Here’s the straight forward scoop on cellulite and how you can eat and drink to reduce it. Cellulite is caused by fat. While everyone has fat in their bodies, excess fat is produced when you eat too much food, the wrong types of foods, or both. The energy in food is measured in calories. When you eat too much of the wrong foods, you get more calories than you need to survive and your body stores the excess energy as fat. And your cellulite battles begin. So it’s kind of easy to see at least one way to fight cellulite. Eat the right foods and don’t eat too much of them. Of course, that’s far easier said than done for most of us. But if you do what you can, keep making improvements in your diet and use every small achievement as motivation for the next one, you can get there. And here are some foods and beverages that will help.

5 Secrets to Reducing Cellulite

1. Flax Seed

Flax promotes the production of collagen in your body. Collagen is the main component of your body’s connective tissue, which includes your skin and the connective tissue that keeps it attached to your body. When fat and fluids gather around that connective tissue, it causes cellulite. Collagen strengthens your skin and the underlying connective tissue, which helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. You can add flax seed to your breakfast cereal, yogurt or just eat it straight up.

2. Asparagus

Asparagus is high in fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer so you eat less. Fiber also helps keep your digestive system functioning properly. And asparagus has a diuretic effect, which rids your body of excess fluids, including those that contribute to your cellulite. Plus, it complements nicely with fish which also helps minimize cellulite for a one-two punch!

3. Avocado

The conundrum with fat is, even as we try to get rid of it, we need it to live. Avocado is a great source of healthy fats and it fills you up to reduce the hunger pangs that make you eat more.

4. Fresh Lemon Juice

Frozen and prepared juices often have added sugar that negates most of their healthy effects. But freshly squeezed lemon juice reduces the impact of simple carbohydrates (those that go straight to your thighs), and reduces toxins that lower your estrogen levels, which helps tighten your skin.

5. Water

Water helps you fight cellulite by flushing your system of retained fluids and toxins, and hydrating your skin so it looks smoother. The minimum recommendation is 8 ounce glasses per day.

There’s no one single way to defeat cellulite. By taking as many positive steps towards cellulite reduction, not only will you have better looking skin, you’ll probably lose weight and feel healthier too.