How to reduce cellulite

Cellulite is often a sign that you need to detoxify your liver and lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of your circulatory system which is responsible for removing wastes, toxins and all unwanted material out of the cells and tissues so that they can be flushed out of the body. Lymph moves within capillaries that are very closely located to the surface of the skin. When lymph is unable to flow freely, wastes accumulate, often appearing as cellulite.

The most important element in keeping the lymphatic system moving wastes efficiently, is regular movement through exercise. So if you don’t exercise, your lymph won’t move and this is when cellulite makes its appearance as the lymph becomes sluggish causing fats cells to swell. The only effective way of getting rid of cellulite is by improving circulation through exercise and good nutrition.

Fat loss

One of the best ways of eliminating excess fat and cellulite, is shifting the body from burning glucose (sugar) to burning fat as its primary fuel. A diet high in carbohydrates such as sugar and starch stimulate insulin which is known as the fat-storage hormone. In fact, most unwanted body fat is made from dietary sugar and starch. Another hormone called glucagon is required to mobilise fat stores in the body to be burned for energy. Glucagon does not operate in the presence of insulin and therefore body fat cannot be burned when insulin is present. There is a misconception that being fat comes from eating fat, when in fact being fat comes from an inability to burn fat, which is a direct consequence of relying on sugar as a primary fuel source.

Nutrition

You can easily eat as much as you need to satisfy your appetite while losing weight by simply replacing excess sugar and refined grains with beneficial dietary fats. Not all fats are good for you and the best sources are found in coconut oil, organic grass-pastured meats, wild caught seafood, eggs, dairy, avocados, olives, and nuts and seeds. Fats are very important in your diet as they supply you with energy and essential omega-3. They also help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Trans and hydrogenated fats found in margarine and certain refined vegetable oils should be completely avoided as they are a great burden on the body.

Other additions

• It is also important to be aware that some people may be intolerant to certain foods and food sensitivity testing may be a useful tool in weight management.  

• Sufficient hydration through good quality drinking water also helps to flush out toxins.  

• Refined salt should be minimised as it can contribute to weight gain and cellulite by encouraging water retention. Choose celtic or himalayan salt instead which contain beneficial trace elements that are often lacking from the soils our food is grown in.

• Incorporate dry skin brushing, massage and alternating hot and cold showers as often as possible as it improves circulation and accelerates detoxification, boosting your body’s fat burning capacity.

Choosing the right types of food and exercise may help reduce or even eliminate fat and cellulite over time. With a little thoughtful planning it is very easy to lose excess weight and to permanently keep the weight off.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Nutritionist Resource are reviewed by our editorial team.

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London, SW10
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Written by Lelani Loubser, ND NT Herb Dip mBANT
London, SW10

Lelani is a highly qualified and experienced healthcare professional, specialising in various fields including Nutritional Therapy, Herbalism, Naturopathy, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). She obtained her training from the College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Centre for Nutrition Educati...

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