Having perfectly smooth and slender thighs is every woman’s dream but unfortunately it’s not in everyone’s genes to have a model-like figure – not even the models themselves who are often airbrushed in photographs to mask any imperfections like stretch marks and cellulite.
Attaining a perfect body is hard, often impossible, and society’s unrealistic beauty standards for women are making them undergo harmful diets and painful cosmetic procedures. Cellulite is one of those common imperfections that most women love to hate but the truth is that as many as 90 percent of females, including the athletic ones, are affected by it.
Cellulite usually occurs as a result of weak connective tissues within the dermis layer which causes the bulging of subcutaneous fat underneath the surface of our skin. Fortunately, it is a common problem in women that can easily be fixed by making small changes in your diet and lifestyle – nothing drastic, we promise! Here are three foods that are contributing to those unflattering fat pockets on your thighs and buttocks, giving your legs a dimpled appearance.
Processed Foods
Any foods that cause inflammation can also contribute to cellulite – and processed foods come on the top of the list. These foods aren’t just bad for cellulite but they’re harmful for your health in general. Shockingly, almost all foods found in local supermarkets have been processed to some degree, where that involves cleaning, preserving or packaging. These foods have all the right ingredients for causing inflammation in your body such as sugar, salt, fat and other flavor enhancers.
Doctors say that there is enough evidence to suggest that cellulite is caused by hormonal changes. Every time you consume something sugary, it spikes up the blood sugar level forcing your body to produce insulin which triggers an inflammatory process, causing the collagen in your body to break down.
The most dangerous processed foods from a health perspective are often the ones we love the most – chips, sugary treats, sodas, processed deli meats and ready-to-cook meals. Giving up on these foods is not easy but it’s definitely necessary – especially if you want to get rid of that stubborn cellulite.
Refined Carbohydrates
As discussed above, chronic inflammation happens when the fat cells in our body stop retaining fluids and become larger. This chronic inflammation occurs when there is a sudden spike in insulin level after a high-carb meal. The fluid and toxins accumulated in the cells start circulating throughout the body causing the connective tissues within the dermis layer to weaken, giving the skin an uneven look.
Refined carbs are one of the biggest culprit behind this issue because they have been stripped of the fiber, protein and other essential minerals and antioxidants while being processed leaving nothing but simple carbohydrates behind. Once digested, these refined carbs quickly turn into glucose, causing a sudden increase in the insulin level. Breakfast cereals, pasta and white bread are the foods to stay away from in order to get rid of cellulite.
Sodium
The fact that sodium causes inflammation and bloating is old news. Now, when studying the causes of cellulite, researchers have found that sodium can make the cellulite on your thighs appear even worse due to the extreme water retention. The use of salt is quite common in our diets which explains why so many women have the cellulite problem. Research from the American Heart Association says that most Americans consume over their daily limit of sodium, thanks to the fast food and Chinese takeout trend that has been sweeping the nation.
What Else Can Be Done?
Where there are foods that can cause cellulite, there are also certain foods that can help you fight it. Foods like leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits and nuts are packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients and antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Citrus fruits rich in vitamin C restore collagen in our skin and counterbalance the effect of inflammatory foods.
If nothing is working to reduce the cellulite on your skin then remember that it is something that is naturally present in women and shouldn’t make you feel ashamed or insecure. At the end of the day, what really matters is your health and as long as you enjoy an active lifestyle and a balanced diet, you’re on the right track!
