When fibers that connect fat to the skin stretch, pull tight or break down, the fat can push through, which is how cellulite appears. Fad dieting, yo-yo dieting, dehydrating, hormones and muscle tone are all contributing factors to cellulite. To naturally get rid of cellulite, lower your overall body fat percentage and increase your muscle tone through a healthy diet and exercise. Diminish the appearance of cellulite and reduce your chances of getting it through strength training. Strength training helps maintain your lean muscle mass as you age and reduces the chance of increasing the size of your fat cells, according to IdeaFit.com.
Diet
Step 1
Drink nine cups of water daily, says the Mayo Clinic. Carry a water bottle with you daily and opt for water instead of high-calorie, sugary drinks. Avoid dehydration by drinking water before, during and after your workouts. Add flavor to your water by squeezing in fresh grapefruit, lemon, lime or orange.
Step 2
Eat five to six small meals a day to help rev up your metabolism, says Tosca Reno, author of "The Eat Clean Diet." Space your meals out every two to three hours, and keep your calorie count small, around 300 to 400 calories, depending on your current weight, weight goals and fitness level.
Step 3
Eat lean proteins throughout the day. Add lean proteins such as lean beef, chicken, fish, turkey and tofu to your meals. Avoid proteins that are high in saturated fats and calories. Eat a meal with a lean protein one to three hours after any strength-training workouts.
Extended Leg Scissors
Step 1
Lie supine on the floor with your hands behind your head and extending your legs straight. Keep your elbows out to the sides, and relax your shoulders and neck.
Step 2
Lift your feet about 10 to 12 inches off the floor. Raise them higher if this causes any stress in your lower back. At the same time, lift your shoulders off the floor by engaging your abdominal muscles.
Step 3
Swing your legs out to the sides, keeping your knees and toes pointing up toward the ceiling. Hold legs out to the sides for two to three counts.
Step 4
Pull both legs back to center while squeezing your inner thighs. Cross your right leg over your left, in a scissor fashion.
Step 5
Push your legs back out to the sides, keeping your abs tight, and hold for two to three seconds. Pull legs back in and scissor your left leg over your right. Repeat the entire sequence 10 to 12 times.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cellulite--Overview
- IdeaFit.com: No Quick Fix: Exercise, Diet Fight Cellulite
- Mayo Clinic: Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?
- "The Eat Clean Diet"; Tosca Reno; 2009
- Fitness Magazine: The Easy Way To Stop Cellulite; Intermediate: Long-Leg Scissor Crunch
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