5 Things You Think You “Shouldn’t” Do When Building the Body You Want (But Should!)

How can you honor your body with movement during pregnancy while embracing the changes and challenges it brings?   In this special episode of Embrace Your Real podcast, I’m diving into Part 1 of my 3-part series on working out during pregnancy. As I approach my due date, I’m sharing candid insights on how I’ve adapted my workouts through each trimester, managed nausea and fatigue, and found motivation even on the toughest days. We’ll explore how to safely stay active, the importance of modifying intensity, and the benefits of keeping your body moving. Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek into the new pregnancy and postpartum programs I’ve been developing just for you.    Whether you’re expecting, planning to be, or simply curious about adapting fitness through life’s changes, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt encouragement.     What I discuss: Are you nervous lifting weights while pregnant? I just found out I'm expecting and I am nervous!  How have your workouts changed? How did you workout in the first trimester?  What core workouts have you been doing? Have you lowered your weight while pregnant? How have you stayed motivated to be active during your pregnancy? Will you be coming out with a pregnancy/postpartum program?    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

Have you ever felt guilty for enjoying dessert or worried that snacking might derail your progress? Many of us believe that building the body we want means following a strict list of rules. But what if some of the things you think you should avoid are actually key to your success?   Welcome to a new episode of Embrace Your Real. Today, we’re flipping the script on some common fitness “don’ts” and showing you why you might actually want to embrace them. From savoring your favorite foods to enjoying carbs, we’re breaking down five surprising strategies that can help you build and maintain the body you want. Get ready to challenge the rules you thought you had to follow and discover a more enjoyable, sustainable path to your fitness goals.     What I discuss: Eat for Pleasure Order Dessert Eat Breakfast Snack during the day Eat Carbs   If you loved this episode, be sure to tune in to… Episode 337: What Your Low Calorie Diet is Doing to Your Body   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

Welcome back to Embrace Your Real podcast. In today’s episode, we continue our deep dive into how you can revitalize and boost your metabolism. This is part two of our series on “fixing your broken metabolism.” We’ll explore five more powerful strategies to get your metabolism humming and debunk the myth of the “broken metabolism.” Whether you're feeling stuck in your fitness journey or just want to understand how to optimize your energy use, these tips are designed to help you make meaningful changes.     What I discuss: Stop living in a caloric deficit Reverse Diet Sleep more Drink enough water Reduce stress   If you loved this episode, be sure to tune in to… Episode 451: 9 Ways to “Fix A Broken Metabolism” (Part 1) Episode 46: Why You Should Consider a Reverse Diet (The Only Diet I Support!)   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

We all have those days when loving our bodies feels like an impossible task. Maybe it’s after a tough week or a glance in the mirror that leaves you feeling less than confident. You’re not alone in this struggle. This episode is dedicated to every woman who has ever felt disconnected from her body or judged herself harshly.   In today’s episode of Embrace Your Real, we're tackling a topic that hits home for many of us: loving your body. We’ll dive into three powerful reminders that will help you shift your mindset and foster a more loving relationship with your body. These reminders are essential tools to keep in your back pocket for those tough days when self-acceptance feels out of reach.     What I discuss: Reminder #1: Your Body Is Allowed to Change Reminder #2: You and Your Body Are on the Same Team Reminder #3: Your Best Body Doesn’t Equal Your Smallest Body   If you loved this episode, be sure to tune in to… Episode 338: To the Woman Obsessing About What Her Body Looks Like…   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

Have you ever wondered why maintaining your weight feels effortless for some but like a constant battle for others? The secret often lies in metabolism.    In this episode of Embrace Your Real, we’re diving into the fascinating world of metabolism. I’ll be breaking down what metabolism is, common misconceptions about having a "broken metabolism," and 4 proven strategies to give your metabolism a much-needed boost. Whether you want to shed a few pounds, maintain your current weight, or simply feel more energetic, this episode is packed with essential tips for revving up your body's engine.     What I discuss: Eat thermogenic foods Eat more protein Resistance training Get more movement throughout your day     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

Cellulite – it's a term that brings up a lot of insecurities, especially as summer approaches. But what if we told you that cellulite is completely normal and up to 90% of women experience it at some point in their lives? Whether you're dealing with it now or have in the past, this episode will help you understand that cellulite is a natural part of being human and not something to be ashamed of.    In this episode, we dive deep into understanding what cellulite really is, why it happens, and how you can embrace your body just the way it is.     What I discuss: Skin Structure  Hormonal Factors Genetic Predisposition     If you loved this episode, be sure to tune in to… Episode 67: Cellulite is Normal (So Let's Normalize 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

Summer is here, and with it, a wave of anxiety and insecurities about our bodies. But what if this summer could be different?   In this episode of Embrace Your Real, we tackle the concept of getting “Summer Ready” with a fresh, empowering approach. Forget crash diets and unrealistic body standards. Instead, learn how to feel confident and enjoy your summer in the body you have right now with these 7 tips I have for you.     What I discuss: Stop dieting if you want to shed some pounds. Stay hydrated to reduce feelings of bloat Buy a bathing suit you feel confident in + other summer clothes  Self-tanner for the win!  Work on your mindset  Workout + Count Your Macros  Develop life-long habits      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   Try the Chocolate Glaze. Go to www.bronzedcactussunless.com and use code JULIE to get a 15% discount! Try the Symbiont-GI Gut Support (one-time purchase) and get a 10% discount. Go to www.pescience.com and use code JULIE at checkout.

Have you ever felt pressured by societal standards to love every part of your body all the time? Do you struggle with negative thoughts about your appearance?   In this enlightening episode of Embrace Your Real, we dive into the concept of body acceptance and debunk common myths. Discover what true body acceptance looks like and how it differs from popular misconceptions. This episode aims to provide clarity and practical advice for embracing your body and fostering a healthy self-image.     If you loved this episode, be sure to tune in to… Episode 212: My Thoughts On Body Acceptance   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

Have you ever felt confused about macros or struggled to hit your protein goals? Do you find yourself wondering if you're eating the right amount for your body and goals?   Many women are on this journey, and this episode is here to provide you with the answers and support you need. In this exciting episode of Embrace Your Real, I dive into some of the most common health, nutrition, and fitness questions asked by the amazing women in my Movement with Julie private Facebook group. From understanding macros to navigating evening snacks, we cover it all! This episode will equip you with practical tools and resources to master your nutrition and fitness journey. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how to personalize your macros, navigate different phases of macro counting, and incorporate healthy snacks and protein into your 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

Do you spend countless hours obsessing over your body and striving for an unattainable goal?    Welcome to the Embrace Your Real podcast. In this episode, we dive into the journey of overcoming body image issues and finding true self-acceptance. If you've ever felt like your body is a constant "work in progress," this episode is for you. I'll share the three key realizations that transformed how I navigated my body image struggles and helped me find peace and fulfillment.   Tune in to gain valuable insights into how to start focusing on what brings you joy and fulfillment. You'll learn to think less about your body's appearance, find peace within yourself, and take control of your narrative. These changes will help you build a strong, happy body and a life filled with meaning and passion.     What I discuss: I decided to stop treating my body like an unfinished project allowed me to focus on projects that deeply fulfill my soul.  I realized I felt more at east with myself when I thought less about my body.  I learned that I can stop allowing my body image issues to control me at any time.    If you loved this episode, be sure to tune in to… Episode 338: To the Woman Obsessing About What Her Body Looks Like…   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