Cellulite is a complicated “condition” to address – specifically because it is completely normal – especially for women.
Most of us know what cellulite looks like but are not clear as to exactly what it is. Cellulite is the term used to describe pockets of fat beneath the skin that push through the connective tissues surrounding them. Typically, these pockets of fat cause an uneven “dimpling” of the skin (the look we all know and “love”).
Unfortunately, cellulite is found in 90% of post-adolescent women, in the areas of the thighs, hips, booty, and belly.
Common factors causing cellulite formation include hormonal factors, genetic factors and dietary and lifestyle factors (the only ones we truly have direct control over). It is, however, a combination of all the above that create cellulite and the resulting dimpled appearance.
Read more about the hormonal and genetic factors that cause cellulite here (it is a very thorough explanation and worth the read if you want to dig into it a little deeper). The rest of this article will address what we can control – our dietary and lifestyle choices.
DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS
To combat the appearance of cellulite, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet goes without saying. Maintaining a consistent weight (within a reasonable range for your height and frame) is also important at minimizing the appearance of cellulite (drastic weight fluctuations destroy your metabolism and make the whole process of reducing cellulite that much harder). Specific recommendations include:
- Reduce processed and high-sugar foods that can lead to the accumulation of toxins and fat in the body
- Increase your fiber intake (again, helps eliminate toxins)
- Make sure to drink plenty of water – aim for 9 cups of water per day – to flush toxins and improve overall body function (I am making this one my priority)
- Reduce or eliminate dairy from your diet (easier said than done, I know) – but the reason goes back to those pesky hormonal factors. Read more here.
Strength and cardio exercise are equally important. If you don’t incorporate movement into your day – start. If you don’t exercise regularly – start. You don’t have to kill yourself – just taking a 30-60 minute daily walk is a great for overall well-being.
I want to make specific comments regarding strength training and its impact on controlling the appearance of cellulite. Once again, it goes back to the hormonal factors impacting the development of cellulite. Strength training elicits more testosterone production, so performing more weight type workouts, instead of focusing solely (or primarily) on cardio, could also be another way for women and in rarer cases men, to reverse the estrogen levels and thus the cellulite reaction in their bodies. Something to think about.
Being intentional about what you eat and drink and how you exercise your body goes a long way to minimize the appearance of cellulite. So will what you put on your skin. However, topical treatments are a hotly debated (and marketed) topic.
Please note that topical treatments will NOT ELIMINATE the appearance of cellulite. Targeted skin care ingredients, however, will help reduce its appearance as will massage (boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage). This is where Essentially Haitos and its Booty-ful Collection come in.
Our primary ingredients and their reasons for inclusion in the Booty-ful product line are described on the individual product pages – except for the Red Clover, Cocoa and Green Tea herbal blend. That needs a more detailed explanation and we supply it here (it’s a bit technical – but very thorough – and comes directly from the lab that produces the blend).
Conclusion
Cellulite is a fact of life for up to 90% of women. That certainly doesn’t mean we have to like it or accept it – but it does mean we have to take matters into our own hands if it bothers us enough.
- Eat a clean, healthy diet (as best as you can),
- Exercise regularly and incorporate strength training into your routine (which includes body-weight movements), and
- Use quality topical skin care products containing ingredients shown to reduce the appearance of the dreaded cellulite dimples – and take your time massaging them in.
Thanks for reading and Enjoy Your Day!
Karen
Founder, Essentially Haitos
