How I Stopped Hating My Body And Finally Embraced My Real
Key Takeaways & Timestamps
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Hey there, beautiful! It’s Julie, and I can barely believe I’m saying “Welcome to Episode 1” of my brand-new podcast. For years, I tried to be anyone but myself—and it almost destroyed me. In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I transformed from hating my body to truly embracing it. My hope is that through reading this, you’ll feel heard, seen, understood, and inspired to embark on your own journey toward self-acceptance.
Why This Topic Matters
Let’s be real: hating your body is exhausting and lonely. I wasted years stuck in a cycle of negative self-talk, punishing workouts, and restrictive eating habits. I’m so passionate about sharing my story because I know what it feels like to feel stuck. We all deserve a healthier mindset and a healthier relationship with our bodies—one that empowers us instead of tearing us down.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes
“Eating fewer calories is always better.”
Believe me, I used to think restricting calories was the key to success. Turns out, our bodies need consistent fuel from balanced macronutrients.
“Cardio is the only way to lose weight.”
I was a treadmill queen! But making the switch to a mix of strength training and moderate cardio transformed my body and confidence.
“Mindset doesn’t really matter – just follow a diet plan.”
Wrong. Our minds drive our behaviors. Without reframing the internal beliefs, no meal plan or workout routine will stick.
Actionable Advice
Replace “I have to work out” with “I get to move my body.”
Changing that one sentence made all the difference. Movement is a privilege, not a punishment.
Count macros instead of cutting out entire food groups.
Once I learned my body actually needed carbs, protein, and fats in specific amounts, food became less of an enemy and more of a partner.
Practice gratitude daily.
I use a simple journal to write down a few things I’m grateful for each morning. It shifts my perspective from lack to abundance.
Give yourself grace on the journey.
This wasn’t an overnight solution. It took years of small changes, and that’s okay. Progress over perfection is the name of the game.
Conclusion
Sister, if you’ve ever felt trapped in your own skin, I want you to know that there’s hope—and I’m living proof. Embracing my real has been the most freeing choice I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait for you to experience that same freedom. Let’s keep lifting each other, cheering each other on, and celebrating all the ways our bodies support us every day.
Want to dig deeper?
Keep reading for an even more in-depth look at my transformation and how you can start making changes in your own life—starting right now.
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Before learning about macros, I had thought that fewer calories meant a better body. Then, I learned how our bodies thrive when we give them the nutrients they need:
Protein: Essential for muscle repair, keeps you feeling full.
Carbohydrates: Your main energy source, crucial for workouts and everyday activity.
Fats: Hormonal balance, brain function, and nutrient absorption.
When each macronutrient is accounted for, you can still enjoy pizza or ice cream every now and then without spiraling into guilt.
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I used to grind out hours on the treadmill, convinced that was the only way to stay “skinny.” But skinny never equaled strong. Resistance training:
Builds Lean Muscle: The more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate.
Improves Bone Density: Especially important for women as we age.
Boosts Confidence: Feeling strong under a barbell or with dumbbells is empowering.
Sure, I still do cardio—I love a good sweat session—but it’s balanced now, not an all-consuming obsession.
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Morning Gratitude: Writing down three things I’m grateful for instantly shifts my focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in my life.
Positive Affirmations: Simple statements like “I am strong,” “I am capable,” and “I am enough” may sound ridiculous at first, but they plant seeds of self-compassion towards myself.
Mindful Social Media Consumption: I unfollowed accounts that made me feel “less than” and started following people who inspire, educate, and uplift me.
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For so long, I’d starve myself of foods such as pizza—then binge on it when my willpower broke. With macro counting, I learned to budget my macros. If I wanted pizza on Friday, I’d adjust my protein, carbs, and fats slightly for the rest of the day. Eventually, I realized I could enjoy pizza and not sabotage my progress.
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Calculate Your Macros: Get a reliable guide or work with a professional to discover your numbers. My free Macro Counting eBook is also an excellent place to start.
Plan Your Meals & Workouts: Consistency is key. Schedule your workouts like important appointments, and plan your meals in advance where possible.
Reflect & Adjust: Keep track of how you feel—energy levels, mood, hunger—and adjust your strategy as needed. It’s a process, not a one-size-fits-all.
Embracing your real isn’t about loving every single inch of your body 24/7. It’s about choosing to nourish, move, and speak to yourself with respect and kindness. If you start today with just one new habit—like gratitude journaling or trying a simple strength routine—you’re already on your way.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
[ 1 ] EPISODE TRANSCRIPT (PDF)
For a full, verbatim transcript of this episode (the same content found in the podcast), click here to download the PDF. Keep it for easy reference or to read offline!
[ 2 ] BODY CONFIDENCE WORKSHEET
We have a worksheet inspired by How to Stop Hating Your Body to help you work through your mindset around self-love and body confidence.
[ 3 ] FREE MACRO COUNTING EBOOK
Want a step-by-step guide to determine your personalized macros? I’ve put together a thorough (but easy-to-follow) workbook that walks you through learning macronutrients, calculating your needs, and creating meals that serve your goals. Download your free Macro Counting eBook here.
By entering your email, you’ll gain instant access to these resources and occasional updates from me to help you stay on track!
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to do two simple things:
Subscribe to my EYR podcast so you never miss a future episode—I have so much more real talk and actionable advice coming your way.
Share this post with a friend who might need some encouragement in their journey.
Thank you for being here with me. Together, let’s keep moving forward, honoring our bodies, and embracing our real. You’ve got this!
xx,
Julie