Cellulite remains hidden and unnoticed for most of the year, but with the increasing hot weather, we are all tempted to unwrap the layers of clothing and take a dip in the cool waters of the sea or swimming pool. Cellulite affects 8 out of 10 women at some stage in their lives. Some women seem more prone to it while others develop it with the creeping years. Even the most celebrated posteriors in the world! Kylie Minogue has admitted that cellulite has set in around her famous rear. But the good news is that with a little determination and effort it can be banished. Any one can suffer from cellulite — it is not related size — even some top models have it.

What is cellulite? It is those areas of puckered, dimpled skin on the upper parts of the thighs and buttocks. Most experts agree that cellulite is linked to a hormonal factor because it mostly affects women, and the guilty party has been identified as oestrogen. The more oestrogen is present in the body, the greater the probability of cellulite developing. Scientific studies have shown that it is not only the build up of oestrogen but also an excess of waste products such as preservatives, chemicals, and additives contained in processed food. This causes overload, and sluggish circulation results in cellulite.

You too can become both firm and fabulous! You can achieve this in a relatively short space of time. There are two main forms of attack — follow a detoxifying diet — and improve your skin circulation with lots of exercise and skin brushing or massage.

Here’s the action plan. In your diet, avoid processed food — eat low fat food — eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables — and, of course, drink lots of water. For exercise — walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and aerobics are all good for the circulation — but skipping rope is also great. You may have to start with burst of 2–3 minutes, but you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly the body adapts. It will take you about a month of concerted effort, but believe me, the results will be worth it! If you follow a healthy, low fat diet, and exercise, you will quickly notice less cellulite, as cellulite and muscle do not go together. Some celebrities believe in brushing with coffee granules — but do you really want to smell like a coffee bean? Get active, improve the blood flow, and lose some weight, as cellulite is ultimately fat.

Recipe of the Week

Chicken Italiano

Serves 6

Ingredients

230 g angel hair pasta

340 g boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

180 ml light Italian dressing

450 g frozen mixed vegetables

27 g grated Parmesan cheese, (optional)

Method

Cook pasta in a large pan of boiling water 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain. Set aside and keep warm. Combine chicken and 1/4 of the dressing in a heavy non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Sauté chicken 2 minutes, until lightly browned. Add vegetables and remaining dressing. Cover and simmer 7-9 minutes until vegetables are crisp tender, stirring frequently. Serve over pasta. Sprinkle with cheese.

Ask Alva

I have tried many diets but can only stick to them for a couple of days. I am 65 kilos and need to lose weight. Angela D’Souza

I recommend that if you want to lose weight you do so by making small changes. It will have more impact on your weight in the end. Try these 5 small positive changes.

Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Water helps the body to work more efficiently.

Eat a nice bowl of salad once a day — choose salad you like, not what you think you should have.

And eat at least two portions of vegetables a day. Eat fruit at mid-morning and mid-afternoon — the best kinds to give you energy are bananas, pears, grapes, red apples, and melon and kiwi fruit.

Cut down on fried food — never fry when you can grill.

Have only one dessert a day and make sure it is low fat, such as jelly, meringue, stewed fruit, custard made from skimmed milk, Fromage Frais.

You can email me for my full Healthy Eating Guide — [email protected]

Alva