How to Lose Fat & Cellulite

When you are overweight, you are at risk for numerous chronic conditions, such as type two diabetes, metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis. Being overweight is also a risk factor for the development of cellulite. Although this substance on its own is not life-threatening, the rough, dimpled look it creates on the skin can cause self consciousness. The best way to treat cellulite is by losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the butt and legs according to mayoclinic.com. This plan includes both exercise and better eating habits.

Instructions

1

Eat less calories than you are accustomed to. A daily reduction of 500 to 1,000 calories can cause you to lose about one to two pounds a week according to MedlinePlus. Monitor your calories for a full day before creating a reduction so you know your starting point.

2

Remove the liquid calories from your diet plan. Beverages like beer, wine, soda, sweetened tea and dessert coffees all have a high amount of calories and can put the brakes on your weight loss efforts. Drink water as your main beverage because it is calorie-free and helps flush toxins from your body.

3

Graze throughout the day instead of waiting long periods between your meals. Eating small meals regularly will prevent you from overeating, increase your energy and make your body more efficient at burning calories according to Calories per Hour. Include complex carbs and protein with each meal and space your meals no more than three hours apart.

4

Partake in some form of cardiovascular exercise that involves your lower body. Running, stair climbing, elliptical training, brisk walking, kickboxing, cross country skiing and spinning are all efficient at burning calories and working your glutes and legs. To lose weight, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 60 to 90 minutes of cardio performed five days a week.

5

Lift weights to increase your muscle mass. Any time you add muscle to your body, you also increase your resting metabolism which will burn fat while you are not even moving. Include thigh and butt exercises in your routine to help give your legs definition as you lose weight. Bench presses, upright rows, back rows, dips, squats, lunges and deadlifts are exercise examples. Aim for 10 to 12 reps, do three or four sets and work out two or three days a week on nonconsecutive days.