5 Ways to Get Rid Of Cellulite By Spring
So… spring’s fast approaching and at Bondi BUF we’ve been doing a little research on everyone’s favourite warm weather pest, cellulite! Read on to find out the new things we’ve learnt about cellulite this week and what you can do to rid yourself of those not-so-happy dimples by the time spring is in full bloom (only 3 weeks to go now!).
You may have cellulite because…
The connective tissue just beneath your skin is damaged, has become irregular, or has lost elasticity and is no longer returning to its original shape after being stretched. Kind of like that old swimsuit from five years ago that’s become over-stretched and out of shape!The layer of fat beneath your skin is intruding into the dermis itself, causing lumpiness.Your body is too toxic and is therefore storing a lot of unwanted toxins in your fat cells, causing damage and ‘leaky cells’. The leaky fluid from your cells is seeping into your surrounding tissue and making your skin appear uneven.
To get rid of your cellulite by spring, try…
1. Feed your body with nutrients that will repair tissues and cells.
The most important ones are Omega-3’s (a good fish oil supplement is crucial, also get these from flaxseeds, oily fish, some nuts and dark green veggies), Lecithin (get this from egg yolk, liver, nuts, unprocessed soy products like tempeh, corn or lecithin granules) and supplements that boost collagen and elastin production, such as glucosamine, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C.
2. Improve your circulation.
Do this by exercising for at least 15 minutes per day and making sure you get in at least 2-3 longer/sweatier sessions each week (yep this is a MUST for ridding yourself of cellulite – if you need proof just check out the legs and butts of any of the Olympians on TV at the moment… see any cellulite? Nope!). Also try a few other methods for circulation boosting in order to fast-track your progress, such as self-massaging problem areas, dry-skin brushing, alternating between cold and hot water in the shower, or getting a lymphatic massage from a qualified therapist.
3. Avoid dairy products altogether for 8-10 weeks.
This is because dairy is mucus forming and can make your lymphatic fluid thicker, making your body’s drainage system sluggish and unable to remove toxins and waste fast enough, meaning more cellular toxins for you and more cellulite on your butt! Cutting out dairy, or sticking to just a small amount of plain/organic yoghurt or kefir each week can be the quickest way to say goodbye to those unfriendly dimples! Try avoiding dairy for at least a few months and see if it makes a difference.
4. Avoid eating excess sugar, refined carbs and packaged foods.
Your body has to use up too much vitamin C, magnesium and other essential nutrients to rid the body of the excess acid and sugar, causing weaker cell walls and more toxic build-up. This contributes to cell damage and can decrease circulation to cellulite-prone areas – it can also increase your risk of varicose veins, so stay away from the white stuff! As a general guide, try to avoid foods with more than 5g of sugar per 100g - anything over 10g is getting too high. One thing that really worked for me was going without any sugar (e.g. no chocolate or even honey) for 2 weeks which reset my taste buds. After that I found I didn't want the extra sweetness, some things I loved before actually tasted way too sweet (e.g. milk chocolate).
5. Look after your digestive health.
Constipation allows toxins from your digestive tract to be reabsorbed by your body. Take a probiotic, drink plenty of water and consume enough fibre to keep you regular! Good sources of fibre include vegetables, fruit (whole fruit, not juice) and psyllium husk - generally try to include foods with at least 3g of fibre per serve. Lastly, if you know deep down that the reason your thighs are a little less than smooth is your yearly winter weight gain (oops), take action now! Join a local exercise group, clean up your diet by choosing whole foods and do as much incidental exercise as you can (take the stairs instead of the lift, walk to work, stretch in your lunch break, etc). See you and your smoooooth thighs and butt on the beach in a few months time!