Festival Calendar Which bands will be playing what fields? Check out our...
Local Dating Dating online for women, men, couples. Dating advice, sex...
Eating to beat cellulite
Feature
You don’t have to starve your body to banish cellulite. In fact, some foods actually work to reduce dimpling. It is just a case of eating more of the right ones and less of the wrong. Combine healthy eating with a regular exercise programme and watch those dimples diminish.
Super-duper foods
Antioxidants: poor circulation is a contributory factor in cellulite. Vegetables - particularly bright coloured ones such as carrots, tomatoes, red peppers and spinach - are rich in antioxidant vitamins, minerals and plant nutrients, which strengthen arteries and veins.
Berries: these are one of the best antioxidants as they are super-rich in bioflavonoids, which are the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables and work to maintain healthy capillaries. They also contain detoxifying vitamin C.
Fruits: research has shown that nutrients from fruits – especially oranges, apples, papayas and berries - help blood vessel walls to lay down new cells. This helps to maintain a healthy blood flow to cellulite areas.
Stimulators: artichokes, radishes and asparagus are rich in plant nutrients that help to stimulate the liver, while plenty of garlic helps to thin the blood and keeps it flowing smoothly throughout the vascular system.
Good fats: your body needs natural fats to function properly, so always include healthy fats such as olive oil in your diet. Fatty acids - like those found in avocados, nuts and oily fish - have been found to boost circulation. They will also promote healthy skin production, which helps plump out and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Protein: lean beef and chicken breasts, low-fat cheese and oily fish are excellent sources of protein. Beef and cheese both contain a fat-burning fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid, which has been shown to improve muscle to fat ratio and reduce fat deposits. Combine lean protein consumption with an exercise programme.
Super-bad foods
Caffeine: in large amounts, caffeine constricts the tiny blood vessels and reduces blood flow to and from fatty tissues. Tea is a better choice because it contains a range of antioxidant plant substances, which protect small blood vessels from damage.
Bad fats: saturated animal fats or natural fats, which have been tampered with by heating, refining or processing should be avoided at all costs.
Refined sugars: these are the weak-spot for most. Refined sugars create a sudden rush of glucose in your system. Your body will try to counteract this by releasing insulin. As well as playing havoc with your energy levels, the insulin effectively pushes the glucose into your fat cells. Sugar also increases the level of skin-damaging free radicals in your system, inhibiting collagen and elastin production. Use small amounts of natural honey as an alternative.
Salt: fluid retention adds to the problem of cellulite. A diet high in salt will prompt your body to dilute the threat by retaining water in your body.
Alcohol: after a few drinks, the level of fat in your blood will increase and slow your circulation down. It also contributes to excessive fluid retention.
Picture caption: Eating vegetables such as asparagus can actually help prevent cellulite.
