Losing weight is hard. Shedding an old image of yourself can be even harder.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? The person you were before you began your weight-loss journey? Or the actual image reflected back in the glass? For many of us, it takes a while for our self-image to catch up to the reality of our new, slimmer selves.

"I don't think anyone sees themselves the way they actually are when they first start losing weight," says Jane Kirby, RD, author of Eat Great, Lose Weight (Rodale Press). "It takes a while before we get used to our new body shape and size." Here are Kirby's five tips to help you see the real you.

1. Watch your waistline
Any weight-loss expert will tell you: the numbers on the scale may not mean as much to your self-image as a new pair of jeans. "Put on an old pair of pants and then a new pair. The changes in the way they fit and look will help you gain perspective," says Kirby.

2. Worth a thousand words
Take a photo every few weeks and compare it to older photos. "Pictures can be the spark that helps you continue losing weight," says Kirby.

3. Find an activity you love
You'll exercise more if you enjoy what you're doing — research confirms it. Go out and try a few different sports or workouts until one clicks. Once you feel comfortable, you'll also feel successful and strong.

4. Ask for reality checks
Supportive friends and family can give you a true assessment of your weight loss. But be careful: remove the phrase "Do I look fat?" from your vocabulary. Try something more positive such as, "Do my arms look leaner?" or "Do I look healthier?" instead.

5. Get help from a professional
If you're losing weight and you still can't shake that feel-fat mentality, consider talking to a psychologist or counselor. "A professional can help you think about why you've chosen to hold on to a body image that's keeping you unhappy," says Kirby. "There might be a deeper reason you're not shedding those negative thoughts."