Cellulite and Your Diet: Is There a Connection?

Anti Cellulite DietIf you’re like most people, then you’re already all too familiar with the look and feel of cellulite. Cellulite is a common condition that occurs when fat is deposited directly under the skin, giving it a dimpled, lumpy, cottage cheese-like appearance. Most people who struggle with cellulite find that it’s the most noticeable in areas such as the thighs or the buttocks. However, cellulite can show up just about anywhere on the body including the arms, stomach, and sides.

Since cellulite does involve body fat, it’s natural for most people to jump to the conclusion that cellulite is something that only occurs when you’re overweight. In actuality, even very slim people can and do have cellulite. Whether or not you yourself are prone to it has more than a little to do with genetics. However, it’s important to realize that there are some connections between the development of cellulite and your diet as well.

Which Foods Are More Likely to Cause Cellulite?

As touched on above, cellulite can appear even in people who aren’t even close to being overweight. However, it’s important to realize that since fat cells are still involved, the same foods that make you more likely to put on weight or become obese are also going to be more likely to increase the appearance of cellulite. Let’s take a look at some of the worst offenders out there today.

Foods High in Saturated Fat

Although people tend to mentally lump all of the various fats that can be found in foods into one category, there are actually many different types of dietary fat found in food. Some of them are actually good for you. Others are undeniably bad. The bad fats, known as saturated fats, not only put a person at a higher risk of developing certain diseases, but they can also cause and contribute to the development of cellulite.

Saturated fats are most commonly found in high-fat animal products such as bacon, butter, cream, and any cuts of red meat that are high in fat. Certain common oils, such as coconut oil or palm oil, are also high in saturated fat.

Junk Food and Processed Food

We already know that junk food is terrible for you. It’s also a major contributor to the appearance of cellulite. Processed items like chips, candy, fast food, and pre-packaged frozen foods are filled with chemicals, preservatives, and other foreign compounds that make them hard for your body to digest. This means they’re that much more likely to wind up stored as fat and cellulite.


Alcohol is perhaps the worst dietary contributor to cellulite. Like the chemicals in processed foods, alcohol isn’t easy for the body to process. Alcohol is also tremendously high in calories, so it’s again much more likely to be turned into fat and cellulite by the body. It also dehydrates body tissue in general. Over time, heavy alcohol use will cause your skin to become less elastic as well which will make existing cellulite even more visible than it usually is.

Which Foods Can Help Fight Cellulite?

Thankfully, there are just as many good foods out there that can help you reduce the appearance of cellulite and lower the likelihood of developing more in the future. Try replacing as many of the foods in the above list with some or all of the following. The more positive substitutions you can make, the better your chances of keeping cellulite at bay in the future.

Essential Fatty Acids

As we mentioned above, there are both healthy and unhealthy forms of dietary fat out there. Everyone needs some fat in their diet to remain healthy and functional. However, it’s important to choose foods high in “good fats” like essential fatty acids over the alternatives. Not only do essential fatty acids fulfill your body’s need for dietary fat, but they improve your circulatory health as well, leading to a decrease in the appearance of cellulite.

Foods high in essential fatty acids include seafood, especially salmon and sardines. Nuts, seeds, and the oils that come from them are also high in “good fat”, so make sure you have plenty of them in your diet.

Lean Protein

Making sure you’re getting plenty of lean protein each day is not only an important part of any diet, but it has a positive effect on cellulite as well. To begin with, high-protein diets tend to be more nourishing and satisfying, leading to less fat consumption and lowered likelihood of developing cellulite. Protein also helps to build and tone muscle, minimizing the appearance of cellulite to at least some degree.

Good, solid sources of lean protein include fish and other types of seafood. White meat chicken and turkey (especially with the skin removed) are also excellent choices. Vegetarian options high in protein include tofu, nuts, and beans.

Fiber and Water

Many medical experts suggest upping the intake of fiber-rich foods for people struggling with cellulite. Fiber helps your body flush out wastes and harmful toxins that can contribute to weight gain and cellulite development. Plus, foods that are high in fiber – such as whole grains, fresh produce, nuts, and seeds – also tend to be high in vitamins and other nutrients that help keep cellulite development to a minimum.

It’s also incredibly important to make sure that you attempt to consume the doctor recommended eight glasses of water per day. Water helps to keep your body hydrated and toxin free. Water is also essential for healthy metabolic function, making it a must for people who want to get rid of or avoid cellulite.

At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do to avoid developing cellulite in the first place if you happen to be someone who is genetically prone to it. However, there are certainly ways to win the war against cellulite anyway and your diet is an excellent place to start. Get to work making some positive substitutions today and experience the difference for yourself?