The Anti-Cellulite Diet: What to Eat (And What to Avoid)

Cottage cheese thighs. Orange peel skin. Hail damage. Whatever you call it, it’s a royal pain in the you-know-what. That lumpy, bumpy appearance on the legs and thighs can be reduced not only by exercise but with an anti-cellulite diet.

Keep reading to learn which foods and beverages help minimize cellulite and which ones to avoid.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a skin condition that causes lumps and dimples due to underlying fat pockets. It’s mostly found on the thighs and buttocks.

Men and women are prone to cellulite, but women are more likely to have it because of their distribution of muscle, connective tissue, and fat. A common myth is that only clinically overweight people get cellulite. Women of all shapes and sizes, including thin women, get cellulite too.

A low-fat diet helps reduce the layer of fat underneath the skin and minimizes the appearance of cellulite. Certain foods and beverages encourage water retention. Keep a healthy diet, stay hydrated and avoid salt.

Foods That Reduce Cellulite

Salmon

To stay healthy, you should eat lots of fatty fish that are high in omega-3, such as salmon and sardines.
Grains and other foods high in carbs contain omega-6 fatty acids. To help balance your body’s estrogen, you need to eat omega-3 fish such as salmon, sardines, and oysters.

Citrus

An anti-cellulite diet rich in citrus fruits reduces the effects of carbohydrates on your body. When carbs are digested, they are transformed into sugar which affects your insulin levels. Juice from lemons, oranges, and limes help balance everything out.

Citrus fruits also help clean out the liver and lower estrogen in the body. As a result, the appearance of cellulite diminishes and keeps your legs and thighs firm.

Avocado

Avocado is a superfood rich in folate and potassium. It contains the good fats that help you lose weight. Like citrus, it’s another insulin balancer that keeps cellulite at bay.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is high in protein, slows down the production of insulin, and keeps your sugar levels under control. This is crucial to control your insulin levels and reduces the appearance of cellulite.

Beverages That Reduce Cellulite

Water

There’s no surprise that water is at the top of the list of cellulite-busting beverages. You need to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated. If you slack on your water intake, your fat cells will be more prominent.

Chamomile Tea

This herbal tea does double duty; Not only is does it help you sleep better and reduces stress.
Stress is bad for your overall health and can contribute to developing cellulite. Drink a cup before bedtime each day.

Green Tea

Green tea contains plenty of antioxidants that keep the body healthy and prevent cellulite. Studies show it can increase metabolism and aid in weight loss.

Foods That Cause Cellulite

Sugar

Eating too much sugar increases your blood sugar levels which causes your body to store more fats.

Dairy

Dairy products cause your body to produce more estrogen, which means more risks of developing cellulite.
Even if you are not allergic to dairy, your body may not be able to digest it. Poor digestion leads to weight gain, and weight gain can increase your risk of developing cellulite.

Processed Meat

Processed meat, including bacon and sandwich meat, is high in preservatives, fat, and sodium. If you want to keep your thighs and legs cellulite-free, cut cured meat from your diet or eat it in moderation.

Beverages That Cause Cellulite

Coffee

Sorry, coffee lovers. Too much coffee can cause adrenal fatigue, which eventually leads to cellulite formation. If you can’t bear to part with your daily coffee runs, try to reduce your extra-extra-large cup to a smaller, more conservative size.

Alcohol

Alcohol overworks your adrenal glands that eventually lead to cellulite. The only exception to this would be red wine. Does this mean you have to give up alcohol forever? Of course not. Keep alcohol beverages to a minimum.

Soda

Just like alcohol, sodas are tough on your adrenal glands and increase your blood sugar levels.
Reduce your soda intake as much as possible or avoid them altogether.

Fruit Juice

This one may come as a surprise to those who think all fruit juices are healthy. We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but most commercially produced fruit juices can contain as much sugar as soda. Opt instead for freshly squeezed juices that do not contain preservatives or added sugar.

Milk

Milk is high in estrogen. If you are a milk drinker, cut back if you want to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Oat milk and nut milk are also healthier alternatives.

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