Camera Versus Mirror? - Who should I believe???

[timhet]

ok, semi serious question.

I'm 5'10", and about 180 pounds.

I have been working hard at cutting the last month or so. I have lost around 4Kgs (9 pounds) by improving my diet, doing weights, cardio and taking a fat burning supplement. I definitely feel on track and think within another 2 months I should be pretty ripped if I keep this up. I reckon I've gone down from about 20% BF to about 15%.

Theres a certain mirror in the house in which I can clearly see an improvement. However, when I took a photo in another room with different lighting, I can barely see the difference with my before shot. It was really dis-heartening and made me think 'why am I putting myself through all of this, missing out on my favorite foods etc for little benefit.'

I don't know what I'm trying to say or ask, but I think weight loss is 90% mental and 10% physical.

[xsnalex]

idk about 90/10 = D but it is a mental challenge as well.

You have to understand it's not an overnight thing it could take months/years to reach a goal point depending on what it is and how far you have to go.

But think about the hard work you put in, dont throw it away cause than your be back at point A and eventually when you get in even worse shape you'll say hey i'm gonna turn my life around when you could have already met your goal if you just would have stuck it out.

stay strong

and yes lighting can play a role, but it's not an illusion if you see it it's there, just not gonna see it all the time

hard work pays off, keep at it my man

[Empyre]

it always looks better in dark light...cause of the shadows.
When i look at myself in the mirror with the lights on..I embarrass myself lol.

[Myxomatosis]

Originally Posted by xsnalex

idk about 90/10 = D but it is a mental challenge as well.

You have to understand it's not an overnight thing it could take months/years to reach a goal point depending on what it is and how far you have to go.

But think about the hard work you put in, dont throw it away cause than your be back at point A and eventually when you get in even worse shape you'll say hey i'm gonna turn my life around when you could have already met your goal if you just would have stuck it out.

stay strong

and yes lighting can play a role, but it's not an illusion if you see it it's there, just not gonna see it all the time

hard work pays off, keep at it my man

x2!!!

I know what you mean about the lighting with mirrors & cameras. Just looking in the mirror, I can see a big difference. But when it comes to pics, sometimes the evidence is hard to see.
Couple tricks: I learned when it comes to 'comparison pics' you want to take them in the same location, with the same lights on. I find this is the only way to get a 'true' side by side comparison.

BUT the real progress does not just lie in the pics... It lies in how YOU feel. I just lost 8 lbs, and you can't SEE a whole lot of change, by I sure feel sooo much better. I have a little more energy and my clothes are starting to fit better. This is what keeps me moving forward.

Good luck , and just keep going...