This is sort of a from those of us who have been losing a lot for a year or about a year to people who are just starting and everyone else.

Example: If I had done sit ups when I started, I wouldn't feel like I was playing catch up now.

If I had used lotion on my tummy the whole time (like I did when I was pregnant), maybe my stretch marks wouldn't be so bad.

Get the idea? What advise would you give, if you could tell yourself or someone else, now that you've seen some real changes in your body?

If I'd have not given up when I fell off the wagon for a snack, meal, day, week, month, whatever...I'd likely have met my goal by now. Never, ever give up is the first and best advice I can give to avoid regret!

I like this thread!

Do you mean you wish you had used lotion while you were getting the stretch marks, or while you were losing? Cause I DEFINITELY have them already.

If I had joined weight watchers a year ago, I'd be at my goal right now.

Used it on the way down. I didn't even notice I had them when I was heavy. The firming creams may work or not, but lotion does keep the skin supple and the stuff you use when you are pregnant does work for some people.

I'm glad you like the thread.

if I'd have started running a year ago, I'd have run most of the 5K's I've completed by now.

If I'd have QUIT SMOKING (I need to! Please get onto me if you want-I need people to!) a year ago, I would feel much, much better by now and would have much more stamina!

If I'd have stopped eating all fast food a year ago and prepared for hunger on the go better by having snacks in the car, at work, in my purse, etc... I could have saved enough to go on a nice vacation by now!

I wish I would have kept a RED FLAG weight and at least tried to maintain my weight after the summer was over...I can't believe I have gained 40lbs in 4 months...UNREAL! Just eating whatever I wanted and not walking everyday. Now I'm paying for it...I'm struggling and its day 4! I remember how hard it was last spring when I lost the same 40lbs...can't believe I'm right back where I started!

If I had given up my diet a year ago, I would not be 85 pounds lighter!

Oh brilliant thread idea!

If I had it to again I'd eat more! Yes I would! I would start out at a higher calorie number and work my way down as necessary. OR I'd calorie cycle straight off the bat.

(But I have to add I am THRILLED to have been strength training all this time. I love what it has done for my shape.)

That's what I'm talking about!! Way to go on the 85 pound loss!!

I too wish I had strength trained. That's one thing I definitely wish I had done better at.

If I had discovered that chromium would help my PCOS insulin resistance a year ago, I might have reached goal weight already!

I found out only a few months ago, but I'm already 10 lbs less, which is a big deal compared to the struggle of the earlier part of 2010!

Last year, if I had quit working out as much as I did, then I probably would have gained at least 10-20 pounds. After 3 years of working hard to lose weight, I was comfortable last year where I was at, and decided to give myself a break and not be so strict with how I ate. Luckily, I worked out almost every day, so I was able to not monitor my food (I didn't pig out all the time, it was just nice to let go a little) and maintain right around 195-200. Now I'm starting this year refreshed and ready to drop weight again!

If I had not been calorie counting a year ago, I would likely have gained much more weight while pregnant. A little prevention then and maintenance during made my life after birth a LOT easier, and I only had five pounds to lose to get back to my start weight at the end of 2009.

Hold the phone, WHAT? I'm totally going to research this right now.

Fantastic thread!