cellulite
There’s nothing us ladies hate more than the dreaded orange peel. But according to weight loss specialists Femme Slender, there are a number of ways we can banish cellulite for good.
First of all, what is cellulite and why do we get it? It is the term used to refer to the fatty deposits that cause a dimpled or uneven appearance of the skin, with problem areas being the thighs and buttocks.
People often mistake cellulite for fat but fat is an insulator for the body and cushions the organs, muscles and nerves and is smooth in appearance.
There are many believed reasons as to why people get cellulite; it is most common in post-pubescent females since it is thought the increased oestrogen initiates and aggravates the cellulite. However studies show it could be due to the nature of women’s connective tissue, called septa, that holds fat cells in place.
The tissue in women is very inflexible, so as weight is gained the fat cells expand and bulge upwards towards the skin therefore giving the bumpy appearance.
So just how can we banish this unsightly problem? This probably won’t come as much of a shock to you but you should start with eating fresh fruit and vegetables such as blueberries, cherries, citrus, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes and peas.
These all contain antioxidants that help increase the flexibility of the septa, and an elastic septa ensures that the cellulite stays beneath the surface.
Also try to incorporate a good multi-vitamin into your diet since these contain essential vitamins and minerals to help with normal cell function. Another way of creating a more elastic septa is by avoiding tobacco, caffeine, preservatives and spicy foods in our diets.
Evidently regular exercise will also help to burn fat and increase muscle tone, both of which will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Exercise helps to remove toxins that cause cellulite in the first place, bringing ‘new’ nutrient rich blood to the skin.
When stressed your body releases an adrenalin hormone that directs blood to our 'fight or flight' muscles, such as the triceps, biceps and quadriceps, in preparation for defence or retreat. This means blood is redirected away from the skin, decreasing circulation and less toxins are removed.
Something as simple as deep and heavy breathing can help to eliminate these toxins. Try this breathing technique: Breathe in for one second, hold for four seconds and then breathe out for two seconds.
Using a large flat brush with fairly stiff bristles on your skin can also help to combat cellulite as it stimulates circulation so that blood can nourish the tissues, as well as effectively removing wastes. Start at the ankles, using gentle, fan-like movements and work up to the thighs and beyond the bottom if necessary.
It is also important that you drink a sufficient amount of water as this helps to flush out the toxins from the body, helping to maintain a healthy septa.
While carrying out these methods to beat cellulite, Femme Slender also recommend the supplements Couture Curves or Slim-X. When combined with exercise regime and a good diet, these products greatly help with fat loss. They also advise anyone thinking about taking these supplements to consult your GP.
So there you have it, the guide to beating the orange peel. And plenty of time to get cracking on this routine before we hit the beach this summer ladies!
Female First: Fiona Haran