Cellulite-Reducing Diet

Areas of skin with a dimpled or orange-peel appearance can plague the arms, thighs, hips, butt and abdomen of both men and women. Cellulite is caused by fat stored beneath the skin's surface that presses against fibrous chords that connect the muscles to the skin, which makes the skin appear bumpy or uneven. You can reduce cellulite by decreasing your overall body fat percentage; it is not possible to spot-reduce areas affected by cellulite. Making healthy adjustments to your eating habits can help you lose fat and banish cellulite from your body.

Balanced Diet

Following a healthy diet will help you lose fat and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Your fat loss diet should consist of a balance of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Consume proteins such as legumes, beef, fish, low-fat dairy and poultry. Include complex carbs such as brown rice, whole grain breads, high-fiber cereal, fruits and vegetables. Incorporate healthy fats into your diet, such as nuts, seeds and olive oil. Get 60 to 70 percent of your daily calories from complex carbohydrates, 10 to 20 percent from fats and 15 to 30 percent from proteins, according to the National Federation for Professional Trainers. Focus your diet on natural foods, which take longer to digest so you feel fuller while consuming fewer calories. Stay away from processed or manipulated foods that contain large amounts of chemical preservatives, sodium and fats.

Fats

Adjusting your fat intake can help you decrease your body fat percentage. A diet high in fat can contribute to weight gain and increase the appearance of cellulite. Try to avoid unhealthy saturated and trans fats, and include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats such as avocado and flaxseed oil in your diet. Fats supply the flavor and texture to provide a feeling of satisfaction needed to help you stick to your diet; use them as condiments instead of your main course, says Delia Hammock, a nutritional consultant in New York City, in an article for "SHAPE" magazine. Spread peanut butter on a sliced apple or add nuts to your dinner salad.

Whole Grains

Ditch refined-grain foods and switch to whole grains to aid in fat loss. Whole grain foods are high in fiber and digest slowly, which helps reduce your appetite and calorie consumption. Avoid foods made with refined grains, such as white breads, crackers, chips and desserts. Refined-grain foods digest quickly, so you feel hungry quickly, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Include a variety of whole grains in your eating plan, such as oatmeal, bran cereal, brown rice, quinoa, whole grain breads and whole wheat pasta.

Considerations

Include exercise in your fat loss program to complement your diet plan. Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis can help increase lean muscle and burn fat to give the body a tighter, more toned appearance. Consult your physician before initiating a new diet plan. Resist the urge to reduce your calorie consumption to the point of starvation to help improve your results. If you are unsure of a healthy calorie intake for your age and body type, consider enlisting the help of a dietitian.