Chunky but not lumpy - how to get cellulite free thighs!

Most woman have cellulite more or less, and unfortunately we simple can’t embrace the dimply skin on the back of our thighs. And guess what, we don’t have to!

Yinka Thomas, a UK registered nutritionist, who has spent ten years researching the causes of cellulite, claims the dimpling of the skin is formed when fatty tissue is invaded by toxins which are created by acid in our system.

She explains: ‘We're constantly told by GPs that cellulite is a genetic problem, but this isn't true. It's a problem of lifestyle. We women are subjected to more toxins then ever before - in the food we eat, the air we breathe, even the creams we put on our skin.

‘These acids are too toxic for our body to deal with so our system converts them into salts and stores them in fat cells in areas like our bottoms and the tops of our legs’.

'Poor circulation weakens lymphatic vessels, so the fatty tissue is flooded with fluid and toxins. The enlarged fat cells then weaken the connective tissue which is responsible for joining our surface skin to deeper muscle within”.

Sounds dramatic, but fortunately this is reversible!

So lets get our thighs in shape for summer, the paleo way!

Follow these simple steps for at least 4 weeks to see results,

and say goodbye to the unsightly lumps forever.

There are three main elements to the programme. diet, massage and exercise.

Step 1 DIET

Researchers believe that acid build up is one of the problems causing cellulite.

This needs to be tackled from the inside out.

Some of the most acidic causing foods are sugars, alcohol and processed white flours.

Eating organic where possible will support the process of eliminating acidic chemicals.

The chart bellow shows which foods are more acidic and which are alkalising.

image credit:http://www.healthyfoodteam.com/

Throughout your detox you will need to focus on eating alkalising foods.

Foods you can indulge on

Asparagus

Broccoli

Chilli

Capsicum/Pepper

Courgette/Zucchini

Snow peas

Green Beans

Spinach

Kale

Kelp

Collards

Chives

Chard

Cabbage

Sweet Potato

Coriander

Basil

Brussels Sprouts

Cauliflower

Carrot

Beetroot

Eggplant/Aubergine

Garlic

Onion

Parsley

Celery

Cucumber

Watercress

Lettuce

Pumpkin

Radish

Avocado

Tomato

Lemon

Grapefruit

Fresh Coconut

Chia seeds

Almonds

Flax Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds

Avocado Oil

Coconut Oil

Flax Oil

Olive Oil

White fish

foods to avoid

any foods high in sugar. This included fruit like apples, bananas etc.

Limit eggs, poultry and red meats.

Stay clear processed foods, soy products, any sweeteners, alcohol and grains - which, if you follow a paleo diet isn't on your menu anyway.

Other foods to avoid for a while are nuts, coffee, tea (except herbal) and mushrooms. You can reintroduce these foods after 6 weeks, but make sure you still eat plenty of alkalising foods to minimise the effects.

Step 2 EXERCISE

Daily sitting causes stagnation in our legs, this in turn supports the formation of cellulite.

Your best defence is movement. Walking uphill is a great cellulite killer. incorporate this into your day (you can read more about how many steps should we walk per day here).

If you want to jazz it up a bit - Aqua walking is a great way to increase resitance - try have some fun with it next time you go to the beach.

Rebounding

Yinka has discovered that exercising on a mini trampoline - a technique known as 'rebounding', which is popular in the U.S. - is the only way to strengthen ligaments, tendons and connective tissue to improve cellulite as well as toning muscles.

This video from ChrisBeatCancer is a great demo!

Any other form of exercise is great too, as this will support your muscle toning, as well as shed excess weight.

STEP 3 MASSAGE & DETOX BATHS

Dry skin brushing stimulates the body's circulation and lymphatic system so that it can cleanse itself of the toxins which cause cellulite.

Get yourself a natural bristle bath brush. You can purchase one here

1. When your skin is dry, preferably first thing in the morning or before you take a shower on bare skin. Use a long handled bristle brush.

2. Brush the bottom of each foot then continue lightly, yet vigorously up one leg to the hips.

3. Switch legs and brush up to the other hip. Always brush towards the heart. Never towards the feet.

You don't need to press hard, just enough to stimulate the skin.

The detox Bath

According to Yinka, soaking in water softened with alkaline bath salts three times a week helps to draw out toxins. Acids are responsible for causing the toxicity which leads to cellulite. Bathing is the most effective way to expel them.

Yinka says: 'The skin has a natural pH level of 5.5, which counts as neutral. Adding a high alkali content to the water makes the body try to regain its balance, so it draws acids to the surface in an attempt to neutralise the alkali.

You need:

2 Cups Epsom salts (over 100 lbs) or 1 Cup (under 100 lbs)

1 Gallon of cool water with ice and lemon (lemon aids detoxification)

Bowl of ice water and washcloth

2 Cups Baking Soda (makes the water alkaline, draws out acidic toxins)

3-4 drops of your favourite essential oil

How:

Shower and wash thoroughly before taking a detox bath. Dissolve Epsom salts and baking soda in a hot tub. If using essential oils, add them to the running water as your tub fills.

Run the bath as hot as is comfortable, keeping in mind the above caution. If this is your first detox bath, only stay in for a short amount of time (probably no more than 20 minutes, but this entirely depends on how you feel).

A recommended length of time is 40 minutes, but longer or shorter baths are still effective.

Repeat 1-2 times a week.

try and adapt your lifestyle to as many of the above tips, and you will see results fast.

Every little change counts!

#dailysupport #beauty #paleoinfo