Did you know that 70% of cellulite is caused by lifestyle and 30% is genetic? I’m sure many of you dream of a cellulite free lower body, but unless you have been airbrushed you are unlikely to achieve this completely, sorry.  Even the top models of this world and naturally skinny/toned women suffer from the dreaded orange peel (aka cellulite).

What is cellulite?

It is fat cells found underneath the top layer of the skin that have made their way between the bands of connective tissue, or collagen, attaching your muscle to your skin.

About 90% of women and hardly any men (damn them) have cellulite. Why is this? Well, women’s connective tissue is vertical (think of mattress springs), while men’s are on an angle, so that means their fat cells don’t push through as much. Poor circulation can make the lumps and bumps look much worse.

But don’t worry, if you are willing to work hard, you can reduce the dreaded cellulite and start to feel confident in your hot pants (haha), your skimpy shorts and your bathers.

I’m sure you think the cellulite is a fat problem, but it’s actually a skin problem. “You could have total liposuction and get rid of every bit of regular fat and still have cellulite”, says Dr Howard, dermatologist to the stars.  On top of that, cardio and toning exercise will also help to tone up your body so you feel 100% confident in how you feel!

So how can you reduce cellulite?

Basically, there are a few things you can do:

1. Eat the right foods – foods rich in nutrients like lecithin, essential fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants – can reduce cellular inflammation and increase circulation. Increasing circulation stops cells from travelling to the surface and having that cottage cheese look.

The following foods are the best to eat:

• Eggs
• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Tomatoes
• Iceberg lettuce
• Beans & pulses
• Fish – especially fresh tuna and salmon
• Berries
• Pomegranates
• Avocado’s
• White meat
• Nuts
• Onions
• Carrots
• Fennel
• Celery
• Broccoli
• Water

What foods to stay away from:

• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Saturated fat (butter, red meat, dairy products, processed foods, salty snacks)
• White bread, pasta, rice
• Artificial additives and sweeteners

If you want some recipes and meal plans that follow these guidelines, as well as a great exercise program, check out www.mummybootcampathome.com.au

2. Reduce your body fat. If you are overweight, it will make cellulite worse.

3. Get your circulation pumping – get moving – cardio and toning/strengthen exercises will work wonders for cellulite, don’t smoke, and reduce the amount of caffeine you drink

4. Reduce the amount of toxins (including processed foods, alcohol, caffeine) you put into your body. Your lymphatic system acts as a filter, so make sure  it functions as best it can. If it is poor the toxins will accumulate as fat cells and push them towards the surface of the skin, causing the cellulite effect.

5.  Reduce the amount of saturated fat and sugar in your diet. This will increase your body fat, which you don’t want!

6. Yo Yo dieting – this causes women to lose fat in the upper body, while increasing fat deposits in the lower body! It isn’t great for your metabolism either!