
Article Summary:
Reduce the fatty stores of cellultie in your skin by eating protein, exercising, and taking glucosamine and amino acid supplements.
What creates the cottage cheese effect of cellulite? Simply put, cellulite is caused by loose or weak skin and connective tissues that are unable to keep the fat tissues contained within their compartments. Fat tissues or deposits escape through weakened connective fibrous strands and buoy up to the surface, creating the pebbly, orange peel effect. Strong skin and muscles are the best preventive measures for runaway fat. Keeping the cell body firm and intact would mean keeping control over fatty deposits. Cellulite is formed by the creation of water pockets and fat deposits which means that the most effective avenue for controlling them is through exercise and diet. An exercise program is absolutely necessary as well as proper foods and supplementation. Certain foods known for their cell-building properties can help control cellulite.
Protein
The cellulite problem is most pronounced in women who have sagging muscles and skin. Exercise and protein can reduce the stores of fat under the skin; protein helps to firm up muscles that can keep fat stores in place and reduce the dimpled effect of cellulite. Older skin, like older muscles, needs protein, especially soy protein with less fat, for toning and firming.
How much protein would you need to produce firm, toned muscles?
- Approximately .6 gram per pound of lean body mass if you are a moderately active person, and
- 1 gram per pound of lean body mass if you are very active.
Amino Acids and Essential Fatty Acids
You also need amino acids that help build the skin's store of collagen and elastin. The best sources for these are complex carbohydrates like
- beans,
- whole grains,
- nuts,
- seeds,
- vegetables,
- fruit.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a supplement that helps arthritis; it has been shown to restore moisture to arthritic joints as well by keeping the cell tissues well hydrated; this in turn has a positive, plumping effect on the cells, thus reducing the dimpling and curdling of the skin. Adequate amounts of glucosamine in the blood are necessary for skin resilience. Studies show that participants who begin taking glucosamine before and after surgery experienced faster healing with less scarring of skin tissues than participants who did not take glucosamine.
Of course, dietary supplementation and diets are only half effective without exercise. There is no doubt that cellulite can be improved with exercise. Wayne Westcott Ph.D, director of research programs at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachussetts, produced workout routines that showed an appreciable decrease in cellulite. For 2 months, 16 slightly overweight women participated in 20 minutes of cardio, strength and flexibility exercises three times a week. At the end of 2 months, the women lost an average of 1 and 1/3 inches from their hips, and an average of 1 pound. All the women reported less cellulite on their lower bodies, a situation that was confirmed by ultrasound measurements.
For best results in reducing the cottage cheese look of cellulite, eat protein and take up a consistent exercise routine. This combination will
- raise your metabolism,
- build lean body tissue,
- firm the muscles under the skin, and
- keep the fatty deposits under control within the connective tissues.
For sources of amino acids to help build collagen and elastin in the skin, eat plenty of
- beans,
- whole grains,
- nuts,
- seeds,
- vegetables and fruits
A runner for 27 years, retired schoolteacher and writer, Mary Desaulniers is helping people reclaim their bodies. Nutrition, exercise, positive vision and purposeful engagement are the tools used to turn their bodies into creative selves. You can visit her at www.GreatBodyat50.com.
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