Originally Posted by Austex
When dieting down (cutting), most people will actually look worse, especially if cutting down from a higher bodyfat.
Before the carb depletion and higher sodium consumption, your body was looking "full" and "smooth". Once the dieting starts, sodium consumption is reduced and you lose that "full" look. It is at this point that you PHYSICALLY notice a leaner look. Then, as your fat stores are being metabolized, your physique begins to look "dis-proportional". IT IS AT THIS POINT THAT MOST PEOPLE WILL PANIC. In your mind (and in the mirror) you look worse! The most important thing to do here is keep your cool and do not drastically alter your diet or double up on thermogenics/diuretics thinking something isn't working. Keep your pace and soon after this stage, you will begin to notice the dedication has paid off.