If you have cellulite, you’ve more than likely wondered how to get rid of it. While there are lots of articles about what causes it and how to treat it with products or surgery, not many people consider the benefits of an improved diet to get rid of cellulite.
First off, cellulite is harmless, natural fat beneath the skin. Anyone can have it, although it occurs more often on women than men. Additionally, if you have cellulite it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are overweight as slender people can have it, too.
By combining a fitness routine with a healthy diet you can reduce the impact and appearance of cellulite. Including more of the following foods in your meal plan provides an additional boost in preventing and decreasing your cellulite.
Get Rid of Cellulite: Top 4 Foods
- Seeds (Flax & Sunflower)
- Lean protein
- Chili peppers
- Cocoa
Flaxseed and Sunflower Seeds
These two seeds are a great starting point. Flaxseed contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. These can help strengthen skin and make cellulite less visible.
Sunflower seeds have vitamin B6 which is helpful for processing proteins that fix connective tissues. Plus, they are high in vitamin E, potassium and zinc.
Lean Protein
As connective tissue in the skin breaks down, cellulite can develop. Collagen, a term used for the connective tissue, is a type of protein. Eating lean protein sources can aid in strengthening collagen tissue.
Lean turkey, skinless chicken breast and salmon are all excellent choices since they also help balance insulin levels. Studies show that protein increases satiety by slowing down digestion which also balances sugar levels by slowing insulin excretion. By managing insulin levels, you reduce one of cellulite’s contributing factors.
Salmon is especially loaded with cellulite-fighting antioxidants. Like flaxseeds, salmon has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent for reducing inflammation and appetite, but also help repair collagen.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers have two big cellulite-fighters: capsaicin and vitamin B6. Similar to sunflower seeds, B6 helps restore and strengthen collagen.
New studies on the relationship between metabolism and capsaicin suggest that your body gets a significant metabolic boost for up to 3 hours after eating it. Thus, by eating more capsaicin you have help with fat loss as the body burns off calories more efficiently.
Cocoa
Cocoa is full of antioxidants. Similar to other antioxidant-rich foods on this list, cocoa helps to deconstruct fat while giving skin cell formation and function a boost. Also, cocoa contains some caffeine which helps dehydrate fat cells. Result? A smoother, more even skin appearance.
If cellulite has you frustrated, try improving your diet! Adding these nutritious foods will not only reduce the development and appearance of cellulite, they’re also inexpensive – especially when compared to other cellulite treatments!
Photo Credit: “Dimpled appearance of cellulite” by tata_aka_T from Tokyo, Japan.
