Losing weight can feel like a constant battle against cravings and temptations. However, MaKayla (Meaghan) Thomas, a 30-year-old from Kentucky, has inspired many with her approach to weight loss, which emphasizes creating a balanced relationship with food rather than restrictive dieting. Her journey highlights the power of mindful snacking and sustainable lifestyle changes.
From Postpartum Weight to a Healthier Lifestyle
During her pregnancies, Thomas gained over 50 pounds with each child. After her third pregnancy, she realized she wanted to "be a healthier example" for her children. Instead of focusing solely on exercise, she aimed to develop a healthier relationship with food.
The Power of Mindful Snacking
Thomas's heaviest weight was 187lbs postpartum. She understood that fad diets wouldn't provide a lasting solution, so she adopted a gradual weight loss strategy, aiming for the widely recommended 1-2lbs a week. A key element of her success was her approach to snacking. Rather than cutting out snacks entirely, she replaced unhealthy options with nutrient-filled alternatives.
"I tried to be smart about snacking, lots of snacks and fast food is what led me to gaining so much weight in the first place. But I was mindful and had snacks as I needed them. I would make sure that my snacks were not meal sized and just enough to hold me over until my next meal," Thomas said.
She started creating healthy new recipes that weren't just good for her, but that she loved to eat. "I meal prepped and made smarter, more balanced food choices, and did not restrict. They're rich and filling and easy to make so I like to keep them on hand."
Read also: Health After Weight Loss
More Than Just Food: Incorporating Activity and Hydration
In addition to making better food choices, Thomas incorporated daily walks on her walking pad while working and prioritized staying hydrated with water.
A Gradual Transformation
Thomas estimates it took her around 6-7 months to lose the postpartum weight and about a year to tone and build muscle. She emphasizes that weight loss should be challenging, but the improved quality of life makes it worthwhile. She constantly reminded herself that weight loss should be difficult, and "the quality of life after is worth it."
Social Media Success and Inspiring Others
Thomas regularly shares her recipe ideas on social media, with her posts about healthy snacks generating significant attention. She is passionate about helping others on their weight loss journeys or those simply seeking healthier snack options.
"I think there's a lot of people who enjoy their food (like I do), but still want to reach their goals without all the failed crazy diets," Thomas added.
Her viral video has garnered positive feedback, with users praising her creative ideas.
Read also: DeLauer Diet for Wellness
Key Takeaways from Meaghan Thomas's Journey
- Focus on creating a healthy relationship with food: Instead of restricting yourself, make smarter, more balanced choices.
- Embrace mindful snacking: Replace unhealthy snacks with nutrient-filled options.
- Incorporate regular physical activity: Find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your daily routine.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Be patient and persistent: Gradual weight loss is more sustainable in the long run.
- Find inspiration and support: Connect with others on a similar journey and share your experiences.
Additional Insights and Perspectives
Meaghan Thomas' journey is not unique, and her approach aligns with advice shared by other health and wellness experts.
Heather Robertson (Coach, Host, and Long-Term Maintainer of a 170 lb loss) emphasizes the importance of sustainable habits.
Sue Jennett, Podcaster, Celiac Advocate, and GF Baker brings more information to parents who are worried their child might have problematic eating behaviors.
Kevin Thomas, Singer/Songwriter, Podcast and Radio Host talked about my journey from teaching to wellness coaching, how I lost 100 pounds without losing my love for food, and how I use my data-nerd skills to help people break free from negative cycles.
Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, Painting Your Path Podcast noted that she is creative and analytical at the same, introverted but trying to grow, stressed but trying to learn how to manage it.
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Mahara Wayman, The Art of Badassery Podcast noted the importance of what truly drives us to want to lose weight. We dig into topics like emotional eating, finding the right kind of support, and building self-awareness. We also talk about how self-acceptance isn’t just a buzzword, challenge some of the societal “rules” around appearance, and share tips you can actually use to start seeing your worth beyond the physical.
Abigail Gagnon, Beyoutiful Legacy covered some powerful topics in this podcast conversation. Abigail has just reached 100 episodes on her amazing podcast Beyoutiful Legacy, all about life as a Spoonie, living your best life through chronic illness, and healing from trauma.
Erin and Heather, Three Kitchens Podcast share their kitchen adventures in this long-running podcast that just started its 5th season.
Brooke Hoover, Who’s Dat Phat Girl Podcast share in a journey of 100 pound weight loss too, and we’ve both created positive change in the way we relate to our food and our bodies. Brooke is a true kindred spirit, and I felt that keenly in every conversation we’ve had.
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Steven Ramona, Connector, Partnerships, Podcast/TV Host, and Speaker This was a lovely conversation, and I was honored to meet Steve Ramona and be on his show!
Drew Griesel of Primal Wellness Coaching asks What are the roots of the old habits that cause weight-gain? (Especially for emotional eaters?) And most importantly, what are the actual triggers that you can take advantage of to create BIG change in your life, especially when your goals are weight-loss and becoming a healthier person?
Tatiana Szulc, LMHC is a trauma and somatic therapist as well as a holistic coach. Her mission with her podcast and work is to help more women regulate and rewire their nervous system. She’s also a fantastic interviewer and has a wealth of knowledge about how our nervous system affects our lives, and the small ways we can work WITH it (not against it).
Jackson Calame challenge conventional notions about dieting and weight loss. We get specific, sharing concrete tips and actionable steps to actually “do the thing” instead of just thinking about it, We also get into the insane power of small daily habits (like easy cooking) and data-driven strategies (so you can make health improvements based on YOUR baseline, not someone else’s cookie-cutter programs and unreachable goals).
Coleen Greco noted that joy plays a big role in weight loss / making lifestyle changes.
Abhra Pal dove into how your relationship with food can be just like your relationship with money (weighed down with past baggage). But most interestingly, we discussed how weight regain can actually set the stage for you to SUCCEED the next time. A fascinating take on physical and mental health!
Rossana D covers in this excellent conversation:-Ditching the quick fixes for long-term results -Choosing the long-term approach in the era of Ozempic & Wegovy - Making the right decision for us even under societal pressure or that from Big industries - Strategies to resist the urge of convenience and deal with triggers - Navigating relationships: supporter or food-pusher?
Amy Fagan In our conversation, we talk about how my approach to becoming healthier (including intentional meal planning), and the mindset of long-term weight management (such as the idea of taking the next right action, instead of punishing ourselves for messing up).
Heather Carey, M.S. Food plays a bigger part in our lives than we give it credit for, and how we treat food says a lot about our values. For folks who are looking to lose or manage their weight, that relationship with food can become fraught with pitfalls, so Heather and I really dove into how to strike a balance between valuing health and valuing the fun/fulfillment that food can bring to our lives.
Dr. Charles Glassman Join us as we dive deep into a conversation that goes beyond weight loss, highlighting the steps toward a healthier, happier, and more empowered self. This episode is more than a narrative; it's a testament to the achievable, no-strain path to personal transformation Megan advocates for, providing actionable insights for anyone ready to change their life, one practical step at a time.
Paul Maglietta, MF Uncensored We discuss the power of micro habits and the journey of making sustainable lifestyle changes. I share my personal weight loss journey of losing 100 pounds over 11 to 12 months through habit changes and maintaining it, emphasizing the importance of starting with small changes and building on them. We explore how I transitioned her experiences into a coaching business, Partake Meal Planning and Weight Loss Coaching, aimed at empowering individuals in their weight loss pursuits. We nerd out over the importance of maintenance calories, honest food journaling, and creating a positive outlook on the weight loss process.
Laiba Ahmad, The Inspiration Talks Laiba was a joy to talk to, and I loved the simple and profound questions she posed.
Gail Gibson, AMC Be encouraged to lean in towards a simple action you can take to kickstart positive habits and change in life.
Devin Do you feel like it's tough to stay consistent and there just aren’t enough hours in the day?