You probably clicked on this post because you want tips on how to get rid of cellulite. We are very aware of how society teaches us from an early age to “hate” certain things about ourselves. This is a problem that almost all of us struggle with in one way or another.
That’s why we want to tell you this: first and foremost, your body is not your enemy. A lot of people look in the mirror and see their flaws first. Sure, there’s always room for improvement. But just because your butt might not look as perky as you’d like or your thighs touch when you walk or run, doesn’t mean you need to punish yourself for it. There are healthy, sustainable changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle that will be reflected in how you look and feel.
Algae body wraps, anti-cellulite oil, or a 10-day serum… Let’s be honest: all those high-priced magic cures that are supposed to get you rid of cellulite overnight just don’t work. The most effective remedy to ease your worries about how you look in running tights is to just start loving your body for the amazing things it is capable of. If you’re not quite there yet, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
The good news: There are ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Nutrition, foam rolling and your fitness motivation are the keys to toned legs and a firm butt.
What is cellulite?
First of all, cellulite is not a disease. This term describes the fat tissue under your skin which usually is present your in thighs and butt. Women are affected by cellulite more than men, because the distribution of fat, muscle, and connective tissue is different. Fat cells and collagen fibers are intertwined in a net-like structure in a man’s subcutaneous tissue. Those fibers are parallel in women, making the tissue less stable. Therefore, fat cells can emerge at the surface by passing in between the collagen fibers. However, men can also show signs of cellulite when suffering from a lack of androgens, the male sex hormones.
Reasons for cellulite
There are a few reasons why some are more likely to be affected by weak connective tissue than others:
- Genetic predisposition: Like many things – some of which we love, some less so, those lumps under your skin are hereditary. If your mom is struggling with weak connective tissue, you’re more likely to develop cellulite, too.
- Hormones: You feel particularly uncomfortable in your skin right before your period? This s might be due to changes in your hormone balance. Plus, did you know that also birth control pills can promote cellulite on the thighs and butt?
- Unhealthy lifestyle: Alcohol, cigarettes, or stress all have negative effects on your body. Unhealthy food choices contribute to cellulite too, as excess body fat is often deposited in areas like your thighs.
Nutrition tips to get rid of cellulite
A healthy, balanced diet is not just a great way to shed a few pounds – it also gives you more energy to do what you love, which benefits your mind and body. Enlarged fat cells restrict your blood vessels. As a consequence, the blood flow in your whole body is hampered, your metabolism slows down, and lymph drainage is impaired. This, in turn, makes your skin less elastic and cellulite more visible. So, what do we do? Boost your metabolism! Say no to fast food, as well as fatty foods, alcohol, and sugar.
4 diet tips to get rid of cellulite:
- Lots of liquids: Drink enough fluids like water or unsweetened tea (try green tea or nettle tea) during the day. This helps your body transport vital nutrients to its cells and eliminate waste products.
- Low-sodium nutrition: Did you know that foods rich in salt lead to fluid retention in body tissue? This contributes to the appearance of cellulite..
- Foods rich in potassium: Go for foods like apricots, bananas, potatoes, ginger and artichokes. They have one thing in common: they contain lots of potassium. This important mineral helps with oxygen and nutrient transport to your cells. Moreover, potassium also promotes the excretion of waste products from your body while cells are repaired and renewed. Also nuts with a high vitamin E content are great for your skin. But, keep in mind that nuts contain lots of fats. A handful a day is enough.
- Vitamin C: Bell peppers and kiwis are both rich in vitamin C, which fosters collagen production in your body. And collagen is responsible for smooth and even skin.
A general rule to follow:
Avoid crash diets! The quick weight loss (and gain) can encourage cellulite. Plus, you also lose muscle with crash diets, and muscle is what firms up your body tissue.
If you’re looking for nutrition tips, check out our blog posts on reasons to quit sugar, healthy foods that cleanse the body or the difference between good and bad calories!
Exercise tips for a toned body
Now that we’ve talked about how to fuel your body in a way that makes you feel amazing, it’s time to get active. Literally. If you really want to lose weight and/or tone your body, as well as get rid of cellulite, you need to get moving. Strengthen your butt and thigh muscles to shrink fat cells in these areas and to tighten your connective tissue.
Squats, lunges, or a HIIT workout – all strengthen your legs and basically the entire body. Plus, those exercises will boost your metabolism. Bodyweight Training is also very effective if you’re looking to work several muscle groups at the same time. If your priority is burning calories, try Tabata training, interval runs, hill workouts, or skipping rope! Or just pick one of these 4 amazing fat burning workouts.
Glutes Workout for a Toned Butt and Legs
Check out this great 15-minute home workout with leg and butt exercises:
And here’s one last tip:
Have you ever heard of fascia training or foam rolling? Fascia is the connective tissue that stabilizes and separates muscles. After an intense workout or tons of squats, your muscles need time for recovery. Try foam rolling to support the process.
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