Why Your Brain Is Wired for Comparison & How to Unplug It

Hey beautiful human! Ever eaten pizza and immediately thought, “Ugh, I was so bad today”? Or labeled a slice of cake, a handful of chips, or even a piece of bread as “bad”? You’re not alone, but it’s time to let that thinking go. Because food is not good or bad. It’s just food. And the guilt, shame, and all-or-nothing mindset? That’s what’s keeping so many women stuck. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why there are no “bad” foods, and how to finally let go of food guilt so you can fuel your body with freedom. We’re getting into: The difference between nutrient-dense and less nutrient-dense foods without labeling Why guilt and rigid food rules do more harm than a cookie ever could How your body processes food based on amounts, not morality Real-life tools to create balance without shame, punishment, or perfection How macro counting can help you ditch the guilt and finally feel in control around food If you’re tired of the “good” vs. “bad” food game and want a healthier, more sustainable way to nourish your body — this one’s for you. 🎧 Want help simplifying macro counting? Listen next to Episode 251: 8 Ways to Make Macro Counting Simple (For Getting Started or Getting Back on Track) 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  

You’re eating healthy, you’re getting your workouts in… so why isn’t the scale moving? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question (maybe more than once), this episode is here to bring clarity, not shame. Because the truth is: your body isn’t broken. But there are some sneaky reasons progress might be stalling — and most of them have nothing to do with how hard you’re working. In this episode, I’m walking you through 8 common reasons women don’t see results even when they feel like they’re doing everything right — and exactly how to fix them. We’re getting into: Why consistency might not be as solid as you think (and how to track it without obsessing) The problem with cardio-only routines — and why strength is your secret weapon What progressive overload is and how to apply it for real results How protein supports fat loss, metabolism, and muscle building When hormones (like cortisol, insulin, and thyroid) could be slowing you down The role of daily movement outside your workouts (hello, NEAT!) Why the scale doesn’t tell the full story,  and better ways to measure progress How sleep and stress could be the missing pieces in your transformation If you’ve been feeling stuck, defeated, or ready to throw in the towel — this is your sign to zoom out, take a deep breath, and finally understand what your body really needs. 🎧 Want more encouragement on results beyond the scale? Listen next to Episode 428: 8 Non-Scale Victories for Sustainable Progress (Part 1) 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  

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 build muscle, boost your metabolism, or reshape your body? Resistance training is what truly moves the needle. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real differences between Pilates and lifting, so you can stop second-guessing your workouts and start seeing results. We’re getting into: What Pilates does (and doesn’t do) for your metabolism and strength Why resistance training creates longer-lasting changes in your body The truth about “bulking,” “toning,” and the biggest myths about lifting How to combine Pilates and strength training for a balanced routine Where to start if lifting feels confusing, overwhelming, or out of reach If you’ve been trying to make progress with Pilates alone and feel like something’s missing, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for what to do next. 🎧 Want more support around lifting? Listen next to Episode 255: 8 Benefits of Dumbbell Workouts for Women 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  

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 what the scale does reflect might surprise you… and in this bonus episode, I’m breaking it all down. We’re getting into: The math behind fat gain and why 5 pounds overnight just isn’t real What’s actually happening in your body when the scale jumps Why trying to “make up for it” with cardio or restriction backfires The exact steps to take after a big meal to support your body (and your mindset) How to stop fearing food and finally ditch the all-or-nothing guilt spiral If the number on the scale has ever messed with your head, this episode is going to help you breathe easier, think clearer, and stay consistent—without the shame spiral. 🎧 Want more on staying consistent without the stress? Listen next to Episode 477: Mastering Nutrition Even on a 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  

Today 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 perfectly positive to show up for yourself. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at “body love” because you still have tough days, I want this episode to set you free.   By the end of our conversation, you’ll know:   What toxic positivity in the body-love space actually looks like and why it’s a problem. Why you don’t need to love every inch of your body to take care of it. The difference between toxic positivity and healthy positivity. Practical ways to show yourself respect and love, even on the days you don’t feel it. And tools that can help you create a healthier, more grounded relationship with your body and your goals. If this episode resonated with you, I know you’ll also love my episode 452: Struggling to Love Your Body? 3 Underrated Reminders… 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

Hello 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 how to start shifting it right now. We’re getting into: Why waiting for perfect timing or external validation will always leave you stuck What it really looks like to change from the inside out (and why it starts with your body) How nourishing and moving your body changes the way you show up in every part of your life Why confidence and peace don’t come after you hit your goals—they start with how you treat yourself right now And how your internal transformation will start to shift how the world treats you, too If you’re tired of feeling stuck in the “almost” phase, waiting for something to click—this episode is your starting point. You don’t need more time. You don’t need to look different. You don’t need to wait. You just need to choose to show up for yourself, right now. 🎧 Want more on creating real change? Listen next to Episode 262: 7 Steps to Changing Your Life in One Year 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  

Hey 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 actually lifting the right amount of weight for the results you want. We’ll get into: What different rep ranges do (4–6, 8–12, 15+) Why the 8–12 range is your sweet spot for lean muscle and body composition How to know if it’s time to increase weight, reps, or change your approach What it means to train to failure, and why it matters more than just hitting a number How small tweaks in your reps and load can unlock bigger progress I also share what I personally program inside Movement With Julie, and how you can use this info to feel more confident and strategic every time you lift. And if you’ve been wondering, “Am I challenging myself enough to see change?” this episode will give you your answer. 🎧 Want to go even deeper? Check out 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  

Okay, 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 five mindset shifts to keep in your back pocket for those low-confidence days, the ones where nothing feels quite right. These aren’t surface-level affirmations. These are truth-based reminders that actually help reframe the way you show up for your body. Inside this episode, you’ll hear: Why loving your body has nothing to do with loving how it looks What confidence is really rooted in (hint: it’s not your size) How to unlearn the body shame you’ve picked up over the years Why care rooted in respect lasts longer than motivation rooted in self-criticism And why how you feel in your body will always matter more than how it looks in the mirror This is the episode to come back to whenever you feel disconnected from your body, discouraged by your progress, or just need a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to be confident. And if this episode speaks to you, I know you’ll also love Episode 462: 4 Verses For When You Struggle With Body Image (Part 1) 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

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, especially after years of under-eating, skipping meals, or labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” I’ll walk you through: What happens to your hunger cues when your body’s been in survival mode Why cravings aren’t just about what your body needs, but what it’s used to How blood sugar affects your ability to feel hunger and fullness Why macro counting can actually build the foundation for intuitive eating And how repetition (not guessing) brings those cues back online If your goal is to eat without overthinking but your body’s not giving you clear signals yet. this is where you start. And if you want help building that stable, consistent foundation, check out my Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy. I’ll show you exactly how to fuel your body in a way that actually makes sense. For more on tuning in to hunger and cravings, make sure to listen to Episode 554: Why Understanding These 2 Types of Hunger Can Change Everything. 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  

Hey 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 this (yes, there’s science behind it), how it messes with your confidence, and most importantly, three mindset shifts that’ll help you stop spiraling and start showing up for yourself with more clarity, grace, and strength. Inside the episode, I share: Why comparison is literally hardwired into your brain, and how social media hijacks that The difference between inputs and outcomes (and why most comparisons aren’t even fair) How to shift from self-judgment to self-growth using admiration Why your worth can’t be outsourced to likes, progress pics, or anyone else’s approval And how to build a stronger self-image that’s rooted in how you live, not how you look This episode isn’t about surface-level “just stop comparing yourself” advice, it’s a deep reset on how you think, what you focus on, and how you start showing up with more intention in your own life. And if this one resonated with you, you’ll want to listen to Episode 336: 3 Unconventional Ways to Overcome the Comparison Game next. 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