Layers of fat often get deposited under the skin in masses separated by fibrous tissue. Menopausal women and overweight people are more prone to this condition than others. The fat deposits are called cellulite, and they most commonly affect the hips, thighs, arms and abdomen.
Regulating your diet and exercising are the most effective ways of losing fat. Eat generous amounts of fruits and leafy vegetables, as they are a rich source of natural minerals, complex carbohydrates, fibers and water. You should also replace carbonated and alcoholic drinks with fruit juices to prevent fluid retention in the lymph cells. Also, take care to chew every morsel of your food before swallowing it, and avoid eating snacks between meals. Cut down on your intake of caffeinated drinks and salt, and avoid deep fried food rich in saturated and hydrogenated fats, as well as desserts with high sugar content. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. This greatly helps to improve and regulate blood circulation and flushes out waste from the body. Also ensure that you get most of the calories you require from foodstuff that is rich in carbohydrates and protein, but with low fat content. Eat chicken breasts instead of red meat, and whole grain bread without butter. Involve yourself in some sort of regular physical activity, such as jogging, walking, skipping or swimming. It is also useful to follow a regular workout regimen at a gym, involving aerobics and weight training. While aerobics burn fat, stretching exercises using weights greatly help in toning up the muscles of the thighs and hips. Aside from these general measures, you could also try the following exercises:
- Lie down straight on the floor with your hands behind your head for support. Position your legs against a bench or a chair in such a way that your upper legs and lower legs are at an angle of 90 degrees from one another. Now raise your back till the point that you can feel pressure on your abdomen. This helps tone up your thighs.
- Lying straight on your back with your arms on your side, lift your legs up in the air and move them in circular, cycling motions. This is helpful in reducing fat around your hips.
- Consuming flax seed oil or evening primrose oil is considered useful, as they burn the excess fat in the body. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruits also burn fat.
answered by M W