Let’s talk a little about cellulite.
(Summer topic)
Almost everyone has it, and it can often times be difficult to get rid of. I’m here to help you eliminate your cellulite and keep it off!
To help combat cellulite, one must first understand what it is and where it comes from. Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. It predominantly occurs in women. Cellulite is normal and contrary to belief, has nothing to do with your size, weight, or whether or not you have excess fat. Little is known about what causes cellulite, however, it involves the fibrous connective cords that secure the skin to the underlying muscle, with the fat lying between. As fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin, while the long, tough cords pull down. This is what creates an uneven surface or dimpling.
Cellulite can occur in all ages and sizes, but usually makes its first appearance after puberty and can become more visible with aging skin as it loses its elasticity. Women with cellulite all share something in common as studies have shown that having cellulite can be an indicator of a weak lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is designed to clear out toxins, bacteria and fat, and drains out tissue waste elements. If the lymphatic system is not functioning at full steam, these things can become trapped underneath the surface of the skin causing the “orange peel” look. Cellulite can also become more visible in those who are less active, therefore having weak muscle tone. As you exercise, you build muscle and lose fat. As your muscle mass increases, your skin starts to tighten and tone, therefore causing the appearance of cellulite to diminish.
What are other ways to help decrease the look of cellulite you ask? Try these other easy, do it yourself lifestyle tips.
- In with the old, out with the new. Kick your canola oil out to the curb and replace it with unrefined coconut oil! That’s right, Coconut oil breaks down the fat cells that help make up cellulite. You can throw a tablespoon of coconut oil into your smoothie, replace coconut oil in your favorite baked sweets and for a little R & R? Pour one tablespoon of coconut oil in with your favorite bath product, soak and relax. Coconut oil is one of the greatest things you can consume to eliminate the buildup of fat cells in your body. With just this one simple change, you’re on your way to saying goodbye to cellulite.
- Christmas year ‘round. Head to your local health food store and pick up some fresh cranberries! Make your own cranberry juice or purchase organic unsweetened cranberry juice. Consuming 8-12 ounces of cranberries per day will help improve the connective tissues which, in turn, keeps your lymphatic system working at its best. In order to help prevent cellulite, you need to have a strong and functioning lymphatic system to rid your body of the unwanted waste. Just remember, only 8-12 ounces of cranberries per day and make sure you keep up with your water intake. Two liters of water per day is crucial to staying hydrated and flushing your body of toxins.
- Go ahead and break a little sweat! Being and staying active will not only help reduce the appearance of cellulite but will also increase the health of your lymphatic system. Jogging, walking, weightlifting, yoga, and high-intensity workout can aid in the natural process of ridding your body of cellulite. Find what works for you and your schedule and make it a daily habit. Don’t be afraid to switch it up either! Trying new things keeps you motivated and excited to stay active.
You don’t need to be a bodybuilder with negative five percent body fat or have special genes to be free of cellulite. All you need is a little exercise, some nutritional motivation, and the commitment to yourself. There are many other ways to help reduce the appearance of cellulite or get rid of it altogether, the key here is to find what works for you and the lifestyle you want to have. Slow and steady, with commitment and discipline, you will find that the reduction of cellulite is only one of the many benefits that can come along with leading a healthy lifestyle.
Additional Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulite/symptoms-causes/syc-20354945
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661147/