This skin of orange, many of us have cursed it on the beach. It is not uncommon to have already tested everything to remove it: massages, suction cups, sport and palpate-roll. But have you already thought of the content of your fridge? Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist reveals to us the 5 foods responsible for cellulite.
Cellulite is caused by multiple factors
Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not a simple “aesthetic” problem. It is a complex phenomenon that combines several factors: a modification of connective tissue under the skin, storage of fats in adipocytes and sometimes poor blood and lymphatic circulation.
“All of this gives this” padded “(or” orange skin “) skin appearance, mainly on the thighs, buttocks, hips and sometimes the belly”, Confirms Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist. “Estrogens here promote fat storage in certain strategic areas (basin, thighs, buttocks), which is why cellulite affects women much more than men. Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause, hormonal contraception) can accentuate its appearance or make it more visible”, she said.
Genetics also play a key role: some women are naturally more prone to cellulite than others. Finally, the lifestyle (sedentary lifestyle, food, stress, tobacco, sleep) also influences its intensity and evolution.
Good news, however: food can largely affect the appearance – or disappearance – of this orange skin.
“Food plays a central role, in particular because it can promote or, on the contrary, brake inflammation, water retention and fat storage. Certain foods are therefore to be consumed in moderation because they accentuate these mechanisms”, warns the dietician.
Sweet foods
“These are of course confectionery, cookies, pastries, sodas, industrial juice and certain so -called” lightened “products – but in reality rich in hidden sugars. These foods cause blood sugar followed by fast falls, in fact encouraging the body to more easily store fat in adipocytes (fat cells). which weakens the connective tissue and makes cellulite more visible “, confirms the nutritionist.
Salted products (cold meats, industrial cheeses, canned, white bread …)
“Excess salt attracts water into the tissues, causing water retention that makes the skin more swollen and accentuates the relief of cellulite. This overload also disrupts microcirculation, which prevents good drainage of metabolic waste”, warns the specialist.
Poor quality fats (fried fries, pastries, cookies, hydrogenated margarines, fast foods …)
“These foods often contain trans and saturated fatty acids which stiffen cell membranes, slow down blood circulation and promote adipose storage. Result: fatty fabric becomes denser and more difficult to mobilize, which accentuates the appearance of orange skin”, says Julie Boët.
Alcohol
“Whatever the drink tasted (wine, beer, cocktails …) Alcohol remains an aggravating factor. On the one hand, it remains rich in” empty “calories – which promote storage – on the other hand it overloads the liver, which is less available to ensure its functions. All this accentuates the accumulation of toxins in the tissues, contributing to inflammation and cellulite”, alerts the expert.
Refined flours and high glycemic index products (white pasta, white rice, sweet cereals, pastries …)
“These foods quickly increase blood sugar, resulting in a peak of insulin which promotes the storage of fats. Unlike whole grains, they are poor in fiber and micronutrients, which limits their full effect and disturbs the overall balance of food”, says Julie Boët.
However, these categories of food are not necessarily to be banished “completely” – they must only be consumed occasionally.
“On a daily basis, I rather recommend favoring a diet rich in fiber, quality proteins, good fatty acids (fatty fish, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils like rapeseed or nuts) and in anti-inflammatory foods (colored fruits and vegetables, spices such as turmeric or ginger) which support circulation, reduce inflammation and improve the quality of the fabric cutaneous “, reveals the dietician.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that cellulite never completely disappears. Even with a balanced diet, good hydration and regular activity, it can persist. “”The objective is therefore more to reduce its appearance, to improve the comfort and quality of the skin, rather than trying to eliminate it completely. Draining massages, palpate-roll or certain aesthetic techniques can complete this approach, but without sustainable miracle if basic lifestyle is not respected “, concludes the dietician.