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