Petty question-Before pictures

Iknewyouweretrouble

Should you take them? Or does it just set you up for "failure"? If you don't take them and you start losing/looking amazing do you regret not taking before pics?

codycsweet

Take pictures. And measurements it was a great motivator and re opener for me on how far I've come. Also when you get mad at the scale you can see from pics and measurements that the scale isn't everything that these other two things the pics and measurements are very important and telling indicators of your progress.

seltzermint555

I don't look "amazing" but I sure do look more normal/average at size 10/12 than I did when I started out at size 22. I don't deeply regret not taking before photos, though. I remember how I looked and that's enough for me. I have just one "before" photo really, of myself at a car show, and I recreated the photo after I'd lost 67 lb here. That's kind of cool to look at but I don't think it REALLY shows me all that much...I think I looked a bit better than I did in the before pic, but it was not a flattering shot...and I think the after shot is weirdly lit...too many variables for me to really feel those before/after photos are an important or useful part of the progress & comparison for me.

Madame_Goldbricker

I've took progress pics from the start every 4wks. Sometimes you see big changes - others not so much. But all progress is good. And I've definitely seen some slight muscle change happen too.

Iknewyouweretrouble

thanks guys! I'm gonna take some. wish me luck lol I hope I make those changes.

wellthenwhat

I wish I had before pictures, I do have pictures, but no great ones. It's not a major regret though, I'm not going back to get them !!!!

katznkt

Yeah... I recommend pics. It's incredible to remind yourself of what you used to look like. Especially when you feel inclined to overdo your calories one too many days. Good to remember what constant overeating will do...

kimtab

I did not, and wish that I had. I think it can be a great motivational tool.

ASH2038602

I just started taking progress pictures recently. I wish I would have right when I started, because I think looking at them would really keep my motivated. I only have like one full body picture of myself at my top weight. Better late than never I suppose.

nathalier71

I wish I'd taken pictures.

ryblueeyes

I have "before" pictures, but they're really just of my face and shoulders. It wasn't until I started looking back that I realized maybe there's a reason for that. Anyway, I wish I had at least one "before" of my whole body since I think pictures are super motivating.

bcf7683

I wish I'd taken pictures.

x2

epadmeister

I didn't take proper "before" pictures because I thought I'd jinx myself! XP Really wish I had now...

Listen, the only thing that'll set you up for failure is the mindset of "I'm going to fail". So just don't fail and you can have as many "before" photos as you want! :flowerforyou: :bigsmile:

allanakern

my biggest regret is not taking before pics

willrun4bagels

Take pictures. I wish I had more before pictures, but I avoided the camera most of the time at 281lbs.

WelshPhil1975

The "before" picture on my profile was taken in July last year even though I didn't start dieting until March this year. It was the most recent photo of me that I could find and I am pretty sure I was at (or close to) that weight/size I was at in March anyway (photos of me at my heaviest are not easy to come by, but that was by design).

I will take during photos, but not until I hit 48lb lost, which is halfway to my target

JustFindingMe

I didn't take them right at the beginning and really regret it too. I was so uncomfortable with the state of my body that I truly didn't have the guts to actually take the shot. I was only about 8 pounds into this when I finally did.( 8 pounds of strength training etc really made a difference though) I also wish I took measurements in a a lot more places. Since I have been losing, Ive been getting smaller in odd places. I figured my thighs, tummy and waist would be enough but those are the last places to lose for me. I have added upper and lower arms and calves now and track them :happy:

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TheSatinPumpkin

If its a motivator then take some. My one year on this WOE is coming up next week and i still have my day 1 before pics as my wall paper(s) on my home computer. couple of months ago i also had them laminated wallet size to carry around. Been a motivation for me.

shadowloss

Everyone is different. I adamantly avoid pictures because it reminds me of what I've become! However, after looking through the success stories, and knowing I was in the mindset to finally pull my head out and do something about it, I cowardly stood in front of the mirror and snapped the picture.
For me, it was like the starting flag at a NASCAR race, I knew as soon as I took the picture that it was GAME ON! Something in my mind just clicked! I put on my oversized shirt and waddled my butt down to the eliptical and got sweating! Granted it's only been a little over a week and I am still having to work HARD at creating habits, is all I have to do is look back on the photo on my phone (that no one else can see) and it helps me push a little harder.
The thing for me, is if I didn't take the picture I might have regretted it. This way I know I won't because I have it! If I choose to delete it or burn it for those of you using your polaroids, then so be it!
I would say snap the picture, grab and apple, and get to work to prove to yourself your worth it. You can thank me later!

SingRunTing

I'd rather regret taking the picture than regret not taking the picture. You can always delete it later.

DSFfit

I took a picture four months ago with a very tight fitting workout top that showed all the rolls. I hate that picture but I couldn't deny what it showed. Like the last several years coving all that up wig loose fitting tshirts. Now yesterday I took another one with the same top. Rolls are almost all gone. The improvement is very noticeable. I am glad I had the comparison because I was feeling very discouraged about my progress yesterday until I saw the two together. I still am working I. Making those six pack abs. Another four months? I hope.

laineybz

Take pictures. I wish i had taken more at the beginning or kept the clothes from the very start. I have pictures from a short way through but i wish i had more from the start.

SuperVixen2B

Take the pictures! It'll make the success story you post later more visually interesting.

jillxmadelynne

I took before pictures. I have them hidden, lol. I'm so used to going through all of my pictures to find the perfect angle that makes me look 'not as big', so I reallllly hate my before pictures because I didn't do that. I know I will want them one day though, and it does seem like it would be a motivator as you can really see your progress.

Mangopickle

i have so few before photos and very few measurements. the photos would "magically" disappear and i always ran from cameras anyway. i would take them, just paste a big smile and move forward with your life. now i drag out the few i have all the time usually with the statement "this is what i looked like when i was medicating with food"