Prevention of cellulite

Introduction

Cellulite is a problem that affects many people, mostly women. It is not perfectly clear why it affects more women than men, but it may have something to do with hormones.

Simply put, cellulite is fat. It is fat accumulated underneath the skin, giving the skin the characteristic orange peel or cottage cheese appearance. Cellulite is usually visible when the skin is pressed or pinched, but it can be noticed without it as well. It usually appears on the buttocks, thighs, stomach and upper arms.

Cellulite can be quite persistent and hard to treat. It takes a lot of time and a lot of patience, not to mention a lot of money, to get rid of it through cosmetic procedures, laser treatment, special lotions and what not. It is clear then that cellulite should be prevented, because prevention is far easier and cheaper than the actual treatment.

Prevention of cellulite

Prevention of cellulite depends to large extent on prevention of fat. The first obvious step in that direction in exercise. Exercise burns the fat and builds muscle tone in a targeted area. The areas that can really benefit from good and regular exercise are those in the lower part of the body - legs, buttocks, thighs and abdomen, which are also the areas usually struck by cellulite.

In order to achieve the best results, it is recommended to do cardio exercise five times a week for 30 to 40 minutes and strength exercise three times a week for 15 to 30 minutes.

The next obvious step in prevention of cellulite is diet. It needs to contain less fat and more fiber and protein. It should also be rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Sugar must be avoided too, obviously. Omega-3 fatty acids, present in fatty fish, seeds and nuts, must be included in the diet because they offer many health and cosmetic benefits.

These steps will not be effective enough if they are not combined with consumption of ample amounts of water. Water flushes out toxins that are considered major contributors to the formation of cellulite. Drinking at least eight tall glasses per day is the norm, but it does not hurt to drink more, especially if exercising.

Alcohol, sodas and cigarettes should be avoided. They provide toxins that tend to stay in the body and easily accumulate underneath the skin.

Finally, the clothes play a certain role in prevention of cellulite too. They should not be too tight, especially underwear, because tight clothes are directly linked to the formation of cellulite.