To Reduce Cellulite

My Natural Weight Loss Plan: Dealing with Disappointment

Thursday, July 29, 2010 by Lauren Kent

I've been following my natural weight loss plan for about 6 months now. And, I've been lucky in that I've lost weight each week. Some weeks it was a couple pounds or more. Others, it was just a half pound. But, at least the scale was going down... until this past week. For the first time since I started this journey, I gained weight. It wasn't a lot. A pound exactly. But, I was still disappointed in myself. I know I had overindulged and hadn't picked up my exercise to compensate for the extra calories. All natural weightloss efforts come with highs and lows. I've been riding the highs for months now. And now, I have to deal with a low.

So many weight loss efforts get derailed by disappointment. I'm determined not to let this happen to me. I have to keep my eyes on the prize: a wedding ring that will fit on my finger, a picture with my girls that I'm not ashamed of, (and cellulite free thighs wouldn't be so bad either). I'm motivated to move on and start losing again!

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 5

Monday, June 28, 2010 by Susan Lark

Step 5 to Cellulite Free Skin: Professional Treatment

Every so often, it's nice to be pampered--especially when the treatment results in cellulite free skin! When it comes to reducing the appearance of cellulite, you can indulge in a professional treatment called VelaSmooth, which is the first FDA-approved noninvasive medical treatment for cellulite reduction. It uses a combination of radiofrequency and infrared emissions. During the 30-minute session, the system mechanically manipulates, massages, and vacuums the skin, all to increase circulation and metabolism, stimulate fibroblast activity for increased collagen production, and enhance distribution of fat cells.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 4

Thursday, June 24, 2010 by Susan Lark

Step 4 to Cellulite Free Skin: Boost Your Collagen

It takes great nutrition to produce the abundant, strong, and healthy collagen that supports beautiful, smooth, cellulite free skin.

To reduce cellulite, the collagen-boosting nutrients you should be taking daily include:

Silicon (4 mg)
Vitamin C (1,000 mg)
Biotin (2,500 mcg)
Bioflavonoids (100–300 mg)
Rutin (400 mg twice daily)
N-acetyl glucosamine (500 mg), and
Alpha lipoic acid (25 mg)

Without all these nutrients, your body will still create collagen, but it will be of inferior quality and easily broken down. Often, a good-quality multivitamin will contain many of these nutrients.

In addition, studies show that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increases collagen levels while also keeping fat cells from accumulating more fat and becoming larger. I recommend 3,000 mg of CLA daily, in divided doses and taken with meals. Try Tonalin CLA or TonaLean-3.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 3

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 by Susan Lark

Step 3 to Cellulite Free Skin: Cool Down the Inflammation

Biopsies of cellulite show that, unlike fat in other areas of the body, the fat within cellulite is inflamed. Research on diabetics has clearly established that the high-carbohydrate diet of affluent cultures not only predisposes a woman to diabetes but also profoundly increases her circulating levels of inflammatory compounds, increasing her risk of developing cellulite.

To dampen inflammation and, as a result, reduce the appearance of cellulite, adopt a Mediterranean-type diet that’s rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, raw nuts, and the occasional cold-water fish like salmon, trout, and tuna.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 2

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by Susan Lark

Step 2 to Cellulite Free Skin: Boost Your Cardio and Metabolism

Increasing your lean-to-fat ratio requires gaining muscle first, which naturally makes fat melt away. So engage in muscle-building exercises at least two to three days per week.

In addition, boosting your metabolism is important because, as your metabolism ramps up, your body’s sensitivity to insulin—which interferes with fat breakdown in cellulite-prone areas—sharpens, and circulating insulin levels go down. Enhanced metabolism also increases fat loss throughout the day, even when you’re idle.

To increase oxygen supply, boost your metabolism, and reduce the appearance of cellulite, engage in aerobic exercise for at least 45 minutes, at least six days a week.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 1

Monday, June 21, 2010 by Susan Lark

Cellulite is a misunderstood condition. Here are some common myths debunked:

Myth #1: Cellulite is due to obesity. No, it isn’t. It’s true that increased fat can accentuate cellulite’s appearance. But even slender, fit female athletes can have cellulite.

Myth #2: Cellulite is caused by advancing age. No, it isn’t. It occurs in up to 98 percent of women over 20.

Myth #3: Cellulite is abnormal fat tissue. No, it isn’t. It’s a connective tissue disorder that happens when strands of the connective tissue “fishnet,” which normally hold subcutaneous fat smoothly in place, break. Fat then bulges through the breaks and creates that lumpy look.

Myth #4: Cellulite is inherited. Only in the sense that being female is inherited. There are several contributing factors, including insulin resistance, lack of exercise, and the hormonal peaks and valleys associated with menstruation and pregnancy.

Knowing this, I am going to give you five steps you need to know to be cellulite free. These steps can be used in addition to the other tips Kimberly and I have given you on this blog, including dry brush massaging and using my latte lather.

Step 1 to Cellulite Free Skin: Hormone Balance

I briefly touched on the connection between cellulite and estrogen levels here. To reduce the appearance of cellulite, some of the best hormone-balancing supplements you can use include black cohosh, genistein, and hops.

Tune in to Natural Appetite Control

Thursday, June 10, 2010 by Kimberly Day

We all know the important role that insulin plays in overall health, and in natural weightloss specifically. But now we are learning that a different hormone—leptin—may play an even greater role in health and weight loss than insulin.

Studies have shown that leptin regulates your brain’s hypothalamic activity, which in turn regulates much of your “autonomic” functions—those functions that regulate body temperature, heart rate, hunger, the stress response, fat burning or storage, and blood sugar levels. Another very recent study also reveals leptin’s importance in directly regulating how much sugar your liver manufactures.

In other words, leptin is directly related to conditions such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, reproductive disorders, etc. It does this by telling other hormones, such as insulin and female hormones, whether or not to turn on maintenance and repair mechanisms, as well as by helping to control areas of your brain that regulate thyroid levels and the sympathetic nervous system.

Are You Tuned In to Leptin?

Dr. Ron Rosedale believes people become leptin-resistant by the same general mechanism that causes people to become insulin-resistant—overexposure to high levels of the hormone.

It’s like the frog in the boiling water. If you toss a frog into boiling water, it will jump right out. But if you place the frog in warm water and gradually increase the heat, he will soon be sitting quite happily (and quite dangerously) in boiling water.

So it is with leptin. As sugar gets metabolized in fat cells, fat releases surges in leptin. Over time, those surges become so frequent and expected, that the leptin is not released…in other words, you become leptin-resistance, since the “danger signal” no longer getting through.

Once you tune back in to leptin, you “jump out of the water” so to speak. In other words, high leptin levels can now scream to your brain that you have too much fat and that you better start burning some off. Your brain can now start burning off the fat you’ve been storing, and using it for energy. Best of all, your will suppress your hunger signals and regain appetite control.

Natural Weightloss Secret Weapon: Leptin

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Kimberly Day

Several years ago, I met Ron Rosedale, M.D., a nationally respected physician in the field of nutritional and metabolic medicine. As we talked, I learned that it was Dr. Rosedale personal mission to eradicate type II diabetes in this country, in his lifetime. And one of the intriguing weapons in his diabetes arsenal is his work with leptin, a little known hormone that helps your cells communicate.

As Dr. Rosedale explained, leptin is a very powerful and influential hormone produced by your fat cells. It works in conjunction with insulin to control the quality of your metabolism. While insulin works mostly at the individual cell level, telling the vast majority of cells whether to burn or store fat or sugar, and how to use that energy, leptin controls the energy storage and utilization of all of the cells in your body, allowing them to communicate with your brain about how much energy (fat) you have stored, and whether you need more or should burn some off.

One of the key ways leptin controls energy storage is by controlling hunger (i.e. appetite control). Trying to restrict calories in the face of hunger is virtually impossible (and could set you up for an eating disorder). The only way to truly eat less for the long-term is to not be hungry. And the key to appetite control is to control the hormones that regulate appetite…namely leptin.

In addition to helping with appetite control, leptin can also determine where you store your fat. If you are deaf (or resistant) to leptin’s signals, you tend to lose appetite control and pack on the pounds. And, in the case of leptin resistance, these pounds tend to store in your abdomen in the form of visceral fat.

Visceral or abdominal fat is one characteristic of the “apple” body shape. And it’s very dangerous. Not only does it pack in around your organs, it is also metabolically active. It decreases insulin sensitivity (making diabetes more likely), increases triglycerides, decreases levels of good HDL cholesterol, creates more inflammation and blood clotting, and raises blood pressure—all of which increase your risk of heart disease.

The answer is to tune in leptin’s message so you can regain appetite control, lose the belly fat, and begin to enjoy healthy, natural weightloss.

Create Cellulite Free Legs by Balancing Your Hormones

Friday, May 7, 2010 by Susan Lark

Did you know that unbalanced estrogen levels can lead to cellulite? Estrogen stimulates the activation of an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). MMP causes collagen to degenerate and weaken, which then causes fatty tissue to break through the connective tissue "mesh" that keeps fat in place. Plus, excess estrogen levels stimulate the replication of even more fat cells in cellulite-prone areas, and interfere with normal metabolic breakdown of fat.

To reduce cellulite, use any of the hormone-balancing solutions I discuss throughout my blog. You can also try dry brushing and my "latte lather," both of which reduce the appearance of cellulite from the outside.

My Natural Weight Loss Plan: Healthy Rewards for Success

Monday, April 12, 2010 by Lauren Kent

Last week I passed the 18 pound mark in my natural weight loss plan. And, even more exciting for me, I've lost a combined 23.5 inches from my bust, waist, hips, and thighs. It's time to celebrate... and reward myself. In the past, a reward or celebration would involve some type of food. But, now that I'm losing weight and living a more healthy lifestyle, rewards come in different forms. This weekend I plan to indulge myself in a massage, and I can't wait. 60 minutes of quiet. 60 minutes of focusing on myself.

What are your healthy rewards for natural weightloss? A manicure? Pedicure? Shopping for new clothes or shoes? Let's all celebrate our successes the healthy way!

Natural Beauty Food #10: Water

Saturday, April 3, 2010 by Kimberly Day

Everything in your body depends on water. In fact, water makes up 82 percent of your blood, 75 percent of your muscle, 25 percent of your bone, 76 percent of your brain tissue, and 90 percent of your lung tissue! Plus, water neutralizes acidity, which can dry out your skin.

Additionally, water is a critical part of the detoxification process. This is key, as healthy detoxification helps to keep your skin blemish-free and even works to reduce cellulite.

You should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of filtered water each day to achieve soft, supple, wrinkle free skin.

I am personally a huge fan of Fiji water from the South Pacific. Renowned for the natural purifier and filtration system that this crystal clear, still water runs through, Fiji has an extremely high concentration of silica (83 mg per liter), which you may remember is an essential nutrient for your hair and skin, thanks to its collagen-building capabilities.

You can find Fiji Water in most grocery stores and convenience stores. The only downside is that it comes in a plastic bottle.

Natural Beauty Care Products for Hair Removal

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Kimberly Day

As I’ve indicated before in this blog, I tend toward estrogen dominance. This is due, in part, to a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. Women like me with PCOS have the lovely combination of elevated estrogen levels, as well as elevated testosterone. That means that we not only have to contend with excess estrogen levels and it’s resultant issues of fertility problems and menstrual irregularities, but the excess testosterone can also cause increased growth of hair on the face, abdomen, upper thighs, chest, and back. In fact, I’ve often said that if I ever got around to writing a book on PCOS, I’d include a free pair of tweezers!

Sadly, female hormone fluctuations in general can cause unwanted hair growth. In the case of decreased estrogen levels (the opposite of estrogen dominance), the “I have hair where?” syndrome is also one of the common signs of menopause. In this case, the diminished estrogen levels throw off the balance between female hormones and male hormones (androgens/testosterone). As a result, the effect of androgens is unmasked as women’s production of estrogen decreases, and the low estrogen/high androgen ratio can affect hair growth rate, placement, and appearance, often taking on a more male-like pattern.

While there are a variety of ways to remove the hair, including shaving, plucking, waxing, depilation, laser, and electrolysis, the primary method Dr. Lark and I recommend is sugaring. Like waxing, sugaring removes hair at the root, but it’s gentle on the surrounding skin.

My favorite sugaring product is Moom. It is one of the cleanest natural beauty care products on the market. In fact, its ingredients are simply sugar, chamomile, lemon, and tea tree oil. While the sugar works to remove the hair, the tea tree oil acts as a mild anesthetic, and the chamomile and lemon function as natural antiseptics.

If you have unwanted hair growth, regardless of your estrogen level status, give Moom a try.

Be Cellulite Free with Dry Brushing

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 by Kimberly Day

As I get older, it seems like my daily program for natural anti aging skin care gets longer and longer. Years ago, I could wash my face, swipe on some sunscreen, and I was good to go. Now, I need to moisturize, de-wrinkle, and find ways to reduce cellulite.

As far as the latter is concerned, there are many natural beauty care products and recommendations out there, several of which I’ve discussed in previous blogs. But one that I haven’t discusses is the use of dry-brush massage to reduce cellulite by facilitating detoxification. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps move fluids through the body and toxins to the liver to be detoxed and eliminated.

Dry Brush to Reduce Cellulite

To give yourself a dry-brush massage, use a moderately soft, natural vegetable-fiber bristle brush and follow this two-step process:

Rub your skin vigorously to stimulate it and remove dead cells.
Using short, brisk strokes, start with your extremities and brush gently at first because your body is likely to be sensitive. Brush as follows:
- From your feet, brush toward your pelvis;
- From your wrists, brush to your armpits;
- From your chin brush to your navel.

You can add sea salt to the brush if you want to open your pores further to intensify the cleansing effect of the massage. The entire procedure should take about 10 minutes, and you should do it a couple times a week to reduce cellulite or keep your body cellulite free.

Natural Skin Care that's Healthy for You

Monday, February 15, 2010 by Susan Lark

It's hard not to notice the countless television commercials and magazine ads for skin care products promising a wrinkle free face, cellulite free legs, and a younger-looking appearance. But are these products really all they're cracked up to be? And if they do help improve your appearance, at what cost to your health?

Last summer, Kimberly wrote about five skin care ingredients that I recommend everyone avoid. These ingredients have been linked to allergic reactions, hormone function disturbances, cancer, and many other scary health problems. In addition to the ingredients Kimberly wrote about in her blog post, I also try to avoid the following:

Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulfate, a foaming agent in many shampoos and skin cleansers. (Sodium laureth sulfate is the alcohol form of SLS.) Many sources claim that SLS contains large amounts of nitrates that, when used in conjunction with other chemicals, can form nitrosamines (a kind of carcinogen). But what we do know for certain is that SLS is associated with eye irritation, skin rashes, diarrhea, hair loss, scalp dryness (like dandruff), and allergic reactions. And, according to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, SLS damages your hair follicles, actually causing your hair to fall out!
Alcohols (Ethyl and Isopropyl) virtually destroy your skin’s pH balance by stripping the acid mantle. In doing so, they also strip away your skin’s defensive barrier, leaving your skin and body open to infection. Alcohols also absorb water, while at the same time dissolving your body’s own natural moisturizers. As a result, they can actually contribute to wrinkles and fine lines.

Fortunately, there are many lines of products that contain only natural skin care ingredients, including Aubrey Organics, Dr. Hauschka, Lavera, and Devita. Not only do these products really work, but they also reduce your risk of health problems associated with dangerous ingredients.

Chakra Imbalance and Weight Gain

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Kimberly Day

When your chakras are out of balance, the areas that are most commonly affected seem to be the upper abdominal or solar plexus region, the lower abdominal and pelvic area, hips, thighs, chin, breasts, and upper chest. These are often the areas of your body where you tend to accumulate excessive amounts of energy or focus your emotions and life experiences too strongly.

If you tend to gain weight in your hips and/or thighs, your first chakra is being affected. That is associated with stability and security.

If you tend to gain weight in your belly, below your belly button, your second chakra is being affected. That is associated with sexuality and creativity.

If you gain weight in your abdominal area above your belly button, that is your third chakra. That is closely associated with self-esteem.

If you gain weight in your breasts, that is your fourth chakra and it is associated with love and nurturing. Finally, if you gain weight in your face (think double chin), you are talking about the fifth chakra. That is associated with self-expression.

This always rings true for me. I know when I need to start a natural weight loss plan when I notice that my pants are fitting a little too snugly and my face is looking full. And, more often than not, I am also dealing with issues of stifled creativity and self-expression.

Think about those areas that you tend to hold weight and ask yourself if you are experiencing any of the emotions tied to that chakra. You can then take steps not only to implement a few natural remedies for weight loss, but also some tools to address the emotional issues you are experiencing.

The Testosterone-Estrogen Hybrid

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 by Kimberly Day

While this may seem like the title of a bad B-movie, it is actually a pretty accurate description of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). If you are like me and suffer from PCOS, you know how frustrating and difficult this condition can be. On one hand, you suffer with the effects of too much testosterone, including acne and increased growth of hair on the face, abdomen, upper thighs, chest, and back. Plus, you must contend with estrogen dominance issues, such as infertility and menstrual irregularities.

As if that weren’t bad enough, us PCOS women are also at risk for insulin resistance, which can cause many sufferers to become severely overweight, putting us at risk for diabetes and diabetic complications.

Part of the difficulty with PCOS is that it has multiple underlying causes, namely a number of different hormonal imbalances. Specifically, the production of the pituitary’s luteinizing hormone is significantly elevated in women with PCOS, while the production of the pituitary’s follicle-stimulating hormone is normal or slightly diminished. The imbalances in these female hormones upset the normal production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone by the ovaries and adrenal glands, disrupting the healthy balance between all three of these female sex hormones.

Fortunately, by following a particular diet (namely one geared toward women with estrogen dominance), and taking some targeted nutrients, you can find relief from PCOS. I know, because I have. And I’ll share the diet and nutrients with you in future postings.

What's Your Favorite Natural Skin Care Product?

Friday, October 2, 2009 by Lauren Kent

As General Manager of Daily Balance I get to receive lots of customer feedback regarding our products. This is great because it gives me a sense how our products are received in the marketplace.

In the last year we've introduced a number of exciting formulas--both supplements and beauty products. Trilane, our olive-based squalane formula, has been especially well received for its wrinkle reducing and firming benefits.

We've also introduced a couple of natural remedies for weight loss that have been flying off the shelves. Daily Balance Silhouette helps reduce 'false fat' (water retention and bloating), while TonaLean tackles true body fat and can help you lose up to 30 pounds in 90 days. Both formulas would be a great addition to anyone looking for a natural weight loss plan.

If you're taking one of our supplements, or using one of our beauty products, I want to hear from you! What do you love? Is something not meeting your expectations?

Also, we're always looking for new solutions and natural beauty product to offer our customers. Have a great product to reduce cellulite? Is there a cleanser that you can't live without? Let me know about it! I'd love to hear from you.

Key Nutrients that Let You Be Cellulite Free

Friday, July 17, 2009 by Kimberly Day

If you would like to up your efforts to reduce cellulite, there are three nutrients that are particularly effective for reducing the appearance of cellulite. They work by helping to increase the integrity of your connective tissues by strengthening the collagen fibers in the subcutaneous layer. They are gotu kola and grape seed extract.

Gotu kola is one nutrient that has been studied for over 30 years for its ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite. In fact, one study from 1975 found that 58 percent of patients who took gotu kola every day for three months reported very good results in their cellulite reduction, while another 20 percent said they were satisfied with their results. If you are interested in using gotu kola, the recommend dosage is 500–1,000 mg twice a day in capsule form.

Grape seed extract also works to strengthen the collagen fibers, plus it offers the added benefit of improving circulation. The recommended dosage is 50 mg of grape seed extract twice a day.

If you are looking to reduce the appearance of cellulite, add gotu kola and grape seed extract to your natural weight loss plan.

Who Doesn’t Want to be Cellulite Free?

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 by Kimberly Day

I am heading to a lakefront cottage soon, and while I am thrilled to be getting away and spending time with family, there is one aspect I am not looking forward to—those few dimples that peek out the side of my swimsuit. Yep, I too have a bit of cellulite and will be spending the next week or so trying to reduce the appearance of cellulite on my tushie.

The first thing I’ll do is really clean up my diet. No sugar, dairy, and wheat for me! Plus, I’ll add in lots of complex carbs and lean proteins, such as brown rice, flaxseed, free-range eggs, and wild-caught fish. Eating this type of diet can help to reduce cellulite.

I’ll also up my water intake and reduce anything that makes me retain water, such as salt and caffeine. This will help me flush the toxins and fats out of my system, and more importantly, flush out the fat stores that contribute to cellulite.

And my cardio exercise will get a kick in the pants as well. This means increasing my daily walk to a daily run of at least 45 minutes. I’ve found that the more cardio I do, the easier it is to reduce cellulite in my problem areas.

Lastly, I’ll do a few coffee-ground massages to help remove toxins and improve circulation in the affected area, thereby reducing the appearance of cellulite. While ingesting caffeine can contribute to the appearance of cellulite, rubbing coffee grounds on cellulite helps to tighten your skin and tissues by constricting your superficial blood vessels.

There are several good products on the market that help to reduce the appearance of cellulite , but I prefer to make my own. Below is one of my personal favorite natural skin care recipes for cellulite-free skin. And it smells amazing!

Reduce Cellulite With a Luscious Latte Lather

1/3 cup raw brown sugar

1-1/2 tablespoon fresh coffee grounds

1-1/2 tablespoon ground almonds

2 teaspoon peppermint oil

4 teaspoon flaxseed oil

1 teaspoon squalane

9 drops peppermint oil

1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder

Mix all ingredients in an air-tight container (preferably plastic).
Use in the shower, rubbing all over your body in a circular motion. (You can use as much or as little as you want.)
Store remaining mixture in the refrigerator until your next cellulite-blasting massages!