10 Cellulite Busting Foods for Healthy Living

by Alex Timion

It’s totally normal to feel self-conscious about the little dimples you might have on your backside. I always preach self-love, but these troublesome areas can be frustrating. Some women have more of it than others, and some have virtually none at all. 

So, let’s break it down. What actually is cellulite? Cellulite, also known as adiposis edematosa, simply refers to the fatty deposits under your skin that push against connective tissue. The causes can range from hormonal changes, poor diet, lifestyle choices, age, and/or genetic predisposition.

Of course, you are your own worst critic, but there are some natural ways to heal through food and lessen the appearance and growth of cellulite on the body. Here are 10 cellulite reducing foods to consider adding to your diet.

1.  ORANGES AND LEMONS

The vitamin C powerhouse that boosts collagen production. Collagen is used to make the connective tissue in skin, tendons, and ligaments, helping to play a role in smooth skin. Lemons are also great for flushing out toxins from the liver that could be contributing to cellulite.

2.  BELL PEPPERS

Bell peppers are also a major source of vitamin C. Bell peppers are best when eaten raw to reduce the appearance of cellulite and provide one and half times your needed recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C. Now we’ve just told you that vitamin C is good for cellulite.

3.  AVOCADO

High in healthy fats and fiber, avocados provide a high level of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). These help to keep the skin strong, soft and stretchy.

4. FLAX SEEDS

Flaxseeds are a great plant-based source of omega 3s fatty acids, and also contain lignans, a type of phytoestrogen proven to balance estrogen levels, which plays a significant role in the development of cellulite.

5. ASPARAGUS

Asparagus has an abundance of anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce bloating while remaining low in calories, and is great for flushing out toxins that can lead to cellulite, by stimulating blood circulation.

6. BROCCOLI

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in plant nutrients that help boost metabolism and detoxify. For added benefits, eat it raw.

7. LEAFY GREENS (KALE, SPINACH)

Kale and spinach are also high in vitamin C and a low-calorie vegetable, making them great for preventing unwanted fat deposits. Broccoli also contains magnesium, which helps to keep your skin looking young and a healthy digestive tract. 

8. FATTY FISH (SALMON, TUNA)

Salmon and tuna are a great source of essential omega-3 fats. These healthy fats improve the fluidity and stability of your body’s cell membranes, so they won’t degrade and go dimply. Choose wild over farmed for a richer fat source and steam rather than fry to preserve the benefits of these cellulite reducing foods.

9. BANANA

Bananas are a great energy source and are high in minerals like zinc which is great for skin health. Banana’s are also known for boosting blood flow because of the potassium they contain, which can also help prevent cellulite..

10. RAW NUTS

Nuts are great and provide essential fatty acids, and a diet staple to lessen the appearance of cellulite. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the health of the skin cell membrane, which not only blocks harmful compounds like toxic chemicals but also holds in healthy elements to make your skin look softer, fuller and wrinkle-free.

 

One of my favorite recipes that is delicious, nutrient-dense, and has a few cellulite reducing ingredients!

MINT CHIP GREENS SMOOTHIE

  • 1 scoop chocolate vegan protein
  • Handful of spinach
  • ¼ avocado
  • ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract
  • 1 tablespoon of flax seeds
  • ¾ cup of water
  • Handful of ice

 

——————-

Author Bio:

Alex Timion is a Holistic Health Coach that believes in a healthy lifestyle that is attainable and approachable. The driving force to her health and wellness journey dates back to college where she witnessed her mom’s battle with cancer and the foods, medicines, and treatment plans she was placed on. Nothing was healthy, it was full of added sugars, hard to pronounce ingredients and more. Since then, Alex has had a passion to change the conversation and promote the mentality of food as medicine. Using real, nutrient dense foods to fuel your body and heal holistically.

Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Sakara’s best-selling Metabolism Super Powder revs up your metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar, eliminates bloat and decreases puffiness. It is a powerful partner to a plant-rich diet for metabolic slowdown caused by age, diet, and stress. The naturally rich, low-sugar chocolate flavor is perfect for smoothies or simply mixed with coconut water or nut mylk. But there’s more flexibility to be found. Whip up the following recipe in your kitchen to enjoy delicious dishes while banishing bloat, improving mental clarity, and creating sustained energy.

To learn more about Sakara check out our Q&A with their founders Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle.

Recipe: Cacao-Chia Pudding

Ingredients: 

  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
  • ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 packet Metabolism Super Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt or fleur de sal
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup, or to taste
  •  1-2 drops (about a scant 1/8 tsp) vanilla extract – careful, a little goes a long way!
  • Large handful of raspberries, chopped to sprinkle on top
  • 1-2 tablespoons of cacao nibs, to sprinkle on top

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, almond milk, Metabolism Super Powder, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, until the Metabolism Super Powder is fully incorporated.

2. Add in chia seeds, and let sit at room temperature, stirring every minute for 5-10 minutes.

3. To eat immediately, top with chopped raspberries and cacao nibs, or transfer into a covered container and refrigerate overnight, topping with raspberries and cacao nibs to serve.

Sakara’s best-selling Metabolism Super Powder revs up your metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar, eliminates bloat and decreases puffiness. It is a powerful partner to a plant-rich diet for metabolic slowdown caused by age, diet, and stress. The naturally rich, low-sugar chocolate flavor is perfect for smoothies or simply mixed with coconut water or nut mylk. But there’s more flexibility to be found. Whip up the following recipe in your kitchen to enjoy delicious dishes while banishing bloat, improving mental clarity, and creating sustained energy.

To learn more about Sakara check out our Q&A with their founders Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle.

Recipe: Coconut Cacao Crunch Parfait

Ingredients:

For the coconut yogurt layer:

  • 1/2 cup plain coconut yogurt
  •  1-2 drops (about a scant 1/8 teaspoon) almond or vanilla extract – careful, a little goes a long way!

For the cacao crunch layer:

  •  1 packet Metabolism Super Powder
  •  1 1/2 tablespoons almond butter (I used crunchy for extra texture)
  •  1 tablespoon cacao nibs
  •  3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk + 1 tablespoon
  •  Pinch of Himalayan salt or fleur de sal
  •  1/4 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, or to taste

For the topping:

Directions:

Prepare Cacao Crunch Layer:

1. In a separate bowl, mix almond butter, Metabolism Super Powder, cacao nibs, salt, and 3 tablespoons of almond milk (plus honey/maple syrup if using) to combine. Mix together for a smooth consistency (it will almost look like brownie batter!).

2. Prepare coconut yogurt: mix coconut yogurt with almond or vanilla extract.

Layer the parfait:

3. Spoon half of the cacao crunch layer into a glass, and spread across the bottom.

4. Spoon half of the coconut yogurt on top of the Cacao Crunch.

5. Slice bananas into coins and add half on top of the granola.

6. Sprinkle with half of the Dark Chocolate Granola or chopped pecans.

7. Use an additional 1 tablespoon of the almond milk into the Cacao Crunch to thin the consistency. Drizzle on top of the parfait.

8. Repeat the layering process with remaining coconut yogurt, banana coins and granola / chopped nuts. Top with sprinkle of cacao nibs, if desired. Enjoy!