Introduction
Cellulite is a common problem that affects many people, especially women. It is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to reducing cellulite, there are certain foods and drinks that may be contributing to its appearance. In this article, we will discuss six foods and drinks that may be giving you cellulite and how to reduce their impact. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
6 Foods & Drinks That May Be Giving You Cellulite
Cellulite is a common problem that affects many people, especially women. While there is no one definitive cause of cellulite, there are certain foods and drinks that can contribute to its formation. Here are 6 foods and drinks that may be giving you cellulite.
1. Refined Sugars
Refined sugars, such as those found in candy, cakes, and other processed foods, can contribute to cellulite formation. These sugars can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to the formation of cellulite. It is best to avoid these types of foods and opt for natural, unrefined sugars instead.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol can also contribute to cellulite formation. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins can then be stored in fat cells, leading to the formation of cellulite.
3. Processed Meats
Processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausage, are high in saturated fat and sodium. These can contribute to inflammation in the body, which can lead to the formation of cellulite.
4. Trans Fats
Trans fats, which are found in many processed foods, can also contribute to cellulite formation. Trans fats can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to the formation of cellulite.
5. Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, and pasta, can also contribute to cellulite formation. These foods can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to the formation of cellulite.
6. Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and energy drinks, can also contribute to cellulite formation. Caffeine can cause dehydration, which can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins can then be stored in fat cells, leading to the formation of cellulite.
Dimples on either side of your smile are a desirable trait—dimples on your bum or thighs, not so much. Cellulite—the dimpling fat that tends to accumulate on the belly, legs, and bottom—can be the bane of swimsuit season for many women. In fact, 80–90% of adult women have this type of fat on their bodies, according to the Cleveland Clinic. (Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic notes that less than 10% of men reportedly experience cellulite.) But why does this happen, and are there any particular foods and drinks that are more prone to give you cellulite?
Unlike other types of fat, cellulite pushes against the connective tissue in your skin, creating a signature dimply, puckered look. Though medical science has yet to reveal all the causes for cellulite, experts believe that hormones and genetics play a major role in its development. Also, the more body fat you carry on your frame, the more prominently you may notice the “cottage cheese” appearance of cellulite. (Although, lean people can experience it, too.) Fortunately, cellulite isn’t dangerous to your health—but it’s not terribly attractive, either.
Scan the internet for cellulite “cures,” and you’ll quickly amass a wealth of supplements, creams, laser treatments, and injections. The FDA has even approved a handful of cellulite treatments. Unfortunately, there is still no proven way to completely eliminate the dimply fat. The most effective (and least expensive) solution for reducing cellulite likely lies in a combination of diet, exercise, and weight loss.
Though research is limited on the interplay between diet and cellulite, certain foods and drinks are likely culprits. Some evidence points to foods and beverages high in fat, refined carbs, and sodium as the top offenders. Here are six foods and drinks that might increase your odds of developing the unsightly cellulite fat.
Some researchers have theorized that insulin resistance could be a contributing factor to the development of cellulite. It’s well known that vascular damage often occurs in people with diabetes, and since cellulite may be partly a vascular condition, blood sugar issues could prompt the fat to press against the skin on your belly and rear.
One clear offender when it comes to blood sugar: regular soda. Loaded with high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners, it won’t do your blood glucose any favors. A 2016 study in Circulation directly linked sugar-sweetened beverages like soda to an increase in belly fat.
A high-fat diet doesn’t just add calories that contribute to weight gain—it could also make you prone to unsightly cellulite. Full-fat dairy foods like ice cream are an ample source of both calories and saturated fats.
Again, the dietary fat-cellulite connection may have to do with the pressure your blood vessels exert on overlying fat. According to a 2009 study, a single high-fat meal impaired vascular function! Overdoing it on ice cream and other high-fat dairy treats could create extra pressure in your blood vessels, leading to more prominent appearance of cellulite.
It might not always taste salty, but bread is a sneaky source of sodium, too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breads and rolls are among the top 10 sources of sodium in the American diet. And if you choose white bread, all that sodium gets a cellulite-promoting partner in crime: refined carbs.
Eating a diet high in these simple processed carbs has been linked to a higher likelihood of obesity because of their effects on insulin. To minimize the chances of weight gain and cellulite, whole wheat bread makes a better choice.
Another top sodium source, canned soup can supply a huge percentage of your Daily Value in a single serving. Retained fluid from too much sodium could make cellulite look worse—so check soup labels carefully!
They may be delicious, but pastries like cakes, donuts, and danishes harbor the trifecta of not-great nutrients for cellulite: fat, refined carbs, and sodium. Of course, the occasional apple fritter won’t immediately make your belly dimple up, but making these treats a habit could have consequences for cellulite.
It’s no surprise that pizza isn’t a friend to your efforts to lose body fat of any kind, cellulite or otherwise. But not only do frozen and restaurant-delivered pizzas contain high levels of calories and saturated fat, they also serve up sodium galore. Mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and cured meats like pepperoni and sausage can create an epic salt storm.
You probably know that sodium causes your body to retain fluid. And as fluid builds up in your blood vessels, it could push on cellulite fat cells, making them more noticeable. For a healthier choice, try DIYing your own pizza with reduced-sodium red sauce and veggie toppings.
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Sarah Garone, NDTR