How to Beat Cellulite and Look Like Daisy Duke

By Monica Ciociola From BODi Fitness & Health

We've all read about the extraordinary measures celebrities go through to wipe out every molecule of cellulite from their bodies. Remember how pop star Jessica Simpson followed an aggressive exercise and diet plan to be able to wear Daisy Duke's signature shorts in the Dukes of Hazzard movie? Her fitness regimen included two hours a day of intense squats and lunges with her personal trainer, and her diet plan required that she cut out all sugar except fruit. But you don't have to have your own reality show to banish cellulite forever, and here's a simple and affordable diet and exercise plan that proves it.

There is mounting evidence that foods that break down fat, slow down the breakdown of collagen, and improve circulation and blood flow help to combat the appearance of cellulite.¹ Just as Jessica cut out sugar, you'll want to cut back, too. Plus, add these foods to your diet and watch those unsightly lumps and bumps fade away:

• Whole grains, fruits, beans, and vegetables contain key nutrients and phytochemicals that burn fat and help reduce cellulite. But, as we keep saying, try to cut back on bad, refined carbs like white bread, cookies, and muffins.
  
  
• Coffee, tea, and cocoa are high in caffeine and can also help burn fat.
  
  
• Celery, onions, eggplant, asparagus, and watermelon are natural diuretics and will help reduce fluid buildup. Stay away from foods high in sodium, which have the opposite effect.
  
  
  
  
• Water (and lots of it!) helps eliminate waste and toxins from your body and maintain normal blood pressure and blood flow.
  
  
• Salmon and other fatty fish have omega-3 fats that expand blood vessels to improve circulation and blood flow.
  
  
  
  
• Red wine, red grape juice, and red grape skins block the function of two enzymes that break down collagen, which is believed to prevent the production of cellulite.²

Just adding red wine to your diet won't do the trick (regardless of what those banner ads tell you!) unless you also follow an effective workout program. As mentioned, Jessica followed an intense program of squats and lunges with her personal trainer—a luxury most of us can't afford. Instead we'll need to learn the right moves, or even better, follow an effective in-home fitness program along with online trainer support. Here's what you need to know . . .

• How to do the perfect lunge. Stand up straight, with your abs lifted, arms hanging by your sides, and your feet together. Inhale, and take a large step forward with your right leg, keeping your arms by your sides. Bend both knees so your right knee is directly over your right ankle and your right thigh is parallel to the floor. Hold for two seconds and then exhale as you straighten both legs. Repeat this motion with the left leg forward. Make sure to keep your body weight centered. Special Tip: If you're having trouble, use a chair for support.
  
  
• How to do the perfect squat. Stand up straight, with your abs tight and your feet at hip width. You can clasp your hands in front of you or let your arms hang straight down. Inhale and bend your knees as if you were going to sit back in a chair, lowering down until your thighs are nearly parallel to the floor. Pause at the bottom of the motion, then exhale as you slowly stand up. Special Tip: If you're having trouble, start by sitting in a chair and standing back up, using your hands to help you.

^1,2 Kleiner, Susan M., PhD, RD, FACN, CNS. The Ultimate Anti-Cellulite Diet. Fitness RX. October 2005.

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