What Do I Need To Eat To Reduce Cellulite?

When swimsuit season arrives, many people become self-conscious about visible cellulite on their thighs, legs, midsections or arms. It may be impossible to eliminate it entirely without a procedure like liposuction, but if you want to reduce it naturally, you may be able to make subtle changes by lowering your amount of body fat overall.

Definition of Cellulite

Cellulite is body fat. In some ares of the body, when body fat begins to accumulate, it gets trapped between strings of collagen just beneath the skin, creating a lumpy appearance. It is not a different substance from smooth, jiggly fat on other parts of your body and, therefore, cannot be eliminated by eating certain foods, taking supplements or applying creams.

What You Can't Help

The University of Maryland Medical Center says that genetics play a role in cellulite development and some people are predisposed for having it. If you inherited cellulite, it will be more prevalent if you are overweight, but you may find it on your body even if you are thin. Pregnancy, aging and hormone imbalances can also weaken collagen and cause an increase in cellulite.

What to Eat

Rutgers University recommends following a well-balanced diet to reduce your overall body fat. Avoid salty foods that can cause water retention and accentuate the appearance of cellulite. To help your body flush out excess stores of water, eat fruit and vegetables with fiber and a high water content, like tomatoes, watermelon, pears, squash and mango. The U.S. National Library of Medicine cites a study that found a correlation between calcium intake and smaller waist circumferences. Because people who consume adequate amounts of calcium tend to have lower body fat levels, add some yogurt to your diet or sprinkle dried milk onto your cereal in the morning to increase your intake of calcium.

Drink Water

To avoid consuming empty calories from your beverages, reduce the amount of sodas and sugary juices that you drink and replace them with water. The Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Source says that water is the best choice to quench your thirst. It has no calories, artificial flavors or colors, and keeping your body hydrated is an important part of staying healthy.

What to Avoid

Choose whole-grain breads and pasta to increase your intake of fiber. Opt for lower fat products like skim milk rather than whole milk or coffee creamer. If you can reduce the amount of fat in your diet, you will decrease your daily caloric intake and your body will burn fat more quickly. In addition, avoid foods with a high sodium content and keep your intake of caffeine and other diuretics to a minimum.