If you were to ask women what they’d most like to change about their bodies, a majority of them would probably answer, “cellulite.” That’s because cellulite, the dimpled fat that some refer to as “cottage cheese,” is extremely prevalent, even among very slim women.How prevalent? Statistics show that up to 90% of women have it. Even glamourous celebrities are not immune—and the paparazzi photos are everywhere to prove it. It’s hard not to think about cellulite when it seems everyone, everywhere is talking about it!
But, don’t lose hope. There are some simple things you can do to reduce your chances of developing cellulite and to improve the look of any you currently have.
Exercise can improve the appearance of cellulite, by strengthening the muscle that lies beneath the fat and helping to smooth and tone the skin’s appearance. Some swear by dry brushing, the use of a natural bristle brush on dry skin to exfoliate and increase circulation to the skin. Staying hydrated is also important, as it keeps your skin looking youthful and “plumped.”
Success will vary, and all or some of these methods may be helpful to you. However, short of a cosmetic surgery procedure, a healthy diet may be your best weapon in the fight against cellulite.
Keep reading to discover healthy diet tips to help you battle cellulite.
1. Reduce your sugar consumption. This may be the most important thing you can do for a healthful diet, period. There has been a lot in the media recently about the toxic damage caused by excessive sugar consumption. It causes inflammation in the body, which damages your internal organs. Excessive sugar intake also ages and damages your skin. Additionally, sugar is typically stored as fat instead of used as fuel and contributes to liver disease.
2. Swap soda for green tea. Soda is loaded with sugar and extra calories (or, if diet soda, with artificial sweeteners) and has zero nutritional value. Instead of sipping on soda, try a cup of green tea for the anti-oxidative and diuretic effects. Green tea also contains a compound that is instrumental in releasing stored fat.
3. Increase your intake of foods high in alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid is a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that flushes toxins from the body, which can improve the look of cellulite. To maximize your intake, stock up on spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, sprouts, carrots, and broccoli.
4. Add more avocados and asparagus. Luckily, these two foods are naturally delicious and an incentive in themselves to eat more! But avocados are also high in essential fatty acids, which contribute to skin’s strength and elasticity. And asparagus has anti-inflammatory properties that boost circulation and help to shed bloat.
5. Serve some fruit salad. Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are rich in antioxidants. Bananas are loaded with potassium, which improves circulation and helps to flush toxins. Oranges and other citrus fruits with high levels of Vitamin C strengthen connective tissue, including collagen and elastin, which can in turn, improve the look of cellulite.
Eating healthy has countless health benefits, over and above improving the appearance of cellulite, so your overall health will benefit if you follow these healthy tips. But if you feel you need more results than nutrition and exercise can accomplish, call Southern Surgical Arts at 423-266-3331 for a complimentary consultation. Our board-certified, award-winning cosmetic surgeons offer cutting-edge treatments that dramatically improve the look of cellulite and have minimal to no downtime.
