BACKSTAGE PASS
Fight cellulite
By Isabel Roces
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:17:00 08/14/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Cellulite is Public Enemy No. 1 of women. You can tell that it’s a worldwide concern just by seeing the products being sold in the market; topical creams, spa treatments and even surgeries.
Cellulite chooses no one.
Of course, it’s hardly a concern for A-list icons as they have enough funds to get the best and most stress-free treatment for cellulite. Simply hire a personal trainer and a dietician, buy the best and most expensive anti-cellulite creams and, if all else fails, undergo surgery.
There are other solutions. But before you do battle with cellulite, you should know what you’re up against.
Cellulite is actually a fancy name for collections of fat and toxins that build up in the body. These elements get trapped deep in the skin and push against the connective tissue, causing the surface of the skin to dimple and look lumpy.
Is it fat? There’s a big difference between fat and cellulite. Everyone has a smooth layer of fat, because this is an insulator for the body and cushions the organs, muscles and nerves.
Cellulite, on the other hand, is lumpy and provides no padding whatsoever. It only occurs in certain areas of the body: the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and breasts.
To reduce the amount of cellulite you have, the best thing to do is to decrease excess body fat. You do this by combining proper exercise and eating habits. The key to fighting cellulite is proper circulation.
Exercise
Exercise will reduce it but may not necessarily get rid of it.
Fact is, working out improves circulation, removes excess fluid and tones muscles. This means that skin will look smoother, regardless of the cellulite present. So by all means, exercise away to burn fat and increase muscle.
Diet
A healthy diet not a crash diet.
Eating well is always a good idea, but specific foods won’t prevent or cure cellulite. A detoxifying diet is a great way to start fighting cellulite. So prepare to say goodbye to junk food that may make you more prone to dimples.
Diet also entails eliminating coffee, soda, smoking and alcohol from your life. Keep it natural as flavoring like sugar, starch, salt, spices and animal fats are harder for the body to eliminate. These foods contribute to the formation of cellulite because the toxins they produce get trapped in the fatty tissue.
A low-fat diet, high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, is important because these foods are easiest for the body to break down, use and get rid of. Such a diet may come in the form of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods.
Drink plenty of water, at least two liters a day. Water will assist your body in getting rid of unwanted toxins and waste. And finally, beware of all those so-called anti-cellulite supplements. Don’t be tempted to use them as a fallback because there’s no scientific proof that they’re effective.
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