One of the many questions I get asked by women is how to get rid of cellulite?? Cellulite sucks because, well, if your mom has it, chances are you do too since it's genetic. Matter fact 90 percent of women have cellulite, so you're not alone!! So what causes cellulite? Dimpled skin is the result of fat pressed up against the vertical connective tissue that surrounds fat cells in our thighs, for example. This creates a bulging of the cells, resulting in a lumpy effect (picture your skin pushing through fishnet stockings).
A ton of different things can add to the risk of getting cellulite.
Being a female:: yes we carry weight in our butt, thighs, and hips where more commonly cellulite is found.
Eating unhealthy processed foods
Aging:: Our skin loses elasticity with age
Smoking:: Cellulite is more prevalent in smokers. Why? Cigarette smoke reduces blood vessel flow, weakens and disrupts the formation of collagen, which allows for the connective tissue to become stretched and damaged. This makes it easier for the fat to show through. Just another reason to quit smoking if you haven’t already!
Genetics
But even if it runs in your family, there are ways to minimize its appearance...
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays an important role in keeping the signs of cellulite at bay, and moderation is key, For example, eating food that's high in salt will cause your fat cells to swell, making your cellulite more pronounced. Watch your sodium intake while eating plenty of fiber and whole grain foods (such as bran and oat cereals), since they help to remove waste and toxins from the intestinal tract, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Consuming gelatin is said to be beneficial for hair, skin and nails. It is good for the joints and helps to keep skin tight.
It can also help with digestion, is a great source of dietary collagen (collagen is too large for the skin to absorb), and is composed of amino acids glycine and proline, which are needed for keeping the immune system strong as well as weight regulation. It’s an all around great thing to add to your diet even if you don’t have cellulite!
Massages
Regular body massages help to aid circulation and break down fat which removes toxins and other waste from the body. Some massage parlors have specific cellulite reduction massage techniques that are a bit more vigorous (and expensive) than just normal massage.
Drink plenty of water
You want to stay adequately hydrated because in a dehydrated state, cellulite can look worse. Water will also flush out waste products from cells as well as remove anything that may be preventing the burning of fat tissue that comprises cellulite.
Stretch
Exercise regularly
Since cellulite is fat, excess weight can contribute to it. That's why it's important to engage in physical exercise like walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, etc., several times a week.
Add Weights!
Weight training, which incorporates free weights, weight machines and resistance bands, builds muscle. Gaining more muscle boosts your metabolic rate. A faster metabolism causes your body to burn more calories, tapping into its supply of stored fat. Because cellulite is trapped within connective tissue, resistance training can remodel the tissue and smooth the appearance of cellulite. Losing weight may also relieve the pressure between the upper layer of fat and the connective tissue, thereby reducing cellulite.
All of these things may not get rid of cellulite fully, but it will definitely help prevent and reduce the appearance tremendously!!
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