Losing weight is a real battle of will power and determination, especially with so many delicious temptations that can derail progress.
However, one woman has stunned the internet by revealing the simple healthy treat that became her go-to snack during a weight loss journey.
Being healthier and in better shape was always something that MaKayla Thomas, 30, strived for, and though she worked out regularly, she wasn’t consistent.
While pregnant with her second child, Thomas gained over 50 pounds, and then repeated the cycle during her third pregnancy.
Losing the postpartum weight provided Thomas, of Kentucky, with a whole new perspective, as she told Newsweek that she wanted to “be a healthier example” for her children.
Rather than focusing on exercising, she wanted to create a better relationship with food. 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. I made sure to continue making food I enjoyed so that I was able to stick with it,” Thomas said.
@makayla_thomas_fit / Instagram
One of the ideas that she came up with during her 50lb weight loss was a sweet treat that she calls her “healthy girl Reese’s pumpkins.”
The recipe combines peanut butter powder, yogurt and sugar, as well as melted chocolate to cover the mixture.
Not only does the mom of three hail the treat as utterly delicious, but each one contains just 150 calories and 14 grams of protein.
Not wanting to keep this “holy grail” all to herself, Thomas shared the simple recipe on Instagram (@makayla_thomas_fit) and the video went viral.
In just a number of days, the Reel has already gained over 3.1 million views and more than 63,400 likes, as many internet users hailed the delicious yet healthy snack.
She continued: “These are a treat I make pretty much for every holiday, and I switch them out with Easter eggs, Christmas trees, Valentine’s hearts. They’re rich and filling and easy to make so I like to keep them on hand.”
Thomas’ heaviest weight was 187lbs when she was postpartum, and she knew that if she wanted to lose the weight and keep it off, fad diets were not going to work.
Losing weight gradually is widely regarded as the healthiest way and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that those losing 1-2lbs a week are more likely to keep the weight off.
Thomas didn’t want to live a restricted lifestyle, so instead she focused on reaching her goals through healthy choices. Indeed, as she’s always loved snacking, she didn’t cut that out completely, but just replaced unhealthy treats with nutrient-filled options, such as the peanut butter pumpkins.
@makayla_thomas_fit / Instagram
“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.
In addition to eating better, Thomas would also walk every day on her walking pad while she worked and made sure to stay thoroughly hydrated with water.
Losing weight is often an uphill battle but she constantly reminded herself that weight loss should be difficult, and “the quality of life after is worth it.”
She estimates that it took around 6-7 months to lose the postpartum weight and around a year to tone and build muscle.
What Does Social Media Think?
While she regularly shares recipe ideas on social media, few of her posts have generated as much attention as the Reese’s pumpkins video.
She’s delighted to help others who might be going through their own weight loss journey, or perhaps just those with a sweet tooth who want to try a new homemade snack.
“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.
The viral video has amassed over 850 comments on Instagram, as social media users praised Thomas for the creative idea.
One Instagram user wrote: “They’re addictive!!! Thank you!! So easy too.”
Another person responded: “I ALWAYS have a sweet tooth when macro counting. Thank you for posting these! I can’t wait to try.”
“These are the best thing I’ve had in so long! Thank you so much,” added one Instagrammer.
While another comment reads: “All good until I eat a dozen in one sitting.”
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