Cellulite. For some women it’s a four-letter word. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as attempting to hide those cottage-cheese thighs while trying to rock a new bikini. Women all over the world have slathered on expensive creams and even undergone surgery to eliminate cellulite. But there are less drastic measures that work just as well. Here are some natural tips to eliminate cellulite in women.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is caused by fat deposits collecting just below the skin’s surface. The most common areas women see cellulite are their abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and pelvic region.

What Causes Cellulite in Women?

Cellulite in women is generally caused by a combination of factors. These factors include genetics, diet, lifestyle factors, hormonal factors, and even clothing. If your mother, sister or grandmother had cellulite, the chances of you having it are greater. Poor circulation from a sedentary lifestyle or sit-down job can also contribute to the development of orange-peel thighs. Aging women may notice cellulite due to fluctuating hormone levels. Women with undiagnosed thyroid disorders may also notice unusual dimpling of the skin. Women who indulge in too much fat or carbohydrates may also develop cellulite.

Diet for Cellulite

The first thought women have when they see that dreaded cellulite in the mirror is to grab a cream and start slathering. Wait. Before you shell out hard-earned cash for a bottle of synthetic chemicals that may or may not work, try improving your diet. Diet plays a huge role in every aspect of your life from autoimmune disease to cancer. If you’re not eating healthy, it will eventually start to show on your body.

First off, clean up your diet. This means eliminating the processed foods like donuts, snack cakes, potato chips, French fries, canned food, microwaveable meals, etc. Trade in this food for a diet rich in nutrients such as organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, while-caught fish, beans, legumes, and dairy.

While you’re at the grocery store, load up on these cellulite-fighting foods:

1.     Green Tea

Green tea is the weight-loss secret for many women looking to lose cellulite along with pounds. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which eliminate built-up toxins in the body that cause cellulite. Green tea also speeds up your metabolism and helps you get the most out of your workouts.

2.     Brown Rice

Brown rice and other non-gluten grains are filled with protein and fiber for slow-release energy to help you stay fuller longer. Whole grains are also a good source of antioxidants, which fight the free radicals that cause cellulite.

3.     Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamins and minerals to keep your skin healthy and dimple-free. Another way broccoli helps eliminate cellulite in women is through its high alpha lipoic content. This substance keeps the collagen in your skin from hardening, which means smoother, less dimply skin.

4.     Oranges

Oranges are loaded with vitamin C to fight free radicals and methoxylated bioflavonoids to improve blood circulation and correct the cellular imbalances that lead to cellulite.

5.     Cayenne

Cayenne pepper is an ideal spice for women with cellulite. It’s a warming spice that improves circulation naturally and also boosts metabolism.

6.     Asparagus

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is the cause of many health and beauty problems, including cellulite. For smoother skin and a flat tummy, add asparagus to your evening meal a few times per week.

7.     Salmon

Salmon and other wild-caught oily fish are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and improve the way your body metabolizes fat.

8.     Berries

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Add some to your morning cereal or keep some on hand for a healthy snack!

9.     Tomatoes

Not only are tomatoes a rich source of vitamin C to keep your skin firm, they are also loaded with circulation-boosting lycopene!

10.    Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a cure-all for generations. This is becauseACVacts as a natural digestive aid, flushes out toxins, and prevents the water retention that can contribute to cellulite.

Exercise for Cellulite

While there is no magic type of exercise to eliminate cellulite, women with cellulite should be sure to work out regularly. A combination of strength, cardio, and flexibility training can improve your circulation naturally and help you shed unwanted pounds. Certain exercises can help women firm up the muscles in their thighs and buttocks, which can help eliminate the appearance of cellulite. These include scissor kicks, squats, and leg lifts.

To do scissor kicks, lie on your side with the leg closest to the floor tucked under you. Supporting your head with your hand, prop yourself up and extend your other leg outward. Slowly lift your leg up and down for a count of 10-20. Rest for ten seconds. Repeat. After 3 sets, switch and do the other leg.

For butt-busting leg lifts, get onto all fours on the floor. With both hands and one bent knee supporting you, extend one leg outward and up toward the ceiling. As you bring it back down, tuck it back under you in a kneeling position. Do three sets of 10-20 on each side.

To do squats, stand with your feet hip-distance apart and with your hands on your hips. Squat downward as though you’re about to sit in a chair then lift back up. Do three sets of 10-20 repetitions.

Natural Treatments for Cellulite in Women

The Coffee Trick  

If you want to get creative with your cellulite treatment, try the coffee trick. While it won’t actually cure cellulite, it will lessen its appearance for a few days to a week while you modify your diet and exercise plan.

To do this you will need caffeinated coffee, olive oil, and cling wrap. Pour a cup of ground coffee in a small bowl. Bring ¼ cup of water to a boil and pour enough of the boiling water over the ground coffee to make a paste. Add ¼ of a teaspoon of olive oil. Allow mixture to cool for 1 or 2 minutes. Head into the bathroom with your coffee mixture and cling rap.

Strip down and get in the tub. Smear the warm mixture of coffee onto your problem areas, avoiding the genital region. Wrap your coffee and oil-covered legs in cling wrap and hang out for about 10 minutes but no longer. Turn on the shower and unwrap yourself, brushing the coffee ground mixture off your legs. Wash your legs with soap and water to remove any residue. Pat dry.

The Dry Skin Brush

Another effective natural cellulite treatment is the dry skin brush. A dry skin brush can be purchased at just about any health food store and is used before showering to improve circulation and release blocked lymph. Lymph is an immune system fluid that circulates throughout the body collecting toxins and eliminating them from the bloodstream. Sedentary lifestyle and poor circulation can lead to chronic blocked lymph, which can lead to cellulite.

Dry skin brushing is very easy to do. On bare skin, start with your arms and brush in quick, firm strokes toward the heart. Work all the way down your body, always brushing toward the heart. Click the upcoming link for a visual demonstration of how to use a dry skin brush.

Cellulite in women is common. Even famous celebrities have cellulite. (Their photos are just airbrushed to perfection.) Thankfully, natural treatments for cellulite can help you eliminate unnecessary toxins from your body, improve your circulation, and have you looking and feeling your best in no time!

Don’t stop at cellulite. Get the skinny on How to Lose Belly Fat!