Foods That Stop Cellulite
Unfortunately, you cannot get rid of cellulite by losing weight, however you can help by simply changing the 
food you eat. Cellulite can be bane of our lives and can hold us back, making us feel uncomfortable with the way we look.
Cellulite is the dimpled effect which usually occurs on the skin around fatty areas on the body such as the thighs, hips and bum. Cellulite is caused by large fatty deposits sitting directly under the surface of the skin. However, fat is not the only thing that can cause cellulite as even thin and petite women can suffer from this annoying problem. Cellulite is caused by weaknesses in the connective tissue sitting below the skin. The fat, puts pressure on these weaknesses and therefore protrudes and creates a dimpled effect, which looks very much like orange peel.
What Can Cause Cellulite?
YOYO Dieting
YOYO dieting can cause cellulite, as dramatic weight loss and weight gain can reduce the elasticity within the connective tissue and can increase the appearance of cellulite.
Elasticity of the Skin
As we get older, the firm and tight skin that we once had, is no longer. This is caused by the loss of elasticity. The hormone changes within our body causes the connective tissue to become stiffer with less stretchy, causing the fat beneath the connective tissues to bulge through, making the appearance of cellulite to become more pronounced.
Family Genetics
Unfortunately, cellulite can occur due to your genetic build up. There is very little you can do about it, if this this the case.
Can you Prevent Cellulite?
Well, once you have cellulite, you cannot get rid of it, however there are many ways to avoid getting cellulite and this is down to a healthy diet and exercise. Of course, you never know what will happen in the future however, remaining hydrated is essential and avoiding food and drink that cause water retention such as alcohol, caffeine and salt. A healthy and low fat diet will help to reduce the layer of fat under the connective tissue, which helps to lessen the appearance of cellulite. In addition, a healthy diet can help to keep your skin and connective tissue healthy and elastic. Smoking is also another habit that can reduce elasticity in the skin, so make sure to avoid smoking if you would like to avoid cellulite.
Exercise can be extremely useful in the fight against cellulite. Exercise not only reduces the amount of fat in your body, tightens up your muscles, increases blood flow and also tones the muscles underneath the connective tissue which means that it reduces the likelihood of cellulite appearing.
Top 10 Foods That Help You Reduce Cellulite?
Water
Water is most certainly the best and most effective way of reducing cellulite. Having a well hydrated body and skin, reduces the appearance of cellulite. When your skin cells become dehydrated the fat deposits sitting directly under the skin become more prominent. Eating fruit and vegetables which have a high water content, throughout the day is another great way to keep your hydration levels high within your body. Cucumber, grapes, tomatoes and melon are all high in moisture and contain other nutrients that are great in maintaining a healthy body.
Unsaturated Fats
I know any food which is clubbed together in a group called ‘fats’ is quite a scaring concept, however there is a huge difference between ‘healthy fats’ and ‘unhealthy fats’. Unsaturated fats are ‘healthy fats’ these include; nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil and fish oils. Unsaturated fats have been scientifically proven to be extremely beneficial to the health of your skin. Having healthy skin is essential in the prevention and reduction of cellulite.
Fruit
Fruits not only provide a great source of vitamins and minerals, they also provide a huge amount o
f fibre. Remember, that fruit can contain a lot of sugar, so always consume them in moderation. Fruit that is high in potassium has been scientifically proven to help reduce cellulite, these include bananas, kiwi and papaya. Potassium decreases the amount of water retention within the body and additionally increases the drainage of toxins, which has been known to improve the appearance of cellulite.
Berries are also very beneficial to the reduction of cellulite, this is due to their high antioxidant levels. Cranberries, blueberries and raspberries are all a great addition to a standard breakfast or as a snack throughout the day and have all been known to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Lean Protein
Eating a diet which is high in lean proteins can not only be great for the production of muscle within the body, it is also essential in helping cell renewal. One of the reasons why cellulite develops is due to the breakdown in the connective tissue under the skin, this is known as collagen. Collagen itself is a type of protein, this is why a high protein diet can help to strengthen the collagen fibres and decrease the amount of cellulite on your problem areas. Eating low fat, lean proteins such as red meat, chicken, white fish, beans and quinoa have all been known to boost your levels of protein which help to fix the broken collagen structures under your skin which cause cellulite.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6 have been proven to help heal the skin and therefore lower the appearance of cellulite. Foods rich is omega 3 and 6 include; sardines, salmon, olive oils, canola, sunflower oil, almonds and walnuts.
Vegetables
Asparagus and peas are both high in folic acid which has been known to aid the battle of cellulite. Folic acid has been seen to help reduce mood swings and in turn, decrease stress level. When you have high levels of stress your body releases chemicals when have been proven to be associated with the production of cellulite.
Wholegrains
Wholegrain foods offer valuable minerals, vitamins and fibre to your diet. If you are looking to lose weight these are perfect for filling you up and maintaining a balanced diet. The seeds used in wholegrain products offer a variety of benefits due to their healthy fat content, this is great for skin renewal and regrowth as well as helping your skin to remain healthy. Wholegrains such as; brown rice, brown pasta, brown bread, cereals and quinoa are a great substitute for unhealthy processed carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta.
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Studies have shown that vitamin c has great healing properties as well as boosting collagen levels. The connective tissue, situated under your skin loses its collagen levels as we age. By taking vitamin c, you are putting back the collagen that has been lost over time and strengthening those tissues which can reduce cellulite and even prevent it. Foods which are high in vitamin c include; citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons as well as berries and pineapple.
Plant Based Proteins
There are a number of plant based proteins that you can eat in order to prevent or reduce your cellulite. The high protein grains help to strengthen and rebuild your muscles as well as turn your fat into muscle. These plant based proteins include; quinoa, peas, legumes, beans and bulgur wheat.
Leafy Green Veg
Eating leafy greens such as; spring greens, kale and spinach are rich in antioxidants and have the pow
er to keep the skin healthy and hydrated. When your skin is healthy and hydrated, it tends to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Not only do leafy greens help to keep your skin hydrated, they additionally have the ability to help the connective tissue to retain its elasticity. By retaining its elasticity, this prevents the fat underneath, from protruding out, which is cellulite.
So there you have it, 10 top foods for helping reduce and even prevent the development of cellulite. Remember ladies, starting early is the best way to go and prevention is always the better option as you can never get rid of cellulite completely, once you have it.
