Cellulite and Diet

When the weather is warm, ladies can't wait to bare their legs again in shorts, skirts and bathing suits. Yet some dread the spring and summer seasons because of one reason: cellulite. When trying to remedy the problem, it is important to beware of cellulite scams, whether they be diets or beauty tricks.

Cellulite: What is it?

Cellulite is not a "thing" to get rid of. It's actually a bumpy appearance that results from the tissue and fat below the skin. The dermatology community calls it a type of "adipose tissue" that causes visual changes in the skin. First there is connective tissue that connects the muscles to skin. When the fat in this area grows thicker, a lumpy look happens between the muscle and skin. In areas that are popular for fat accumulation, like the thighs and butt, cellulite becomes the annoying ripple affect across the region. Cellulite can also be caused by fat cells within the skin, too.

Eat Cellulite Away

Despite what many Internet sites might say, cellulite cannot be removed with a magical diet. What can help though is losing weight. So a healthy diet with a reduced calorie intake is the first step to getting rid of cellulite. Load up on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken, low-fat dairy, fish and beans. Cut back on foods that are high in refined carbohydrates like sugar and starch. Make sure that you have a single serving of pasta, bread and rice, since extra carbs can easily result in weight gain. Pay attention to your daily calories to lose extra pounds. Also there is speculation that feeding the skin extra antioxidants can boost cell membrane strength, so add bright colored produce to every meal.

Target Areas Don't Work

Unfortunately with weight loss, we can't choose the area that loses the weight. The body will naturally take it from fatty areas but not necessarily exactly where cellulite may lurk. Focus on overall body conditioning to help tone up in all areas. Some extra strength training exercises in high-cellulite zones may help to tone up the underlying muscles and thus reduce the look of cellulite. On her website "Ask the Dietitian," dietitian Joanne Larsen answers nutrition questions from the public. When asked about reducing cellulite, Joanne confirms that exercise is more effective than diet to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Wash It Away?

Water can be helpful for reducing the appearance of cellulite, too. Helping the skin to stay hydrated can make it more supple and give it less of a stressed look. Try for at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day. Also avoid drinks that dehydrate the body more quickly like coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas or energy drinks and alcohol. While drinking water won't wash cellulite away, it can reduce its appearance in combination with weight loss and exercise.

Don't Get Duped

Most cellulite pitches are selling a bunch of empty promises. In a recent article in the "Journal of American Academy of Dermatology," doctors warn that "treatment remains elusive," and that, "various treatments currently available are only partially or temporarily effective." The underlying fat and muscle below the surface of cellulite can't be magically rubbed and melted off. Unfortunately genetics can play a big role in who's likely to have the extra dimples. The natural way that muscle and tissue lines up may make cellulite disdain a life-long annoyance. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle that keeps pounds in check, muscle tone firm and hydration high can at least reduce whatever cellulite that pops up.