Adjusting your lifestyle with these few simple tips can help you on your way to a smoother-looking body.
- Eat more berries
A healthy diet plays an important role in keeping the signs of cellulite at bay. Toxins tend to accumulate under our skin reducing skin elasticity and restricting blood circulation in the capillaries. According to many studies, berries – especially blueberries – are the richest in antioxidants which are important toxin-fighting compounds. Blueberries also contain polyphenols, which appear to help keep the body from forming fat tissue. In a study conducted at the Texas Women’s College, subjects who had more polyphenols produced less fatty tissue than those in the control group.
- Eat more liver-supporting foods
A healthy diet plays an important role in keeping the signs of cellulite at bay
Cellulite can form when toxins are built up within the body and therefore harden the septa (net-like fibrous connective tissue. When the septa are pushed downwards, the fat cells are squeezed into small bulges that translate into the “orange peel” effect). “The best way of reducing the amount of toxins in your body is to eat more liver-supporting foods,” explains Dr. Carina Norris, registered nutritionist and author of You Are What You Eat . “The best examples of these foods are artichoke, lemon juice, milk thistle and dandelion root tea.”
- Drink green tea
Although green tea has not yet been specifically tested as a treatment for cellulite it has received a lot of recognition as being a possible treatment for obesity. Whilst losing fat won’t completely solve cellulite, it’s been shown to help, according to research conducted at the Laboratoires Arkopharma in France. Try sipping on 2-3 cups a day of the green stuff to get the most benefits.
- Use spices and herbs
Spices and herbs contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other ingredients that typically support connective tissue health and discourage fat cell expansion – perfect for your figure. The best spice to add to your diet is chilli, “can boost your metabolism by up to 25% for three hours after you eat them”, explains Dr. Carina Norris. Just be careful not to eat too many if you have a sensitive digestive system.
- Supplement your diet with gotu kola
Gotu kola extract has been specifically researched for its benefits in reducing cellulite, and it is one of the few herbs that has been successful in garnering good results. Gotu kola extract improves elasticity and thickens the skin, helping minimise the appearance of bumpy cellulite. In a study described by Dr. Tatjana Pavicic, the Head of Dermatology at the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, Germany, gotu kola extract given orally at a dose of 60 mg for 90 days was effective in the treatment of cellulite. Gotu kola extract can be found at health food stores. Speak to your doctor before taking any supplements.
- Eat more lean protein
Your skin and blood vessels are made of protein – if there isn’t enough protein those tissues will suffer. “Most women simply do not eat enough protein to maintain optimum skin and blood vessel health,” explains Dr. Carina Norris. “The best sources of lean protein include chicken (without the skin), lean cuts of beef, pork and eggs. Vegans can opt for pulses such as lentils, peas, beans and chick peas”, she adds.
- Cut saturated fats
As well as putting a strain on vein and artery walls, leading to circulatory problems, saturated fat is very calorie-dense (or fattening). Eating too many calories leads to cells becoming bigger. Cell walls struggle to keep their shape and cellulite forms. “Grill or steam food instead of frying it, and increase your salmon consumption, it contains fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6 as these help reduce cells sticking together,” suggests Dr. Carina Norris.
- Use coffee as skin scrub
A build-up of toxins in the body can affect the dermis and contribute to cellulite formation, which is why drinking coffee is not advised if you’re trying to combat cellulite, but java does have its uses in the fight against dimply thighs. In a study by the University of Tennessee, researchers found that adding caffeine to anti-inflammatory creams significantly increased their effectiveness, so try using coffee as a skin scrub – Grab a handful of wet coffee granules to vigorously massage into dimpled skin twice a week.
