I have spent endless hours worrying about cellulite- the so called “cottage cheese” skin that appears around my butt, thighs and stomach! Can someone please let me know how I can air-brush myself into the perfect figure without having to put myself under the knife! 80-90% of women suffer from cellulite …(Yes models have it; it is just difficult to notice in pictures because of all the air brushing )

But first, what is cellulite?

Cellulite is excess fat that is built up in one’s body. It bulges through the middle layer of the skin to create a dimpled skin surface. While I scoff at the complex medical terms that describe this condition, I am always amused by its reference as “orange peel syndrome” – that actually sounds a little healthy to me.

The causes of cellulite are not clearly understood. I dug deep and found references to various causes: genetics (god bless my Neanderthal ancestors!), hormonal factors (no shortage of those for me), diet (I actually stay with an organic vegetarian only diet and load up on fresh juices – so much for cocktails at parties) and lifestyle (ok, I m going to jump and write this article now).

People once believed that there was nothing one could do to get rid of cellulite, but recent research showed that with significant lifestyle changes and exercise, it can be solved.  However, before you engage in one of those impossible diets and a manic exercise schedule to get a perfect body, consider your motivation…aim for a healthy body over a skinny frame!

How to get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite is normally harder to get rid of than healthier fat primarily because of its cell structure. So don’t give up hope just yet if the results are not instantaneous. With proper diet and exercise you shall be on the right path to achieve a fitter body, and over time the cellulite will become far less noticeable and finally disappear.

The first step is to hydrate the skin. Also strengthen the body cells and tissues so that the skin loses its dimpled structure. Some of the ways to fight cellulite are:

Eating healthy: Quick fix or starvation diet causes more harm than help. The best way to begin is to go on a detox diet. A detox diet helps flush out toxins boosts metabolism, and in turn helps you lose weight. A detox diet includes drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, followed by lots of fruits, leafy vegetables, eating complex carbohydrates and increasing your fiber intake. This diet also includes reducing the amount of animal protein such as meat and dairy products, and cutting out sugar, refined carbs, nicotine, alcohol, processed and junk foods and caffeine completely. You’ll need to say goodbye to your “diet” soda as that too is loaded with unnecessary sugar!

Exercise:  Cardio exercises such as light aerobics, running, swimming, and biking help increase metabolism and lose weight. Strength training aimed at toning the thighs, butt, stomach and arms also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. Stair machines, squats, lunges, leg lifts are some of the exercises that specifically target the cellulite ridden areas and help you control cellulite.

Skin brushing: Skin brushing is a great and inexpensive way to stimulate blood flow and remove dead cells. It promotes new cell growth and helps control cellulite as it motivates nutrients and oxygen flow to the outer epidermal layer of the skin. All this can be done in the privacy of your home with the help of a good body brush with natural bristles and just five minutes of your time.

Start at your feet and move upwards in light and long but brisk movements. Focus on the cellulite heavy areas such as your thighs and buttocks. The stomach needs to be brushed in clockwise circular movements while the arms should be brushed with upward movements. Be gentle while skin brushing as exerting too much pressure can lead to skin irritation and redness.

Cellulite massages: Many spas provide treatments for cellulite. Some of the most popular ones are the Algae Cellulite Massage, Manual Lymph Drainage, Clay Body sculpting etc. These massages reduce the appearance of dimpled cellulite and make the skin look healthier.

Bath rituals: You will have to re-look your bath time rituals. Begin with a light massage with some essential oil like olive oil that promotes blood circulation. Bathe in warm and not hot water and end with a cold rinse to help tighten your skin. Alternately, a revitalizing seaweed bath taken twice a week also helps increase blood circulation and re-mineralize the skin.

What not to do?

Intense massages: These massages that promise to get rid of cellulite in reality only temporarily “flatten” out cellulite deposits by simply causing your skin to expand.

Liposuction: Though touted to be the best fat buster, liposuction does not provide a permanent solution to cellulite. In fact it only makes the skin appearance worse by making the dimpled skin more noticeable. Also cellulite and fat almost always come back afterwards!

A number of commercial treatments aimed at providing instant freedom from cellulite have flooded the market today. Herbal supplements, diet pills, electric shock treatments, skin restructuring surgeries, creams that promise to take inches off in a matter of days….sounds too good to be true – because they are! In reality, most of these pills, creams and surgeries can be damaging not just to your skin but also to your health. So before you reach out for that miracle anti cellulite cream, you might just want to consult with your doctor. Or you could get rid of your cellulite naturally and have a great looking body and a healthier you!

What’s your story about cellulite?