Steps you can take to manage cellulite
Article sponsored by ‘The Victorian Garden’ www.thevictoriangarden.co.za
Introduction
If you suffer with cellulite, you’re in good company. It is estimated that up to 95% of women have it – whether they are overweight or slim.
Cellulite can affect you whether you are 16 or 60 and is more a disturbance in the body's natural chemistry- a build-up of toxins in underlying tissues - than simple body fat.
The areas where the tissue layers are thicker and spongier (and usually fatter) are the perfect places for cellulite to settle.
Cellulite is especially likely to start to appear at the times when hormone levels fluctuate, such as at menopause and pregnancy, although it can of course appear at any time.
Although there is a genetic predisposition to cellulite, the main causes are poor eating habits, lack of exercise and stress. That’s why to have long term success; the problem must be tackled from the inside.
Though the bad news is thatlotions and oils won't magically "melt away" cellulite, the good news is that with a more holistic approach – they can help to reduce it.
How the Victorian Garden cellulite treatment products affect Cellulite
Plant Oils have proven highly successful in helping the body to eliminate toxins. The Victorian Garden range is designed to help break down and address the root causes of the build up of Cellulite. These products, combined with some lifestyle changes will make a difference. For instance -
- Alleviate poor micro circulation & venous flow through speeding up your lymphatic system which encourages the body to detox waste substances accumulated in the tissues
- Naturally boost fat burning metabolism to break down fat cells
- Help prevent the accumulation of fatty acids in fat cells
- Stop fat cells from enlarging
- Help the body reabsorb the hardened connective tissue that traps this fat, thus giving that dimpled "orange peel" look.
- Improve skin tone, firmness &elasticity
Six lifestyle changes that will reduce cellulite
Step 1 – EAT & DRINK AWAY TOXINS
Eating healthily has to become a way of life forever.
Don't even think of dieting. Losing weight won't necessarily rid you of cellulite. Crash dieting where your weight yo-yo's up and down can actually be a cause of cellulite.
Try to include a little of the following in your diet every day to cleanse the system and aid circulation - raw beetroot, short-grain brown rice, fresh ginger, garlic, celery, kelp or kelp tablets, nuts and seeds (not peanuts), herbal teas (rather than fruit varieties), warm water and lemon.
Cut out processed food. Cut down on red meat (eat more fish), dairy products, fats, sugar and salt. Too much salt increases cellulite.
Remember that less fat in your diet means less fat on your body. Substitute ordinary fats with vegetable oils such as olive oil.
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables including legumes (peas, beans), whole grains and “go organic” wherever you can – especially with meats.
Drink loads of pure filtered or distilled water every day. Drink little and often rather than gulping down huge quantities in one go.
Always try to start your meal with something raw. Fresh fruits and vegetables steamed lightly or eaten raw aid lymphatic drainage and clear up tissue congestion. Because they're in their natural state, or close to it, they retain all their vitamins and are more nutritious. Raw foods also have unique cleansing properties and as well as vitamins and minerals, contain anti-oxidants which heal and repair tissues.
Make salad dressing with olive oil and fresh lemon juice or lime juice instead of vinegar.
Above all, don't rush your meals. Try to eat everything slowly and chew thoroughly – you will also eat less as a result.
Step 2 – INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN & MINERAL INTAKE
Firm, smooth skinneeds a healthy supply of collagen whose enemies are the free radicals (rogue cells) which cause tissue damage.
Free radicals come with high-fat foods, pollution (external and internal) from cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine and drugs, stress and illness. But to the rescue come natural anti-oxidants: beta-carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, Vitamin E and minerals such as selenium and zinc. So make sure that your diet includes these in either food form or nutritional supplements.
Highly recommended as an anti-oxidant is Green Barley; preferably a brand which is 100% organic green barley and not mixed with other ingredients. Processed from the young leaves of barley; this green powder constitutes a whole food and contains virtually every nutrient that the human body requires for peak function and healing, with the added benefit of strengthening the immune system. (Green Barley can also be ordered through Victorian Garden.)
Step 3 – ENCOURAGE BETTER CIRCULATION BY TREATING YOUR SKIN
The skin is our largest organ and is very effective at getting rid of wastes, but we need to keep the circulation going in order to do so. The very act of paying attention to your skin on a regular basis will improve problem areas by flushing out excess water, relaxing muscles, allowing skin to breathe, and stimulating lymph drainage.
A. SKIN BRUSHING
Use a natural bristle brush (firm bristles but not too hard) and brush firmly but not hard.
Start at the soles of the feet brushing from toe to heel, then the top of the foot to the ankle and upwards over the legs, thighs, buttocks and stomach in firm, sweeping strokes.
Continue to brush all over the body, working towards the heart.
Combine long, sweeping strokes and small circular motions.
Pay particular attention to the areas where cellulite is lodged. The best times for brushing are just before a morning bath or shower and before bedtime.
Use a good organic Body Scrub treatment on problem areas.
B. MASSAGE
If you can afford to, try to have regular massage sessions with a good Aromatherapist and in between times make sure you self massage problem areas at home.
For self massage - remember your pastry making techniques and kneading dough? With both hands and working upwards from the knee to the butt, alternate with deep kneading and stroking. Always finish with a light, upwards stroke. Massage for a few minutes at a time
Step 4 – MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR HORMONES
We need to educate ourselves on our hormones and what can go wrong and to understand that there are risks in taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
It may be worth taking a look at using a natural progesterone cream. In the battle against Cellulite it is invaluable as most women are oestrogen dominant which aggravates cellulite formation.
Not only will a good natural Progesterone cream, e.g. NatPro Organic Progesterone cream, which can now be ordered through Victorian Garden help you in the fight against Cellulite, it also offers protection against cancer, osteoporosis and other diseases caused by hormone imbalances. Definitely something every woman should know about!
Step 5 – KEEP MOVING
Regular exercise will help to banish cellulite. You don’t even have to adopt a punishing regime.
The more muscle and less fat you have the higher your metabolic rate will be for burning off calories. Trying to combine an aerobic exercise – something as simple as brisk walking, swimming or cycling each day – is highly recommended.
Step 6 – LEARN TO RELAX
There’s no doubt that stress and tension cause disturbances in the body, affecting our breathing, circulation, digestion and throwing everything off balance. Combined with a frantic pace of life, it can blow away all our good dietary habits and body toning disciplines and set up a vicious circle which results in cellulite.
There's nothing wrong with positive stress such as being happily busy and needed with a demanding job and family life. But aim to control negative stress – all those frustrations you can do nothing about, like financial worries. And resolve to take more outdoor exercise and cut out caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes – which are poisonous to your body.
Make time for yourself – even if it is only for 15 minutes each day. Escape to your bedroom or a favourite room – shut the door and relax. Sit or lie quietly in a comfortable position with your eyes closed and arms by your side. Imagine somewhere peaceful like a river or country lane or a field of beautiful flowers. Now put all your problems in an imaginary bag and take an imaginary walk leaving the bag on the river bank or by a tree. Breathe slowly with occasional really deep breaths. Let the body feel heavy and relaxed from your toes to your head. Concentrate on each part of the body and tell it to feel limp. After your allotted time, you will feel more peaceful and refreshed.
Good luck with your cellulite busting. I hope your journey towards having smoother thighs also does wonders for your overall health and wellbeing. And don’t forget the best way to camouflage cellulite is with a healthy looking tan – never mind if it’s fake or real.
With the Compliments ofMrs Lindsay Salthouse
Therapeutic Aromatherapist/Herbalist, ITEC, Member of – Aromatherapy Society SA & Aromatherapy Forum, Allied Health Professions Council SA, International Guild of Professional Practitioners UK, CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association)
