4 Ways To Banish Cellulite

Think you can’t get rid of cellulite? THINK AGAIN! Living with those lumpy bumps can be a real drain on your confidence, and keep you from enjoying activities you love.

In fact, top Beverly Hills Dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein says that nearly 85% of all women have cellulite. No wonder women across the country are spending millions of dollars on anti-cellulite creams that claim to diminish the dimples!

If you are struggling with unwanted orange peel bumps on your thighs or buns, here are 4 surprising ways to banish cellulite.

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s not just about having sleeker-looking legs, but about having increased energy and vitality as well as a decreased risk for back paint and joint issues.

It’s important to first understand that cellulite is not a medical condition. It’s is nothing more than fat lying directly beneath the skin. What happens is there’s only so much room for these fat cells and they get pushed up toward the skin. This action puts pressure on the surrounding fascia.

Fascia is a web of connective tissue surrounding muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Think of it like the netting of a tennis racket with the strings representing the fascia. Over time, though, those strings or tissues lose their collagen and elasticity or too much fat develops and the fat gets pushed through the netting. That’s what gives a dimpled appearance, or what we call cellulite.

The good news is that there are four key ways to effectively minimize cellulite for the long-term:

1. Increase circulation

Sitting is the new smoking! It’s not enough to work out for 30 minutes at a time, you need to keep blood flowing to the lower body throughout the day. If your job demands you sit at a desk, get up to walk around every 20 minutes to increase you circulation.

Also, If you have time and money, get a massage to restore the fluid state of your connected tissue. In between massages, use a foam roller to help support the tissue on a daily basis.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

The more weight you carry, the more fat cells push through the fascia. Losing weight can result in a noticeable reduction of cellulite. To get an accurate predictor of a healthy weight, start by measuring your waistline with this 10-second string trick…Cut a string to the length of your height, and then fold it in half and wrap it around your waist. If the ends of the string overlap, then your waist is less than half of your height…right where you want to be! If the string is snug, you’re not alone. In fact, two-thirds of all women are affected by abdominal obesity. If you’re a woman, you fall in this category if you have a waistline of more than 35 inches. For men, abdominal obesity is defined as a waistline of more than 40 inches.

And then, start moving! I can’t stress enough the importance of getting 150 minutes of exercise each week. Research shows that less than 30 minutes of high intensity interval training (HIIT) three times a week is just as effective as moderately exercising for 40 minutes or longer four or five days a week.

3. Eat high-fiber and diuretic foods

When the body holds onto extra fluids, it adds more pressure to the fascia. If you’re feeling like your cellulite is more noticeable or you’re getting ready to wear something that shows a little skin and you want to minimize dimpling, then fill your plate with foods high in fiber or natural diuretics, such as: asparagus, steel-cut oats and artichokes. Also, green tea is one of my all-time favorite beverages, can give relief from bloating.

4. Stay hydrated

Not enough fluids or dehydration also contribute to cellulite.  Most studies show that about 2/3 of us are dehydrated and need to drink more water…so stay hydrated throughout the day! I aim to drink a gallon of water a day (yes…a gallon!). Although this may be a hefty goal for you, aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

To achieve this goal, set an alarm on your phone every hour on the hour from 8 am to 5 pm. When the alarm goes off, it’s time to get up, get your blood circulating, and drink a glass of water.

Remember, while you may not erase cellulite completely, being active and eating healthy is the best way to control it.