When you first start to notice those telltale dimples in the mirror it is generally the start of a life long quest to finding the fastest solution to lose cellulite. And all those infomercials and adverts in glossy magazines promising to reduce or eliminate cellulite effortlessly suddenly become fascinating and hopefully our salvation.
However, what most women don't know is that there are no shortcuts and no easy way to losing cellulite. Although there are environmental factors that effect the appearance of cellulite and it generally worsens with age, the cause appears to be genetic.
Cellulite is less about weight and more about how your body is made. Although it is generally true that if you are predisposed to cellulite, being overweight will make its appearance worse.
Everybody has a layer of fat under the skin (even skinny people, theirs is just a thinner layer than everyone else's is). The fat in this layer is arranged into compartments separated by fibrous strands of connective tissue. The way this is stored differs between men and women, which is why more women suffer with cellulite than men do.
The dimpled appearance of cellulite develops when excess fat cells, toxins and fluids accumulate in the compartments, causing them to swell. This in turn pushes on the connective tissue and leads to a stretching and hardening of the fibrous bands. This then pulls the skin down creating the dimples.
Doing regular aerobic exercise can help remove those excess fat cells, toxins and fluids and is also helpful in improving blood circulation around your body. This all works towards reducing the appearance of cellulite. Some of good exercises to target cellulite are brisk walking, jogging or swimming.
Trying to incorporate exercise into your day can be hard if its not something you're used to an easy way to start is by walking everywhere you can. When you walk, every part of your body is moving in rhythmic motion and your circulation improves. Try taking the bus to work instead of your car or park as far away as possible in the car park. Take the stairs not the elevator and pop out at lunchtime for a walk around the block.
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In conjunction with exercise there are another of other steps you can take to tackle unsightly cellulite.
1. Healthy diet.
A balanced diet can help you lose weight and reduce cellulite in the process. Avoid foods that are high in calories and fat as well as processed and fast foods and foods that contain additives. Instead replace with fresh fruits and vegetables and try to prepare your meals from scratch rather than relying on packaged, microwave meals.
Do away with junk and fast foods. Not only do they have lots of unwanted fats that your body does not need; they also lack the nutrients that can keep you healthy.
2. More water.
Water cleanses the body of toxins that you might have gotten from the foods that you eat. Drinking more glasses of water a day can be more helpful than you think as it allows your body to release stored fluids, as there is no longer any need to hang onto them. Another good thing about drinking lots of water is that it can make you feel full even if you haven't eaten.
3. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Alcohol is a toxin that impairs the functionality of your body. While its working hard to eliminate the alcohol it is taking energy away from processing extra toxins and fluids from your body. Alcohol can also slow down blood circulation and dehydrate the body.
Smoking is just as bad for cellulite as it is to the rest of your health. Smoking weakens connective tissues and so worsens the dimpling effect. It also adds to the toxins found in the body, which are then stored in the fat layers under the skin.
If you are serious about your pursuit to lose cellulite, it is time that you rethink your way of life and the foods that you are eating. The right combination of all the steps mentioned above is sure to keep you healthy and cellulite-free so make them a part of your day to day living.
