Cellulite is totally natural and normal, and is found on most adult women’s bums and legs.. but that doesn’t mean we like it.

The main thing to note firstly is that cellulite is not a sign you're unhealthy. Many women can find that eating a balanced diet & exercising often tones up the rest of their body but cellulite still clings on. Though we promote body confidence and loving the skin you're in, the fact remains that for many women, cellulite can be a real confidence kicker in the summer months.

"Though it’s not possible to work miracles overnight with cellulite, getting the diet right can still make a difference”, says Alice Mackintosh, our co-founder and registered Nutritional Therapist. She also assures us this isn't about strict dieting either - "many of my clients feel happy with their weight and size, but just don't want the orange peel effect." So no dieting, phew, but what to eat?

Here are our top tips.

Spices

Spices such as cayenne pepper and chilli may help encourage the metabolism to pick up its feet a bit. This and many other herbs such as ginger, garlic and turmeric also help improve your circulation and lymphatic system moving, vital in the fight to get rid of cellulite. 

 

Super spice turmeric is particularly notable as it helps support detoxification, reduces swelling and supports digestion, which may also help. When cooking with turmeric (curries, stews, sauces, soups) always use black pepper as this aids absorption. It's also a good to check your supplement contains some turmeric in an absorbable form.

The humble apple might also be useful largely because it's loaded with a special type of fibre that forms a gel like substance in the gut to help remove toxins from the body.  This might seem irrelevant, but it's actually super important for helping to rid cellulite. Be sure not to have fruit on it's own without some protein (like nuts) as it can raise insulin levels, which is the enemy of smooth, toned skin. 

Pink and white grapefruit are another great detox supporting food, so much so that those on medication have to check with their doctor before eating them as they can decrease the effectiveness of some drugs! This (and all other pink, red, orange and yellow fruits/veg) contain antioxidants called bioflavonoids that may help improve the blood circulation and reduce inflammation around fat cells. Grapefruit may also help encourage metabolism, double whammy! 

Milk thistle, nettle and dandelion 

These detoxifying herbs are some of the best things to introduce if you're struggling with cellulite. Sluggish liver function can encourage congestion and play a part with hormone imbalances, both of which seem to be involved with persistent and stubborn cellulite. All three can be drunk as a tea each day, and you can also find milk thistle in Equi products, or take it as a tincture.

 Oily fish 

Though we want to reduce consumption of fatty meats (processed burgers, pork belly, sausages, ribs etc) the good fats from oily fish (as well as olive oil, flaxseed, milled chia) can really help as they reduce inflammation, support immunity and encourage hormone balance. Try to eat either mackerel, salmon, anchovies or fresh tuna 3/week. 

Disclaimer: No one diet or supplement regime works for everyone and you should always seek help from a GP and registered health expert before making changes to your diet, or before introducing any supplements.