What I Learned From Tracking Macros for Almost 15 Years (and How I Do It Differently Now)

The holidays are a beautiful season, but they can also be a season where your routine gets stretched. Travel, family gatherings, different foods, colder weather, unpredictable schedules. All of it can make consistency feel harder than usual. And if you've ever felt that tension between wanting to enjoy the moment and wanting to protect your progress, you are so not alone. In this episode, I am answering real questions from the Movement with Julie community about how to stay consistent through the holidays without guilt, pressure, or all-or-nothing thinking. We are talking about breaks, travel, motivation, rest, and how to stay anchored when your routine looks different. Here is what you will learn: How much progress you actually lose during time off What my personal bare-minimum workout routine looks like in busy seasons The mindset that keeps consistency alive when motivation is low The difference between discipline and self-pressure How I decide when to rest and when to push What to do after an off week so you do not get stuck in the spiral How to stay present with your family while still caring for yourself If you want to enjoy the holidays fully and still feel strong, steady, and confident in your body, this conversation will give you the reassurance and structure you need. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: Episode 395: How to Enjoy the Holidays and Stick to Your Fitness Goals at the Same Time 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, I want to talk about something that so many of us struggle to accept — the idea that you can't always give 100%. Some days, weeks, or even months… all you have is 60%. And that's not failure — that's being human.   We live in a culture that glorifies "all or nothing." It tells us that if we're not giving it our absolute best — crushing workouts, tracking macros perfectly, staying on top of every little habit — then we're somehow falling short.   But it doesn't have to be this way.    When you start giving yourself permission to scale your effort based on your season, you stop operating from guilt and start operating from grace. And that's where real, sustainable progress happens.   So in this episode of Embrace Your Real, we're going to talk about: Why 60% effort still matters more than you think What "maintenance mode" actually looks like And how to give yourself permission to scale back without losing momentum   If you loved this episode, you might also like Episode 474: Overcoming Unrealistic Expectations of Yourself    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

The holidays can bring so much joy, but let's be honest, they can also bring stress. Between travel, family gatherings, endless food options, and your normal routine flying right out the window, it's easy to feel like you've lost your rhythm.   But this season doesn't have to derail your progress or your peace. It just requires a little intention. So today, I'm sharing seven simple rules that will help you stay consistent, confident, and in control, without missing out on any of the fun.    These are the exact things I remind myself of every single holiday season, and they're the same strategies I teach inside Movement with Julie and Macro Counting Made Simple. What I Discuss: How to navigate the holiday season without losing your rhythm or peace Simple strategies to stay consistent and confident through the chaos How to enjoy food and family without guilt or restriction The mindset shift that makes progress sustainable year-round Practical tips to balance health, happiness, and holiday fun   If you loved this one, I think you'll also love Episode 586: Pre-Holiday Pep Talk: How to Stay Consistent and Confident Through the Holidays   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

For years, we've been told that discipline means pushing harder, eating cleaner, and saying no to anything that doesn't fit the plan. But what if that version of discipline, the one rooted in restriction, guilt, and grind culture, is actually the reason you're burning out and losing motivation? In this episode, I'm breaking down what self-discipline really means and how to rebuild it in a way that feels supportive instead of punishing. You'll learn how to recognize when your discipline is coming from fear instead of alignment, how to reconnect with self-trust, and how to make consistency feel good again. Here's what you'll learn: How the fitness world turned discipline into grind culture The difference between fear-based and aligned discipline How to tell when your motivation is rooted in control instead of connection Simple mindset shifts to make discipline feel empowering Why rest, flexibility, and joy all belong in your fitness routine How to rebuild discipline around self-trust instead of perfection If you've been stuck in the all-or-nothing mindset, this episode will help you redefine discipline so it finally feels sustainable. If you loved this conversation, you'll also love Episode 562: 5 Reasons Why Your Fitness Journey Needs a Dose of Gentle Energy.   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's episode is one I've been so excited to record because this is a story that's been such a big part of my own journey — and one that I know so many of you will relate to.   We're talking all about what tracking macros has actually taught me.   I'm going to share what tracking gave me, what I wish I had known sooner, and then walk you through the six phases I went through — from tracking every single thing to where I am now, which is living in a place of peace, trust, and balance.   By the end, you'll know how to stay consistent without obsession, how to use tracking as a tool instead of a rule, and how to build the kind of food freedom that lasts.   What I Discuss: The real lessons I learned from tracking macros for nearly 15 years — beyond food, into mindset, discipline, and self-trust. Why tracking isn't meant to control you, and how I use it now as a tool for freedom, not restriction. The six phases I went through on my journey, from tracking every bite to living in full peace and balance with food. How under-eating doesn't make you disciplined…it makes you depleted. How fueling your body actually builds confidence. The key shift that helped me move from obsession to awareness — and why real food freedom comes from knowing, not guessing.   And if you loved this one, you will also love Episode 546: How to Count Macros Without Obsessing Over Numbers   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

If you've been lifting consistently for years but your progress has stalled, your strength feels the same, your body looks the same, and your motivation is fading, this episode is for you. You're doing everything "right": tracking your macros, showing up for your lifts, sleeping, recovering… yet somehow, your body isn't responding the way it used to. The truth? You're not broken, your body has simply adapted. In this episode, we're digging into what's really going on when your progress plateaus after years of consistent training, and more importantly, what to do about it. You'll learn what's happening neurologically, hormonally, and physically when the results stop showing up, and how to reignite growth without overtraining or burning yourself out. Here's what we're diving into: How your brain's "efficiency" in movement can secretly limit muscle activation Why nervous system fatigue often looks like low motivation — and how to recover from it How shifts in estrogen and testosterone affect your strength and recovery The real reason your body isn't responding (hint: you're probably under-fueling) Why recovery has to evolve with your training, or you'll stay stuck in micro-fatigue What happens when dopamine-driven progress slows and training feels flat How to finally break the "work harder" mindset and train smarter for long-term results If your workouts have started to feel flat and your body isn't changing, this episode will help you understand what's going on beneath the surface, and give you the tools to start seeing results again. If you loved this conversation, you'll also love Episode 38: 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  

If you've been showing up consistently but not seeing the strength or definition you want, this episode might just reveal why. The most common mistake I see women make with dumbbells? Going too light,  for too long. We've been told that heavier weights make women "bulky," that lighter ones are for "toning," or that cardio is the safer path to fitness. But those myths are holding you back from building the strong, confident body you actually want. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly why lifting too light stalls your progress and what to do instead so you can finally start seeing real change. Here's what we're diving into: Why light weights don't trigger the muscle or metabolism changes you're working for The science of progressive overload and how to apply it to your workouts How to know if your dumbbells are actually heavy enough The difference between training for endurance vs. building strength and muscle How to safely level up your lifts without fear of injury or "bulking up" The role structure plays in ensuring you keep progressing month after month If you've been stuck in the "light weights only" cycle, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and strategy to finally level up, without overcomplicating it. 🎧 Want more? Check out these episodes: What Most Women Get Wrong About Progressive Overload How Much Weight Should I Be Lifting? 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  

The holidays are around the corner, and let's be honest, this season can feel like a minefield when it comes to food, fitness, and consistency. One minute you're excited for family and traditions, the next you're stressing that all your progress is about to be undone by travel, late nights, and holiday cookies. But here's the truth: you don't need to toss in the towel or "start fresh" in January. You can enjoy the season and stay consistent, if you set yourself up with the right mindset and a simple plan. In this episode, I'm giving you a practical pep talk you can come back to anytime you feel that all-or-nothing thinking creeping in. Here's what we're diving into: How to mentally prep before the chaos begins The 3 non-negotiables that keep you steady no matter what What to do the day after you fall off track (hint: it's not punishment) Why flexibility beats restriction when it comes to holiday food How to anchor yourself in your "why" so you finish the season proud, not guilty If you want to walk into January feeling strong, confident, and already consistent, this episode will give you the tools to do it. 🎧 Want more? Listen next to Episode 143: 7 Ways to Enjoy Vacation While Still Honoring 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  

You've probably heard the "rule" that you shouldn't eat after 7pm if you want to see results. Maybe you've even felt guilty grabbing a late snack, like the clock itself was going to derail your progress. But here's the truth: your body doesn't own a watch. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm breaking down the real science behind nighttime eating so you can finally stop stressing over the clock and start focusing on what actually matters for your goals. We'll cover: Why calories aren't magically stored as fat after 7pm The difference between one late-night snack and a nightly pattern of overeating How macro counting clears up the confusion about timing When digestion and sleep might benefit from setting a food "cutoff" How to tell the difference between true hunger and emotional eating at night By the end, you'll know exactly how to approach eating in the evening without guilt, stress, or confusion — and how to make late-night choices that align with your body and your goals. 🎧 Want more? Listen next to: 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  

You're showing up for workouts, putting in the effort, but you're not seeing the changes you want in your body. Sound familiar? The truth is, it might not be you, it might be the exercises you're spending time on. Some of the most common "go-to" moves look productive, but they don't actually build the strength, muscle, or definition you're after. In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 exercises that aren't giving you the return on your effort,  and sharing simple swaps that will finally help you feel stronger and more confident in your body. Here's what we're diving into: Why endless crunches don't build the strong core you want The truth about tiny tricep kickbacks (and what works better) Why cardio alone won't change your body composition The booty machine myth and better ways to grow your glutes Why Smith machine squats aren't as effective as you think If you've ever felt like your workouts aren't paying off, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make every rep count. 🎧 Want more? Check out Episode 319: The 4 Best Exercises for Toning 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