8 Proven Ways to Fight Cellulite

 Many reports estimate that 90 per cent of women have had cellulite at some stage in their lives – perhaps not the most helpful statistic but something that suggests that we’re all in this together when it comes to those cottage cheese-esque areas we love to loath. The good news is, while our genetic make-up does influence the shape our bodies initially gravitate towards, with a nutritional shakeup and exercise it’s entirely possible to eliminate cellulite completely (no more excuses or epic fear, ladies!).The beauty and cosmetic industries may make trillions from a woman’s desire to reduce or improve those fatty problem areas, but the truth is, forget fad creams (some may work in the short term, but aren’t proven to have long-term, lasting effects) and thousands on surgery, tackling the issue of our body’s cellulite and fat stores is to simply understand how they work, and then manipulate our body’s accordingly. Remember that:CELLULITE = FATExcess OESTROGEN and TOXINS = stored in fat cells Okay, so the cellulite = fat equation is a no brainer but just to be clear, there’s also no hidden secrets to those bumpy bits, they’re just excess fat teamed with lack of muscle tone. For most though, the good news is it’s not entirely your fault – that chocky indulgence might not be entirely to blame. This fat or cellulite is a result of hormonal imbalance (you are probably too oestrogenic) and toxin build-up; and excess oestrogen and toxins are stored in fat cells.The key thing to know when you’re tackling The Big C is that you need to get your body into a fat fighting state.That means, regular exercise, a mix or cardio and strength, and major diet control to flush out that oestrogen. The best things you can do to target cellulite and become Jess Alba-hot immediately are: 1. Load up on green veggiesWhen I say load up I mean 4-5 serves per day, even at brekkie if you can! This will help to even out your hormone levels and flush those fat-grabbing oestrogens from your system. Essentially, things like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, chick peas, beans and lentils are phytoestrogens that mimic oestrogen and will prevent the stronger and ‘real’ hormones from attacking your body and making you put on weight. 2. Remove soy products from your dietSoy is asking for trouble if you're prone to cellulite. 3. Remove any packaged and processed products from your dietPlus don't drink from plastic bottles if you can help it and don't drink ANY soft drink or caffeine – also asking for trouble. 4. Water – drink loads!Most people is should drink between 2 to 4 litres per day, and more if you’re exercising! (remember you can drink too much water so don't go overboard) 5. Green teaDrink a LOT, as many cups as you can handle. 6. Exercise!You have to get some resistance work in there because muscle cells metabolise eight times faster than fat cells, therefore muscle burns more calories than fat.Make sure weights/circuit training and also some intense cardio are part of your exercise regime. It's also important to mix it up, so your fitness doesn't plateau; mix your routine up daily and you'll be on your way. 7. Include monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) at every meal!These foods include: olives, oils, seeds and nuts, avocados and dark chocolate. Livestrong reports that eating one form of MUFA in “small quantities at every meal can help you lose fat, especially around your belly.” If you need more evidence, The Journal for Diabetes says that an increase in MUFA to your diet can help in diabetes control but that “a diet containing MUFAs will prevent central body fat (that’s weight around your mid-region) distribution.” For a more comprehensive food chart, try this – look at just the good fats columns: 8. Eat plenty of oily fish and lean meatDon’t be scared to have red meat in your diet, and always remember this rule for most meals:½ plate veggies/salad + ¼ plate carbs + ¼ plate proteinThat way your body gets all the right nutrients and burns the right foods, so you don't end up burning muscle instead of fat.