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How to Beat
Cellulite and Look Like Daisy Duke
By Monica Ciociola
From
BODi Fitness & Health
 We've all
read about the extraordinary measures celebrities go through to wipe out every
molecule of cellulite from their bodies. Remember how pop star Jessica Simpson
followed an aggressive exercise and diet plan to be able to wear Daisy Duke's
signature shorts in the Dukes of Hazzard movie? Her fitness regimen
included two hours a day of intense squats and lunges with her personal
trainer, and her diet plan required that she cut out all sugar except fruit.
But you don't have to have your own reality show to banish cellulite forever,
and here's a simple and affordable diet and exercise plan that proves it.
There is mounting evidence
that foods that break down fat, slow down the breakdown of collagen, and
improve circulation and blood flow help to combat the appearance of
cellulite.1 Just as Jessica cut out sugar, you'll want to cut back,
too. Plus, add these foods to your diet and watch those unsightly lumps and
bumps fade away:
- Whole grains, fruits,
beans, and vegetables contain key nutrients and phytochemicals that burn
fat and help reduce cellulite. But, as we keep saying, try to cut back on bad,
refined carbs like white bread, cookies, and
 muffins.
- Coffee, tea, and
cocoa are high in caffeine and can also help burn fat.
- Celery, onions,
eggplant, asparagus, and watermelon are natural diuretics and will help
reduce fluid buildup. Stay away from foods high in sodium, which have the
opposite effect.
- Water (and lots of
it!) helps eliminate waste and toxins from your body and maintain normal
blood pressure and blood flow.
 Salmon and other
fatty fish have omega-3 fats that expand blood vessels to improve
circulation and blood flow.
- Red wine, red grape
juice, and red grape skins block the function of two enzymes that break
down collagen, which is believed to prevent the production of
cellulite.2
 Just adding red wine to your diet won't do the trick
(regardless of what those banner ads tell you!) unless you also follow an
effective workout program. As mentioned, Jessica followed an intense program of
squats and lunges with her personal trainer—a luxury most of us can't
afford. Instead we'll need to learn the right moves, or even better, follow an
effective in-home fitness program along with online trainer support. Here's
what you need to know . . .
 How to do the perfect lunge. Stand up straight, with
your abs lifted, arms hanging by your sides, and your feet together. Inhale,
and take a large step forward with your right leg, keeping your arms by your
sides. Bend both knees so your right knee is directly over your right ankle and
your right thigh is parallel to the floor. Hold for two seconds and then exhale
as you straighten both legs. Repeat this motion with the left leg forward. Make
sure to keep your body weight centered. Special Tip: If you're having
trouble, use a chair for support.
 How to do the perfect squat. Stand up
straight, with your abs tight and your feet at hip width. You can clasp your
hands in front of you or let your arms hang straight down. Inhale and bend your
knees as if you were going to sit back in a chair, lowering down until your
thighs are nearly parallel to the floor. Pause at the bottom of the motion,
then exhale as you slowly stand up. Special Tip: If you're having
trouble, start by sitting in a chair and standing back up, using your hands to
help you.
1,2 Kleiner, Susan
M., PhD, RD, FACN, CNS. The Ultimate Anti-Cellulite Diet. Fitness RX.
October 2005. |
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