I chose this photo of my friend Traci and me at a work event a few years ago because it brings me joy. We have both been on a lifelong, winding journey of weight fluctuation. Traci has inspired me with her weight loss journey and supported me in my passion for starting Deficit Daily. I am a serial entrepreneur, and when I first had the idea of launching Deficit Daily, Traci was beside me to help me make it a reality. Thank you, Traci, for your never-ending support of my sometimes-crazy ideas.
How Deficit Daily Came to Be.
I recall since the young age of nine, I’ve been in a constant battle with my weight. I remember a specific incident where I was caught by my 3rd-grade teacher (Mr. B) chewing gum in class, something everyone did. However, my timing was not great, as he decided to make an example out of me. I was required to come up in front of the class, place the pre-chewed gum on my nose, and stand with my arms out while balancing on one foot. Considering I was overweight, it was impossible to balance for any period of time. I was humiliated in front of my peers, and decades later, this feeling of failure of simply not being able to stand on one leg with my arms out still exists in my brain. It’s a struggle deeply ingrained in my earliest memories, a sense of being ‘different’ and out of control. This and other incidents in my life of physical and emotional burdens have been a constant companion, driving me to seek tools, tips, and inspiration for a healthier life.
I realized something crucial through my experiences, trial and error, and countless hours of research. I wasn’t just searching for a way to lose weight. Instead, I was seeking a source of guidance that balanced weight loss, wellness, fitness, mindset, and support—all delivered with compassion, not shame. Unable to find it, I decided to create it. That is the very foundation of Deficit Daily—a safe space for those looking to approach health and weight loss in a sustainable way, free from guilt and full of support and authenticity.
Here is my story and why it might resonate with some of you.
Struggling with an All-or-Nothing Mentality
For most of my life, my relationship with food and health has been a battle of extremes. I have battled with an ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality that can repeatedly derail my progress. A single bite of a cookie, a sugar-laden coffee drink, or an unplanned snack could send me spiraling into feelings of failure. I would feel like I had ruined my entire day or week with that one indulgence, leading to a cycle of guilt and self-punishment.
I still battle with this mentality from time to time. The problem wasn’t the food itself—it was how I would mentally punish myself for these moments. Instead of understanding that one decision didn’t define my entire day or week, I would throw in the towel. I internalized each misstep as proof that I lacked control, and the result was a crushing loss of self-esteem. Looking back now, I realize this harsh self-judgment was one of my greatest obstacles. Weight loss is not about unattainable perfection but consistency, grace, and tiny, actionable steps. This mentality often made me feel like I was failing, even when I was making progress. It’s a common struggle, and if you find yourself in this cycle, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I understand.
The Turning Point
Like so many others, you reach a point in life, sometimes driven by age and new-found maturity, a life-changing event, or, in my case, a combination of all of these, you reach a breaking point. I have been exhausted from the cyclical burden of trying and failing. That’s when I decided to focus not on weight loss as the end-all-be-all goal but on cultivating daily habits and sustainable growth, living in the moment of the journey rather than only focusing on the destination.
I began setting achievable targets—smaller goals that felt within reach rather than overwhelming. For instance, starting small, I aimed to drink an extra glass or two of water each day, take a 20-minute walk in the evening after dinner, and preplan balanced meals for the week. Instead of obsessing over the scale, I am now focusing on celebrating the victories that can’t be measured in numbers.
My focus is ensuring I have a minimum daily deficit goal. Each small step continues to become part of a larger transformation – mainly because I am still far from done. This approach has empowered me and given me a sense of control over my journey, and I believe it can do the same for others. This shift in approach continues to teach me a valuable lesson about resilience: change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Progress is built in layers, and those layers are created through consistent habits over time. The resilience I’ve developed on this journey has been a source of inspiration and motivation, and I hope it can inspire you to keep going, even when the road gets tough. It’s time to redefine wellness!
The Role of Support and Community
Throughout my journey, I have learned that internal motivation is crucial, but external support can be a game-changer. Internal motivation, the drive, and determination from within keep you going when the going gets tough. External support, on the other hand, can be a source of inspiration and encouragement. I am fortunate to have family and close friends who encouraged me during my highs and held me steady during my lows. But it’s not just about having people to cheer you on. It’s about having a community of like-minded individuals who understand your struggles and can offer advice, support, and encouragement. This community can be a source of inspiration and accountability, helping you stay on track and reminding you that you’re not alone on this journey.
However, I also realized something profound. While having a support network is invaluable, the strength to thrive and succeed must first come from within. Belief in yourself is the foundation for lasting change.
No one should have to navigate this journey alone. That’s why I envisioned Deficit Daily as more than just a website. It’s a vibrant community where kindred spirits can connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other. Together, we cultivate the motivation and accountability that are crucial for long-term success.
Vulnerability and the Power of Sharing
Starting Deficit Daily wasn’t just about myself but also about helping others on their journey to better health and weight loss. By committing to being vulnerable and openly sharing my story, I’ve found renewed strength to stay motivated in my health, wellness, and weight-loss journey. Being transparent about the challenges and victories of this path has allowed me to turn what once felt like a personal burden into something meaningful. My hope is that my vulnerability can inspire others to take the first step—or their hundredth step—with confidence, knowing they are not alone.
A Call to Action
If my story resonates with you, I would love for you to share your own. At Deficit Daily, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect, uplift, and inspire each other. Your voice matters whether you’re just starting or have been on a wellness path for years, and we value success beyond the scale. Yes, of course, weight loss is one of the goals. However, it is not the entire package of taking action over perfection.
What’s your story? Share it with us, and take pride in your steps—big or small—to create the life you deserve. Your story matters; by sharing it, you’re empowering yourself and inspiring others in our supportive community.
Join our community of self-starters, dreamers, and fighters. Together, we can build a supportive space where health and happiness are accessible for everyone. Remember, the road to health and self-discovery isn’t straight or straightforward—it’s an ongoing trial, learning, and growth process. Be kind to yourself, and know that every step is significant, no matter how small. I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.
