These Fake Before And After Transformation Photos Will Blow Your Mind

Can You Believe These Photos Were Taken Just Minutes Apart?
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Summer is here and with it comes the neverending stream of beach selfies from celebrities, friends and everyone in between. And if there's one thing that'll knock your body confidence, it's seeing a supermodel splayed out on a yacht while you're slumped at your desk scoffing a Mars bar.

But what if we told you that the body of your dreams was just minutes away? (Well, sort of.)

A group of Instagram users are transforming their bodies in a series of cleverly-faked before and after transformation photos. And the results are incredible.

By simply changing the lighting, the pose and filter they transform their body from looking somewhat normal to looking super hot.

The images are the initiative of Melbourne-based personal trainer and wellness expert, Mel, who started encouraging people to share their faux snaps last year and the movement is still going strong.

Writing about the 'illusion' of transformation photos in 2013, HuffPost blogger and personal trainer Andrew Dixon said: "I want to make it clear that there are definitely some very impressive, genuine physical transformations out there.

"What I do take issue with are the transformations that are manipulated with Photoshop, professional lighting, postures to degrade or enhance their look, pro tans, sucking in or pushing out a bloated belly or flexing muscles vs. not flexing to obtain an optimal look."

The moral of this social media story? If you want a perfect body, there really is no substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.

"Don't try to look like anyone you see in a transformation photo," wrote Andrew. "Be inspired, but don't be disappointed if you don't see yourself the way you see those models. Being tricked into eating low-calorie diets and doing endless cardio is a recipe for fat gain, especially in the long term.

"Forget about the quick transformations and focus on a life of healthy eating, well-managed stress levels, quality sleep and plenty of movement. Spend time with people who have similar goals and values and take time to appreciate yourself the way you are right now. Don't beat yourself up if you eat a cookie, just enjoy that cookie and everything else life has to offer."

Well said.