Anti-cellulite Plan: Anti Cellulite Diet
Cellulite can be difficult to shift, but if you follow the following rules, you wil maximize your body's chances of reducing those tell-tale dimples.
Five main rules apply
Eat your antioxidants
These are our number one defence against free radicals and are found in all fruits and vegetables. On the diet you should be aiming for at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. A serving constitutes: two tablespoons of vegetables; a 250g (8oz) slice of large fruits like watermelon; two tablespoons of small fruits like berries; and one piece of medium fruit like apples. As well as this, the antioxidant vitamins C and E play a part in strengthening the skin, and so you should take supplements of these. Take 3g of vitamin C (the most your body can store) in three 1g doses, daily, and 400iu of vitamin E daily.
Use other skin strengtheners.
Foods other than fruit and vegetables have also been shown to have antioxidant properties-wholemeal cereals, for example. Green tea is also a powerful source and is essential in an anti-cellulite diet. Studies at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, have found that it boosts metabolism, while French researchers have revealed that green tea cuts by a third the release of enzymes that cause the body to store fat. Drink at least three cups daily. Finally, according to research at the University of Pavia, Italy the herb gotu kola triggers the formation of healthy collagen, but does this without increasing numbers of water-attracting cells (which is good news). Take 30mg three times daily.
Supplement your circulation.
The herb ginkgo biloba is used in many anti-cellulite creams, but taking it internally also boosts circulation. The recommended dose is 120mg a day. Foods containing essential fatty acids also help aid circulation, so oily fish, nuts, seeds and oils such as flaxseed should be a daily part of the plan.
Eat some low-fat protein at every mealtime.
Cellulite contains higher than normal quantities of water-attracting cells, which is bad news when circulation and lymph flow are blocked since this causes fluid to leak from cells and get trapped in surrounding tissues. Protein, however, contains a substance called albumin that helps prevent this leakage, helping reduce the fluid levels. Drinking plenty of water and cutting out salty foods will also help here.
Reduce your fat and sugar content.
Both of these add to the free-radical load your skin is under, but high-fat and high-sugar foods are also loaded with calories. The more calories you eat the higher your chance of weight gain -and, remember, cellulite is just plain fat.