By Kim Pearson
Even the word ‘cellulite’ is enough to make many of us women shudder. There’s nothing attractive about dimply thighs and it can make us feel self conscious and reluctant to wear the clothes we want to, come the summer months. The good news is, you can get rid of it! With a few diet and lifestyle tweaks, you’ll soon be on your way to a smooth, summer ready body.
Reduce your ‘toxic load’
Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, preservatives, flavourings, colours and other additives contribute to the ‘toxic load’ placed on the body. If the liver is unable to process and eliminate them effectively the body will store these in the fat under the skin. This is one of the major contributors to cellulite and water retention. Switch to naturally decaffeinated or caffeine free drinks such as rooibos or herbal teas. Avoid processed, refined foods. Opt for fresh, natural, organic, ‘whole’ foods.
Eat plenty of veg
Vegetables are rich in fibre which binds to toxins and eliminates them from the body. Phytonutrients and antioxidants in vegetables support a strong, healthy skin structure, preventing the dimpling effect. ‘Five a day’ is a minimum recommendation- aim to eat a variety of different coloured, low glyceamic vegetables and fruits every day. Protein
Protein provides the building blocks for collagen and elastin which forms the skin structure. Aim to eat protein at each meal. Good sources of include organic meat/poultry, fish, organic eggs, beans and lentils, quorn, tofu and soya products and quinoa. Supplementing glucosamine also helps to support a healthy skin structure.
Switch to dairy free alternatives
By design, milk is used to grow and fatten a baby calf into a 1000+lb cow. Milk is not designed for human consumption. It contains many artificial and natural chemicals and hormones which can disrupt the body’s natural processes and contributes to cellulite. Use oat, rice or soya milk. Choose a natural fermented soya yoghurt like Sojasun. Cook with olive oil, rapeseed oil or coconut butter. Swap butter for ground almonds in cake recipes.
Water
You may have heard it many times before, but consuming 2litres of water a day is vital for reduction of body fat and cellulite. Fat is eliminated in the urine so being under hydrated can compromise the elimination of body fat. It’s a good idea to have a large glass of water half an hour prior to each meal. You can count herbal teas towards your intake too.
Skin Brushing
Using a natural fibre body brush, brush your skin in circular motions, towards your heart, focussing particular attention on those areas worst affected by cellulite. This helps to stimulate circulation which promotes the elimination of toxins and the breakdown of stubborn areas of fat.
Maintain an ideal weight
Keeping to a healthy weight is an essential factor in the elimination of cellulite. As well as following a healthy, low glyceamic diet, remember to use your FULLfast regularly in order to prevent craving and hunger pangs and help keep you on track with your weight loss goals.
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