Excess weight can cause cellulite, and that is usually in part to a poor diet, but cellulite can also affect people who are fit and active. Combating cellulite is not about boycotting all food that you like, such as pizza and chips; rather, it is about understanding what is in your food so that you can make more informed decisions about what to eat and what to avoid. This blog will list 10 foods that make cellulite worse.
1. Specific Types of Cheese
Certain types of cheese, such as feta or parmesan, contain excessive amounts of salt. The salt in these cheeses urges the body to hold on to the fluids in the fat cells, which enhances the appearance of cellulite. As a healthier alternative, you can opt for mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or cheddar.
2. Processed meat
Not only can processed lunchmeat cause heart and cholesterol-related problems, but it can also enhance the appearance of cellulite due to its high sodium content. Instead of consuming processed and conventionally raised meats, it’s best to eat grass-fed with as minimal processing as possible. When animals are given a diet free of antibiotics and fed as close to what they’d eat naturally, you the end-consumer, benefit the most!
3. BBQ Sauce
The things that can add great flavor to your food can often be real culprits behind making your cellulite look worse. BBQ sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce contain high amounts of sodium, which can be very harmful to the body. They also contain excessive artificial sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other sugar-related issues such as inflammation and Type-2 Diabetes. We’re not saying to never use a condiment, just be cautious as to the amount and frequency you consume them, knowing they may look harmless but are filled with lots of unhealthy ingredients.
4. White Bread
Refined grains can actually make your cellulite worse. These foods have a high glycemic index, which can lead to food cravings. They can also cause inflammation in the body that can result in weight gain. An alternative to white bread would be consuming whole grain bread or brown bread. But the best option yet is to try to limit your carb intake to other, more filling things, such as fruit, vs bread whenever you have the option.
6. Sugary Drinks
Soda is the obvious, glaring culprit, but that doesn’t mean you are in the clear with other sweet and fruity beverages! Restricting your intake of fruit juices, sweet tea, and overly sweet coffee drinks will pay dividends to your backside. You should try to consume these drinks as little as possible as they can cause weight gain and contribute to an increase in your cellulite. Studies have found that soda and other fizzy drinks also reduce the amount of collagen in our skin, which can accentuate the appearance of cellulite.
7. Pizza
There are many unhealthy fats found in pizza, which can slow down the flow and circulation of oxygen around the body. Moreover, the connective tissue can also start to weaken, thus causing it to appear wrinkly and unattractive.
8. Unhealthy Snacks
Eating an excess of unhealthy snacks, such as chips and chocolates, can be harmful to the body in many ways. Along with the obvious weight gain, unhealthy snacks also make your cellulite a lot worse.
9. Cereal
This may come as a shock to you, but cereal combined with milk can actually do a lot of damage where cellulite is concerned. Dairy milk and soy milk are full of estrogen, which may contribute to cellulite development. Some cereals also contain high amounts of sugar and white flour, which can also increase cellulite.
10. Canned Soup
Canned soup has many health concerns and might even have an impact on cellulite. It has high levels of salt and can increase water retention, which may cause bloating. It also makes cellulite more visible.
CONCLUSION
Cellulite is not something you should be ashamed of, but it is always better to watch out for the above foods if you’re looking to reduce it or avoid it altogether. So, regardless of your body type, your goal should always be aimed at your overall internal and external health.