Cellulite and Diet

80-95% of women suffer from cellulite and for many of these women they wish they didn’t have it! Cellulite is that dimply, bumpy skin that we get. Some describe it as the “cottage cheese effect “or “orange peel skin.” It should not be confused with obesity, however being overweight and not having a healthy lifestyle can be one of the factors why women develop cellulite. Other factors include hormonal disorders, a poor blood circulation, or digestive or nervous system disorders. Some parts of our bodies are more vulnerable to cellulite; these areas include our bottoms, thighs and abdomen.

The cellulite removal process can be long and require a lot of patience from the sufferer. Cellulite treatments (most commonly anti cellulite creams) must be combined with healthy eating, regular exercise, and body treatments. Unfortunately there is no magic diet that can cure cellulite; you just need to make sure you are getting a diet that contains fruits, vegetables and natural juices. A diet rich in protein and low in unhealthy fats will help to reduce cellulite.

Food tips that may help you fight cellulite

·        Drink a minimum of 2L of water (preferably with lemon) every day. If you can drink a cup of hot water with lemon on an empty stomach in the morning. It is a great detoxifier.

·        Try to avoid flour products; these include white bread, pasta, pastry products and rice. These types of products will increase the amount of sugar in the blood, leading to the build up of fat.

·        Avoid sweets, sodas and alcohol use. Alcohol is a factor that prevents the liver (the body’s detoxification factory) to do its job. Enjoy the odd drink, just don’t over do it!

·        Instead of mashed potatoes or fries, choose a side dish of vegetables or salad.

·        Try to avoid eating after 6 o’clock and if you do, choose a fruit.

·        For one of your meals each day, try to eat a meal only of fruit. – This is ideal at breakfast time and sets you up well for the day!

·        Try and cut caffeine out of your diet. Try to drink decaffeinated coffee where you can.

·        Make sure your diet contains fiber, in sufficient quantities.

·        Eat more fruits and vegetables everyday -try to eat at least 5 portions a day. Not only do they contain healthy nutrients, they also serve as antioxidant agents. The fruits and vegetables which are typically rich in these substances are: blueberries and blackberries, cherries, mango, oranges, strawberries and raspberries, cranberry, grapefruit, apples, spinach, tomatoes, fennel, pepper, carrots.

·        Take a consistent breakfast, at lunch avoid sweets, and eat only quality protein, especially from soy, dairy, fish and poultry.

·        Try drinking red beet juice. Although it may sound like a strange drink to drink, it is beneficial because it helps the liver to remove fats stored in the body.

·        Eat celery salads. Celery fights water retention. Many cellulite sufferers drink carrot, beet and celery smoothies and claim it really helps to fight cellulite.

·        Avoid eating chips and peanuts.

If you follow these nutritional tips, not only you will reduce your cellulite, but you will get a better tone and a healthy life, and have better skin as a result!