Cellulite busting machines – can they work?

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a machine that would give you a treatment that would instantly dissolve all your cellulite so that it disappeared and never came back? Yes, but dream on. But there is a machine in the USA that has actually been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that has looked at the evidence and says it works “for a temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite”. So, it may not be a miracle machine, but it must do something.

The machine has a hand held massager that gives a deep massage to the areas that are most badly affected by cellulite. Deep massage is known to help reduce cellulite as it tones the skin, improves blood circulation and it helps break up fat cells. The machine also emits light – laser light – that acts beneath the epidermis, the top layer of skin, acting directly on the layer of skin where the cellulite is. The manufacturers say that this also helps break up the bulges of fat that cause the typical orange peel skin of cellulite.

The first machine has now made it to the UK and people at a clinic in Chester have been able to get treatments since May 2009. It’s an anti cellulite technique that I haven’t tested out, so I can’t provide any personal recommendations, but the explanations of how it is supposed to work seem believable.

Cellulite massagers are available in many shapes and forms and I find that using a hand held massager with my favourite anti cellulite cream makes my skin feel great, helps tone up those flabby areas and I think it does get rid of cellulite – not completely maybe, but it’s a great improvement. You can do the massage yourself but it’s good to a partner to work on those hard to reach areas!

See you soon,

Jen x

Get wearing those bikinis!

Apparently, we women spend a fortune on bikinis when we’re planning to go on holiday, but then, when it comes to it, we daren’t wear them. Thousands of us have unworn bikinis languishing in drawers because of our worries about cellulite. We spent a fortune on them too, which is not very smart in the middle of a recession…

Cellulite develops on the buttocks, thighs and stomach (and sometimes arms and back) of most women. It starts just after puberty and how bad it gets generally depends on your genes – and how much body fat you have. Being overweight pushes out the cellulite and it looks more obvious.

But, if we all have cellulite, why are we so worried? It’s true that airbrushing in magazines is to blame for us thinking it is possible to be in our 40s and have a perfect, smooth body. But do we really believe it?

After ten years of having noticeable cellulite, even after losing weight after my children were born, I have not found the perfect solution. I no longer have a weight problem but I still have cellulite. I use plenty of strategies for reducing cellulite and keeping it under control as far as possible. I use an anti cellulite cream once a week, do plenty of walking and I eat a good, healthy diet. It never goes away, but just these simple measures can make you feel much better about your cellulite.

And did you realise, all of you out there with bikini’s lying lonely in drawers, that a tan can make cellulite much less noticeable? If you don’t want to bake for hours in the sun (which is a bad idea for the skin anyway) why not try a fake tan treatment for a few weeks before you go away. Then wear your bikini with pride. You don’t have to be a supermodel and you certainly don’t need to be free of cellulite to wear that bikini!

See you soon,

Jen x

Today at DietNext, we are pleased to feature a guest article by Linda O’Byrne, who has over 10 years experience in the dietary supplement industry and is an ISSA certified Specialist in Performance Nutrition. She has a thorough understanding and knowledge of the correct use of dietary supplements in active individuals, especially the female athlete. Linda has an extensive background in weight-bearing exercise systems and long-distance running. She is a regular contributor to Real SOLUTIONS online newsletter and is an avid long-distance runner.

Here is a question that she recently received from someone who has lost weight but is still troubled by cellulite – a common problem. Read on – her answer is fascinating.

Love,

Jen x

Q: Help! I’m getting closer to my goal weight, but the cellulite on my butt and legs doesn’t seem to be disappearing! Is there anything I can do to get rid of this awful-looking “cottage cheese”?

A: First of all, congratulations on getting ever closer to your “bikini body.” It sounds like it won’t be too long before you reach your goal physique!

Cellulite is often referred to as “cottage cheese” or “orange peel” mainly due to its appearance, which looks like dimples or ripples just under the skin. Often “dimples” are thought of as being cute… if only the same could be said of dreaded cellulite!

Predominantly women are affected by cellulite, although a small percentage of men are too. Cellulite is a problem encountered by many women—in fact, around 90% of women suffer from it, to some degree, on their thighs and buttocks. Even “picture-perfect” women you see in movies and magazines suffer from this unsightly “cottage cheese” effect, as you may have seen from magazines such as The Globe, which seem to take great pleasure in displaying particularly unflattering photos of stars who are caught unawares.

There are basically two types of cellulite. Hard cellulite often occurs in the bodies of dancers, runners, or athletes, and this is harder to get rid of as it attaches directly to the muscle tissue. However, this cellulite is often not as visible as soft cellulite. Soft cellulite occurs in larger areas of the body and often “sags” from the body as it’s not as readily attached to the muscle.

The Cause of Cellulite?

Cellulite is a kind of fat tissue just below the surface of the skin. This layer of skin contains bands of connecting tissue that have many fat cells and is surrounded by a liquid that nourishes it and provides an effective waste system. The waste products should be removed, however, because when toxins are trapped in the skin, this connective tissue thickens and gives the dimpling effect of cellulite. This layer also thickens as we age, which can produce the rippling effect of cellulite too.

There is a difference between cellulite and fat, though, in that fat insulates the body and cushions the organs, nerves, and muscles. Cellulite, on the other hand, provides no padding and only occurs in certain areas on the body, such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and breasts.

Cellulite is not necessarily a factor of bodyweight. You don’t have to be overweight to have cellulite. Though diet and lifestyle affect cellulite formation, a large part of cellulite is comprised of toxins and fat that build up in the body and can affect women of any size, weight, and body structure.

Usually, cellulite can be attributed to a combination of factors and isn’t usually caused by just one. Below are the most common:

• Genetics: does your mother or grandmother suffer from this condition?
• Lack of exercise: by following a strength training and cardiovascular program, you’ll be able to lower your bodyfat as well as increase muscle tone, both of which can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Diet: poor eating habits (including the excess consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods) can contribute to the formation of cellulite because the toxins they produce get trapped in the fatty tissue.
• Insufficient water intake: water helps flush excess toxins from the body. Aim for at least 12 cups of water per day.
• Birth control pill: this is because the body’s waste system can’t get rid of the enormous flow of estrogen in the body.
• Smoking: you don’t need me to tell you the evils of smoking, but perhaps you didn’t know it can also contribute to cellulite formation. Smoking can weaken the skin due to the constriction of capillaries and damage the connective tissue that causes the dimpling effect of cellulite.
• Stress: stress can cause muscles to seize up with tension while also causing the connective tissue that covers that muscle to seize up. Tension also blocks the tissue, preventing proper waste elimination and purification.

Now you know how it’s caused and what it is…

But can you get rid of it?

The only surefire way of reducing the appearance of cellulite is through consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of water to flush out the toxins.

Don’t just rely on long, “slow-and-go” types of cardiovascular exercise alone to get rid of the cellulite. You’ll have to incorporate some strength training into your workouts too to increase the muscle tone and also decrease bodyfat. Many women want to reduce bodyfat but also firm up their problem areas—becoming leaner and firmer—weight-training will defiantly help to re-shape your body by adding nice, lean, toned muscle tissue to the places you want to firm up.

A program that targets the lower body may be ideal for you. For instance, you could do lower body strength training twice per week but incorporate different exercises on both days.

Great exercises for glutes and thighs include:

1.  Hamstring curls (on a machine or with a Swiss Ball)
2. Step-ups onto a flat exercise bench
3. Lunges—you can do a variety of lunges, such as walking lunges, stationary lunges, and split squats
4. Squats (barbell or on a Smith Machine)
5. Stiff-legged deadlifts (with dumbbells)
6. Hyperextensions

Aim for 15 to 20 reps on each exercise, and do three different exercises on each of your lower body days.

With regards to diet, losing weight won’t eliminate all cellulite, so don’t try to crash diet. This will cause your body to hold onto the fat and may even worsen the appearance of the cellulite. Aim for a healthy, low-fat lifestyle that incorporates plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, and some essential fats. And be sure to limit “saturated” fats.

Do the creams, potions, and treatments work for reducing cellulite?
Alleged “anti-cellulite” products include loofah sponges; cactus fibers; special washcloths; horsehair mitts; creams and gels to “dissolve” cellulite; supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and/or herbs; bath liquids, massagers, rubberized pants; exercise books; brushes; rollers; body wraps; and toning lotions. Many salons offer treatment with electrical muscle stimulation, vibrating machines, inflatable hip-high pressurized boots, “hormone” or “enzyme” injections, heating pads, and massage. I won’t go through all these (especially the rubberized pants!), but let’s touch on some of the more popular “solutions.”

Cellulite creams and gels form the bulk of all cellulite treatments offered

Some of the newer “body lift” creams such as Christian Dior’s Svelte Perfect and Nivea’s Body Skin Firming Lotion are all over the women’s magazines. In fact, though, these are merely temporary solutions at best that work by plumping up the skin, giving it a sleeker appearance.

Endermologie treatments can be carried out at most day spas

This is the first FDA-approved non-surgical cellulite treatment. This French machine kneads and massages the skin to release cellulite-forming toxins and increase circulation. Sessions run about $100 each, and it usually takes 10 to 15 sessions to see results. After that, it’s recommended you have monthly maintenance sessions. Again, it’s a temporary effect that you’d have to carry on with to continue to see results.

Body wraps are another popular treatment in day spas

These treatments claim to be able to reduce inches off the waist, hips, thighs, and other areas of the body. Generally these facilities apply a special cream or lotion and then tightly wrap your body—often you’re subjected to a heated sauna in your “mummified” state! Wraps do work to reduce some inches off the body; however, it’s just temporary water weight, which is fine for a special event or night out, but it definitely doesn’t reduce bodyfat levels. Losing the fat can only be done through a combination of diet and exercise.

Herbal supplements available in health-food stores

Supplements such as borage oil, grapeseed extract, and Ginkgo biloba are believed to improve circulation, stimulate fat metabolism, and reduce localized fat storage. These haven’t been clinically proven to work on cellulite, though, and a clinical study carried out in November 1999 on a popular herbal cellulite remedy showed no effect on cellulite or bodyfat levels. (Lis Balchin, M., “Parallel Placebo Controlled Clinical Study of a Mixture of Herbs Sold as a Remedy for Cellulite,” Phtyother Res 13.7 (1999 Nov) : 627-9.)

Some of the above treatments may help smooth your skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, but you’ll get much better results by doing some of the strength training aimed at your particular trouble spots and taking another look at your nutrition to see if there’s anything that can be eliminated, such as caffeine.

3 things you can do that will have the most impact on the appearance of the cellulite:

• Drink plenty of water to flush toxins out of your body
• Follow a strength training program, concentrating on lower body movements, such as squats, step-ups, and lunges
• Apply a self tanner—this instantly brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite.
• Finally, try not to stress too much, as, believe it or not, over 90% of all women in the world suffer from one form or another of cellulite—even those with bodies most of us would die for!

Another guest article for you to enjoy – this one is really interesting – all about stars cellulite. Do they have the same problems as the rest of us? Or do they just get the best cellulite treatments. Read to find out,

Love

Jen x

It’s of no surprise that there are numerous Hollywood stars with cellulite problems. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood have had, and still do have, cellulite deposits on their body.

Which stars have cellulite? Truth be told, we don’t know. Why don’t we know? Because stars with cellulite take care of the problem before it can become world news. They don’t complain that they are “cursed” and whine about their problem day-in and day-out. Instead, they take the appropriate steps to remove cellulite from their bodies for good. What steps do these big-name stars take to get rid of cellulite? Well, you’re about to find out.

Common Misconceptions About Why There Aren’t Many Stars With Cellulite…

They spend a fortune on expensive remedies and cosmetic surgery.

False! Although they have plenty of money to take care of the problem through expensive remedies and cosmetic surgery, most big name Hollywood stars take care of cellulite through natural means. Why? Because natural remedies for cellulite don’t involve needles, injections, cutting, scraping, or anything painful or invasive. The remedies are simple to do and can be done at home without arising any suspicion that the person is plagued by cellulite.

They have their personal trainer whip them into shape.

False! Although many stars with cellulite have personal trainers that are at their every beck & call, they do not need them for cellulite removal methods. Why? Because cellulite isn’t normal fat that can be eliminated by doing rigorous exercise and weight training. Those activities may help to some degree, but they won’t eliminate the problem entirely.

They simply cover up their cellulite affected areas with make-up and high-priced cosmetics.

False! Make-up and cheap cosmetic products will only work at a glance; meaning if anyone gets a closer look, the jig will be up. These sort of topical lotions and creams may be good for a quick fix, but they are hardly a way to get rid of cellulite for good. Hollywood stars know this to be true, which is why they don’t resort to such cheap ploys.

Natural Cellulite Removal Techniques That Stars With Cellulite Commonly Use

Diet: A few simple changes in the diet can go a long way towards cellulite reduction. By eating less junk food, saturated fats, and processed foods, you will be able to cut back on the toxin & calorie intake that cellulite so greatly adores. Switch out those foods with healthier, more natural foods — such as fish & fish oils, fruits and vegetables (raw or steamed), beans & peas, low fat yogurt, lean cuts of meat, nuts, vegetable juice, etc. — and you will be able to stop cellulite accumulation in it’s tracks.

Creams: These anti-cellulite lotions are not to be confused with cheap cosmetics, as they are two completely different products. Creams made with natural, cellulite fighting ingredients can penetrate deep into the skin and attack cellulite head-on. Not only can they work to improve skin quality, but they can ensure that the skin is never affected by cellulite again.

Exercise: A bit of light exercise (20-25 minutes a day, 3-4 times per week) is all you need to increase circulation, blood flow, and muscle mass. With these 3 things increased, areas of the body become less stagnant and cellulite is slowly melted away as a result. Good exercises: running, jogging, brisk walking, swimming, biking, hiking, etc.

All of the stars with cellulite share a common goal; to be rid of cellulite as quickly and as easily as possible. By using some of the methods they use, you too can achieve that shame goal!

Sell-out for cellulite knickers

We all know just how useful modern support knickers are. Worn under that perfect dress they smooth out all the bulges and bumps that come with age and cellulite. But they aren’t very sexy when your clothes are off, are they?

So, why are women flocking to stores in Europe to buy up the latest cellulite knickers like they are made of gold? Probably because the latest designs seem to be worth more than their weight in gold. I have tried these cellulite knickers, having grabbed a pair back in April. The Scala Bio-Fir Anti Cellulite knickers are total innovation. They cover the body from just under the boob line down to mid thigh. Great for that smoothing effect.

But, if you wear them for six hours for 30 days – just a month – they seem to act to actually reduce cellulite so you actually look better with your clothes off as well. Too good to be true, I hear you scoff. But it does seem to work. I certainly noticed a difference. I also felt slimmer and more toned and they cellulite on my thighs seemed a lot less obvious. I wore shorts on holiday without worrying so much!

The fibre that is used to make the knickers squeezes your tissues to smooth the dimpled orange peel skin that is typical of cellulite. They feel tight when you first put them on but then it feels like wearing a body glove. The material also contains biocystrals. Apparently, they get warm when you wear the knickers and this is claimed to get your skin metabolising fat at a higher rate. The cellulite just melts away… Well, perhaps not quite that dramatically, but there must be something in it. I admit they do get a bit hot on the warmer days in summer but to get rid of cellulite, it’s well worth ‘glowing’ a bit.

At just £25 a pair, these knickers sell like hot cakes. When are you getting yours?

See you soon,

Jen x

Which foods reduce cellulite and which foods make cellulite worse?

Whatever other sites and magazines may claim, there aren’t specific foods that either cause cellulite or get rid of cellulite. But what we eat does make a difference. Eating a diet that is high in fats, sugars and processed foods is low in vitamins and minerals and it tends to make us pile on the pounds. Our bodies are starved of essential nutrients while swamped with empty calories.

Being overweight and not having vital vitamins and minerals to help the body deal with toxins and free radicals makes cellulite much worse and more obvious. Drinking a lot of coffee is also bad news. Coffee is a stimulant to the brain but doesn’t do much for the circulation, which can get sluggish in the fatty areas of the buttocks and thighs. Poor circulation leads to worse cellulite.

Alcohol and smoking are bad news for health in many ways but both also make cellulite more of a problem. You only have to look at some of the young celebrities who smoke, drink and generally have a ‘party ‘ lifestyle. Some have obvious cellulite even now, in their 20s.

So, if you want to avoid cellulite or reduce cellulite, how can diet help? Dieting is generally good as losing weight promotes fat loss, particularly if a healthy weight reducing diet is combined with exercise. This gets the circulation going in the skin and tones up the muscles underneath the cellulite, so the appearance of the bum, tum and thighs improves. Of course, crash diets and fad diets aren’t the way to go. What you really need is a sustainable lifestyle change. You need to re-educate your mind and your body to eat foods that provide nutrients and the energy you need – but forget the empty calories packaged as treats. They’re not treats – they’re just bad news.

See you soon,

Jen x

Feel like you are getting nowhere… read on…

When I had my second child, now a strapping 13-year old, I had put on nearly 3 stones in weight – that’s over 40 pounds. Did I feel huge!

With a small baby to take care of, you can’t really trip along to the gym everyday and spend a lot of time preparing nutritious, low calorie meals! So losing baby weight can be particularly difficult. I did learn two important things from that time – to eat more slowly and to take extra exercise whenever I could.

One thing I invested in was a stepper – just a few pounds – and put it a safe place in the living area, away from cooking and trouble. I found it relatively easy to do 10 minutes of stepping three times a day – making a total of 30 minutes. It fitted into my routine really well.

I also ate a lot of fruit – and whole foods such as brown rice, wholemeal pasta and wholemeal bread. Bolstered up with fresh chicken and fish, this gave me the basis of a diet I could maintain when the demands on my time were so great.

Of course, the cellulite was a real problem. Cellulite increases during pregnancy because of the hormones that your body produces. With the extra weight that I had gained, my hips and thighs looked terrible! But, don’t despair. The low fat, high fibre, high whole food and fruit and vegetable diet that is ideal for weight loss is also a very good anti celluite diet. Having less weight around helps, but this sort of eating plan is also good for reducing water retention and keeping toxins and free radicals to a very low level in body tissue.

I was also lucky enough to have an understanding partner and a  mother who babysat for me twice a week and I was able to go swimming at the local pool three or four times a week. That is such good exercise for toning the muscles, burning fat and getting rid of cellulite. Its also such a great stress reliever – it takes you right away from your everyday routine and allows you to really relax.

I really must do more these days – but now the babe can swim better than I can!

Love

Jen x

Don’t think thin!

When you are dieting and watching your weight, your main focus should never be to become thin. That will only lead to a really negative body image and you will see yourself as a failure. It is also dangerous as it can lead to eating disorders and depression.

 You need to keep in mind a good mental picture of you at a healthy weight, looking and feeling great. Don’t get too hung up on ‘being thin’. Stick thin is not attractive anyway.

Instead, try to eat in such a way that you’ll lose weight naturally. You can do this by planning your meals to include health and nutritious foods. The first thing to do is to make sure that you get enough fruit and vegetables in your diet, preferably at least 5 portions of one or the other each day. Second, reduce the number of fatty and high calorie foods you eat  – they won’t fill you up and you will be taking in more energy that you use. Third, drink lots nad lots and lots of water but not too much alcohol! Alcohol is packed with calories and it is also very dehydrating.

As silly as it sounds, talking to other people, sharing in their experiences and learning from their mistakes can help motivate you. Its a technique that is used to stay on target  in many areas of life, so why not do the same with dieting? Groups such as Weightwatchers offer great forums for people to come together and help one another whilst benefiting themselves as well by picking up on information from their fellow dieters. These organized groups can also offer fantastic sets of diets and controlled calorie foods to help you understand your body. They will help you to see eating healthily and doing more exercise as a normal part of your life after the initial changes have been made. That is why these groups often market themselves as weight management groups rather than purely dieting groups. The idea is to bring about a change in the way you think about food – so that you can make changes that will help you throughout life.

Each of these goals can be more easily achieved if you work with groups who can support you and offer you advice to achieve your goals! Why not look for a local group today? People do tend to lose weight more quickly when they have support.

 And come back to Diet Next to keep on track – we have plenty of diet tips and advice and its a fun site to explore,

Best

Jen x

Why not join a weight loss group?

When we try and make changes in our lives by ourselves they tend to be really really hard to maintain. But, when we have a few people around us who are there to support, motivate and inspire us, the task becomes easier.

Weight loss groups can offer great support when you are trying to lose weight and get rid of cellulite. Sharing your problem with other, sympathetic people gives you the support that comes from others investing in your need to lose weight. They can also help  by providing you with materials nad advice to show you to lose weight and manage your diet over time. Be strong -  you can make a continuing, positive, change to your life.

Some groups even have their own diet products and foods that can be a really useful part of your dieting program. But, as with anything, it’s about finding something that will work for you and that you feel comfortable with. When you do find a weight loss or exercise group that suits you, you’ll be able to stay with for a long period of time. This is what you have to do if your diet is to be successful – there are no quick fixes for weight loss and cellulite control.

Its a good idea to look at the classes, groups and programs offered in your local area. Meeting regularly will help adjust your attitude to food and eating in general and will allow you to achieve regular and sustained weight loss.

Eating healthy meals each day, without over-eating or breaking the rules isn’t easy but it is what you need if you want to achieve your goals. It’s so easy to be tempted by high fat and high calorie foods – who can resist chocolate. Not many of us and certainly not me!

But if you can avoid these foods, which contain a lot of sugar and fat but nothing really of nutritional value like vitamins and minerals, you will start to feel and look better and this will form an important part of your weight loss and anti cellulite campaign.  So, eat plenty of fruit – oranges, apples and pears are all great foods to eat when you get a craving and they fill you up. They also provide you with vitamins and minerals you need without the fat and calories. Fruit can also help keep your blood sugar very well balanced as they have a high glycaemic index – they release their sugars into your bloodstream slowly, rather than in a rush. You will feel you can carry on for longer between meals if you have a high value fruit snack mid afternoon and mid morning.

Dn’t forget that another aspect of being healthy is certainly exercise. Walking for 30 minutes a day for five days a week can make a massive difference and if you keep the focus on being healthy, you’ll find the regular walking you make far easier to maintain and far more enjoyable too! Swiming is another great way to exercise and burn off those calories, toning up your body in the process.

Most weight loss support groups will encourage you to be more active – some even hold their own exercise classes. Give it a try soon – you really won’t regret it.

Love,

Jen x

Crash diets – are they worth it?

So, you’ve tried crash dieting and lost a lot of weight very quickly. But are you now realising that you can’t keep this up? You need to find something else quick to help you keep your weight down in the long term – before you turn to food to make you feel  better!

We’ve all been there. Now that I have conquered my own battle with excess weight I want to pass on all the tips I have ever learned. I’ll also let you into my secret – sign up today for my free newsletters delivered direct to your inbox! You also get the free cellulite report to…

One thing I didn’t realize at first is that Iwas drinking ‘full fat’ soft drinks. I thought that this was better as I had cut out all beer and wine, known to be full of empty calories. But my soft drinks almost gave me as many calories!

So, I switched to flavoured mineral waters – or mineral water with some low calories squash or cordial. There are some really exiting flavours around and you don’t feel you are missing out – and you don’t miss the calories at all!

Remember that if you are going to have a snack, have a healthy one. Choose some fruit (watch your portion size though… 8 grapes is plenty, not the whole bunch!

Which brings me on to portion control – we have a whole article portion control – don’t leave it to your own judgement to measure out the right sized portions at first. Weigh and measure so that you can see the size of portion you should be eating. You may be surprised at how big your idea of a portion actually is!

And, one of the most important diet tips – drink lots of water. This helps keep you hydrated, helps you feel alert and able to concentrate and it flushes all the toxins out of your system. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day (4 pints). And make sure its just water – all other drinks should be extra…

Love

Jen x