50 pounds!

Praise God, I have gotten to my 50 pound weight loss goal! Most of you know I started with my goal on January 1st to lose 50 pounds by June 1st and I did it! This post is not to brag, but to share with you some of the things I've learned these past five months on this journey.
1. I need God's strength everyday! There were so many days I didn't have self-control or I was too tired to go workout that God filled in for me when I couldn't. Anytime I prayed for strength, He blessed me with it. At first it seems silly to pray about losing weight or my workout goals, but I know God cares about the littlest things in my life. He has truly blessed me!
2. You can burn a lot of calories being a mom! There were many days I hit my calorie burning goals before I even made it to the Y in the evening. Taking care of two kids, making their meals, cleaning the bathrooms, vacuuming and mopping the floors ect. is great exercise. That is my encouragement when I can't fit in my workout for the day.
3. There are so many ways to exercise! I loved Zumba class during these past 5 months, but have also tried a lot of different workouts. Walking, running, exercise machines, circuit class, yoga, and exercise videos from home. Most days I was able to fit in something even if it was just a 20-minute exercise video. I figured it was better than nothing.
4. I can eat whatever I want! (in moderation). People have been asking me what type of diet I'm on and I respond "nothing." I am courting calories, but there is no restrictions in my diet besides that. I love that because it seems more like reality to me. We have eaten out at numerous restaurants, and my family can vouch for me that I've still done a lot of baking, but the difference is instead of me saying "what the heck, I'll eat whatever I want, " I say "Yeah, I can have 3 pieces of pizza." It's been a learning experience, but it's been easy and something I hope to do forever.
5. Your kids are watching your eating and exercising habits. Brayden asks me when I'm going to do my workout for the day everyday. He knows that has become a priority for me. I'm also cooking healthier food for my family and hopefully helping them to make better choices when they are older. They watch and observe our habits more than we give them credit for.
6. I have the most supportive husband ever. The best time for me to workout has been in the evenings (if we weren't busy), so I'm gone 4+ evenings a week. We have dinner together and then I leave to go to the Y. Travis hasn't once complained about watching the kids. He has always been encouraging and happy for me to go. I love that about him so much! Thanks Travis, I couldn't have done this without you.
I hope this has been encouraging to my mommy friends out there who may be struggling to loose weight, or just be healthy. I have a long way to go, but am 50 pounds closer. I'll take it!