Shapewear

Ugh! Exercise?! Who the heck actually wants to exercise? It makes you feel like you’re going to pass out. It makes you sweaty and smelly. And you never see any changes anyway. But, no matter how you feel about exercise, there’s no denying its benefits. From losing weight and cellulite reduction to lower blood pressure and less risk of heart disease, exercise is shown time and time again to deliver lots of healthy benefits. So how can you come to terms with your dislike for exercise in the face of how good it is for you? The answer is relatively simple. Approach exercise on your own terms. Here are a few suggestions on how to do that. 1. Focus on the Right Benefits for You If you’re exercising just to lose weight, you’re setting yourself a lofty goal. Here’s why: exercise doesn’t shed pounds as efficiently as you think. For example, it would take you over two hours of brisk walking to walk off the calories you put on from just one Big Mac. Even if weight loss is your ultimate goal, start using other benefits as markers of success. Exercise helps to improve many areas of your appearance and wellbeing, including better looking skin, improved posture, lower stress and higher self-esteem. Think about how good you’d feel about yourself if you actually were able to get into a regular exercise program, even if you saw no physical results. 2. Set Your Own Achievable Goals If you set out to lose 50 pounds, your chances of failure will be higher. Instead, start your program with the goal finding something you are comfortable doing on a regular basis. Even if it’s only walking to the corner and back, if it adds more regular activity to your day, then it’s a good goal to achieve – and doing so will help you move onto higher goals. 3. Try it Eight Times If you have never jogged, even running a short distance can make you say ‘never again!’ But if you think about it, you rarely like anything that’s different from your usual habits the first time you try it. Before you begin any extra regular activity, tell yourself you will try it at least eight times before you give up on it entirely. If there is a single way to get more exercise into your life, it is to find something, anything, that works for you. Instead of trying to reach all the goals you read about in the magazines and on the web, start to write your own book on healthier living.

We’ve been writing a lot in the blog recently about being more affirmative and forgiving with your weight, cellulite or anything else about yourself that might cause stress, anxiety and/or low self-esteem. And it’s time to stop letting the size number on your clothing get you down too. By making the right fashion choices and dressing in a way that lets you comfortably accentuate your features and look your best, you can start feeling more beautiful and confident every time you leave the house –which is true whether you’re overweight or not. 1. Be Comfortable Presenting the best outward image to others starts within you. You can’t be confident in something that’s physically uncomfortable or that makes you uncomfortable with the look you are presenting. Wear clothes that fit properly – not too tight and not too baggy – and don’t wear something to make yourself feel good just because it’s the latest style. Above all, be true to yourself. If you’re buying a certain size because you hate the thought of your correct size, you’ll never look your best. 2. Assemble a Knock-Out Wardrobe When you choose the right colors, cut and patterns, you can accentuate the right areas and take focus away from elsewhere. Dark Colors Hide and Light Colors Highlight Wear a lighter colored belt or sash around you waist to highlight its curves over a dark dress. Wear dark pants and a light-colored blouse to put the emphasis up top and take it away from down below. Stay Away from Horizontal Stripes and Patterns Being horizontal, they accentuate width. By contrast, vertical stripes accentuate height. Get Your Colors Done Find out what clothing colors work with your skin tone and hair color. 3. You Can’t Look Your Best if Your Underwear Doesn’t Fit Your underwear shouldn’t be just a fashion show of skimpy briefs and fancy bra patterns. By some estimates, up to 80% of women wear the wrong bra size. That can cause back pain and posture problems. An ill-fitting bra can make anything you wear look unflattering. Take the time and spend a little extra to visit a specialized bra shop or higher-end department store whose sales help knows how to properly size you for a bra. To help keep hip and thigh girth in check, try a low-legged, high-waisted support brief. Better yet, look for cellulite-reducing shapewear (like our products!) that can help shape your body from your stomach to your ankles, all while reducing the appearance of cellulite. Mass & Slim Shapewear Shorts $79.95 $99.95 Shop Now Mass & Slim Shapewear Leggings $89.95 $104.95 Shop Now 4. Accessorize for Size Fortunately, jewelry and fashion accessories work for women of all body sizes and types. In fact, larger women can wear bolder choices that might overwhelm smaller frames. But don’t use that as an excuse to go over the top – gaudy can happen to anyone. Similarly, items that are simply too small can appear out of proportion to your body. Try a larger handbag that will make your body look smaller. Use a few bangles to make wrists look slimmer, and knee-high boots will make your legs look longer and thinner. 5. Wear Clothes with Mass & Slim If you follow all or some of the tips above, this will already be easier to do. The right attitude, confident and positive, is as important as the clothes you wear in presenting the best you to the world. 6. Take Care of Yourself Simply putting on an outfit doesn’t miraculously make your look great. Try to eat a healthier diet and get more activity in your life. Treat yourself to a spa visit or a mani/pedi. Generally shoot for a healthier lifestyle. Not only will you be healthier, but you’ll look healthier too. 7. Get Fitted It’s can be difficult to know what size works best for you, especially since sizes can be inconsistent between clothing brands. And sometimes almost nothing fits you properly because of your body’s unique features and proportions. Try finding a good seamstress and get properly fitted for some outfits. It might be less expensive than you think and the payoff can be fabulous. 8. Buy Quality When you’re down about your body and appearance, it’s easy to just shop the bargain racks. You’ll prefer the look of higher quality clothing and it will last longer, which is something that we don’t usually consider when deciding to make the investment. So go ahead, you’re worth it. 9. Consider all angles Literally and figuratively. Some outfits look great when you’re standing in front of the mirror. But when you sit down, they might be quite unflattering. So put a chair in front of the mirror and take a look for every angle, sitting and standing. Also make sure your clothing is age- and personality-appropriate. If you’re north of 30, no matter what body type you are, the latest teen trends are probably not for you – even if you’re still young at heart. And sometimes when we decide to change our attitude about ourselves, we try to become something we’re not. If you’ve never worn pastel-colored hair, think twice about adding a streak of fuschia just to make a change. Or at least take small steps in your new direction. That last point may be one of the most important. Accepting your body, being more affirmative and forgiving in your attitude towards it doesn’t mean doing anything that is part of who you are. The idea isn’t to become someone else, but to be happier and more comfortable with yourself. Active Slim Compression Leggings $99.95 $129.95 Best Seller! Shop Now Secret Slim Compression Shorts $94.95 129.95 Best Seller! Shop Now Reviews I am a critical care nurse and these leggings are saving my legs. I am no longer feeling leg fatigue at the end of my shift which has alleviated my knee pain. In addition my legs look smoother. My husband noticed the back of my thighs appeared less dimpled and he was a skeptic. I am ordering a second pair and I am going to try the bra this time too. Leann Kolovitz, USA. I have been wearing my mass and slim leggings for less than a week. I have already noticed tightening and toning in my legs, butt and stomach. I`m also seeing a reduction in cellulite and smoothing of my skin. Very impressed for the first week! I never submit reviews but if you are looking for something to help get u in shape and to look toned, these leggings are the bomb! Worth every dime I paid. I will post back in thirty days with an update but so far I`m extremely thrilled with these leggings! Great results! Pam Crawford, USA. See All Reviews

If you’re one of the surprisingly few people who have been loyal gym members for many years, you probably hate January. Why? Because all the “I’m going to eat healthier’, ‘I’m going to lose weight’ or ‘I’m going to tackle reducing my cellulite’ resolution-makers crowd into any gym they can find in January eager to start the New Year right. The good news is that it won’t take long for your gym to return to normal as more and more people fall off the resolution wagon. You should be fine by February. While only about 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions, we all continue to make them year after year. And that’s a good thing. Regardless of what the numbers say, there’s nothing wrong with trying again and again in hopes that your resolutions eventually stick. But until that happens, maybe you can try a different approach that might actually have a fairly good chance of success. The Problem with Resolutions   In a way, we very often set ourselves up for failure when we make New Year’s resolutions. It’s not easy to suddenly change your diet, or jump into a workout schedule for the first time in your life, or even lose 10 pounds (permanently). Of course, at the first signs of trouble in tackling these really massive goals, it becomes easier to give up – just as 92% of us do each year. Try This in 2017 Resolve to shift your outlook, not necessarily your weight. Clearly making a big resolution to reduce  cellulite isn’t working. Instead, try to take your focus from losing a certain number of pounds and simply try to do anything you can to be healthier, regardless of how big or small, and regardless of ‘success’. To give you an idea of what we man, here are just a few suggestions to help you get started. You can try one, some or all of them. You can try to make the change every day, or just pick certain days. Whatever works for you. The idea is to get started with something you can maintain. Once you are on the road, even in the smallest way, it’s easier to stay on it and use it get to where you want to be. 1. Eat More Whole Foods Try to eat whole (unprocessed) foods, like vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and legumes at every meal. They fill you up more which means you eat less. 2. Get Your Rest Giving your body time to recover and recharge each night helps give you more energy to tackle more life-changing, and weight-reducing, tasks when you’re awake 3. Get Rid of Sugar Wherever Possible If you have 2 teaspoons of sugar in your coffee, try having just one. Or cut your dessert in half. Or try going without dessert one day a week. Or try anything that you think you can do to reduce your sugar intake by any amount. 4. Drink More Water If you already carry a full water bottle with you, fantastic. If not, start now. Your body is 60% water and maintaining proper levels helps your digestion, body temperature, nutrient distribution, detoxification and circulation. 5. Get a Little More Active If you’re not comfortable going to a gym, don’t bother. Just try to add some more activity to your daily routine. Stand when you’re on the phone. Have walk-and-talk meetings. Park further away from the mall entrance. Play with you children. If you pick just one of these and stick to it at least occasionally, that’s an achievement. It may not seem like a big deal or that you have reached much of a goal. But when nothing else has worked, the goal isn’t as important as just getting yourself a ‘win’.

A few months ago we reached our limit. We simply couldn’t read another headline that made obvious false promises about getting rid of cellulite. For anyone with cellulite, those headlines might seem like the answer they’ve always been looking for. But claims those headlines make are at best misleading and, at worst, potentially dangerous to your health. So we decided to write a post that busted some of the untrue cellulite headlines. Well, it’s happened again. As we surf the web to keep up-to-date about cellulite, we often come across more misleading information than solid facts. Here are just a few recent headlines that we busted this time. “Cinnamon is the Magic Spice the Will Help Get Rid of the Embarrassing Presence of Cellulite” – It’s actually fairly simple to become your own headline buster. If you see an article about cellulite with words like “magic”, “miracle” or “get rid” in the headline, you can probably bust it right there – no need to waste your time reading it. Why It’s Busted: Aside from the fact that no magical powers have ever been associated with cinnamon, there are a number of things wrong with this article. The claim is that toxins are stored in the fat cells that produce cellulite and cinnamon helps detoxify your body. But even if you eliminate all the toxins from your body, the best you can hope for is a slightly noticeable reduction in the appearance of your cellulite. You certainly won’t ‘get rid’ of it. “Start Your Day With It and Shine! It Erases Your Wrinkles, Kilograms and Cellulite.” – OK, let’s add “erases” to the list of words you can use to spot a sketchy cellulite headline.Why It’s Busted: This one busts itself. Suddenly, by the end of the first paragraph, the claim for the smoothie in question is reduced to “minimize the cellulite”, which is a far cry from ‘erases’ – and it’s still not accurate. “6 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite and Fat in Thighs” – This headline boldly sports three inaccuracies in just 12 words. That’s a 25% inaccuracy rate! Why It’s Busted: First, there are no easy ways to get rid of fat, which in turn means no easy ways to get rid of cellulite. Second, If you ‘got rid’ of fat (and therefore cellulite) you’d die. Third, if you do manage to reduce body fat through a balanced diet and exercise, it’s impossible to focus that fat loss on your thighs or any other particular body part. Remember, if the headline sounds too good to be true, it is. Keep looking for ways to eat a healthier diet and find ways to get more activity in your life and you’ll be doing just about as much as you can to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Considering that it’s not an illness, it isn’t painful and it’s completely normal, cellulite sure does have a bad name. There’s a boom industry around cellulite and its treatment, including diets, creams and seeming endless advice to do things like “banish dreaded cellulite”. Even the word “cellulite” might really be bad for the condition’s reputation. Unlike most other physical conditions, whose names have a basis in science or ancient language, cellulite is an entirely contrived name. Its first use is recorded in the 1920s by a health and beauty spa. In other words, cellulite is a marketing term. Regardless of why it has such a bad reputation, our attitude towards it is what causes much of the stress and anxiety that many people suffer due to cellulite. If somehow we were able to change that negative outlook on cellulite, we might be better able to deal with it. Welcome to #CelluliteSaturday Imagine social media sites full of images of women proudly showing off their cellulite every week. #CellulteSaturday is the brainchild of Kenzie Brenna, a Toronto-based actress who decided to do something about the stigma around cellulite. Words for all us bopo warriors ✨ It gets easier, but that doesn't mean to hard stuff still doesn't come. In waves, in moments we may drown in ourselves, in the bodies we try to keep from sinking. We may still have voids. Big voids, the one that creates a lightness so heavy we must fill it obsessively and violently to feel whole. We may still find weakness in our strength. We will catch ourselves lying to protect our truth. In moments where our bodies are only masks for our secrets. The secrets we thought we burned and tossed, but they found a way combed in us. We will have moments like these. And we will choose to fight them until our hearts say no. A fight that we live to love for the benefits of eternal freedom tantalize every inch of our soul. Honour your fight, that soldier inside you, she sleeps only when all is well again. And all will be well again, as it goes. Remember this, my warrior. ? #edsolider #bopowarrior #selflove A photo posted by Kenzie B (@omgkenzieee) on Nov 2, 2016 at 8:34am PDT //platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js Starting this past summer, Kenzie regularly posts images of herself, cellulite and all, with the #CelluliteSaturday hashtag in an effort to change the attitude toward cellulite and, in turn, help herself and other women be more accepting of it. Every #CelluliteSaturday post Kenzie shares gets literally thousands of “likes’, the standard form of appreciation on Instagram, and dozens of comments, all of which are invariably positive and/or grateful for the effort. Many include personal stories of dealing with cellulite’s stigma. Yaassssssssss kweens. You know what day it is! ? ? ? Do I love this part of my body? No, absolutely not. No matter how many times I talk about it, no matter how many people support me, its engrained in me to understand that "if you have cellulite, that part of your body is not good looking." And some people will read this and nod their head. I get it. But I also recognize that this is from social conditioning. IF YOU THINK for some reason that we are born with a natural distaste for certain body types then you are wrong. Let me give you this example: (This example slays btw) ?✨ If cellulite wasn't attractive because its inherently in our DNA, then we wouldn't also shame women for having body hair. Makes sense right? Body hair grows on us and yet we shave it off because smooth, white, young looking skin is more desirable than the other. But wait! It's in our primitive mind to look for mates who can survive, so why do we instinctively think that body hair on a woman is unattractive? Considering body hair is developed by biological evolution. BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN RAISED TO THINK THAT. This is called cultural programming. This has nothing to do with what our cavemen minds think is attractive. And if you've been following my youtube videos I have spoke that our psychology cannot exist without the influence of our culture or the sub cultures around you. That would be called living in a "cultural vacuum" and it doesn't exist. If you recognize this, it's much easier to step out of your body and understand it from a sociological perspective. You can learn so so much about yourself once you realize how our minds and bodies work!! ????? I am no exception to this, cellulite monster inside of me still reigns her ugly head sometimes, but I acknowledge that this is social conditioning and I will not bow down to it. I will try to love myself. Over and over again.❤️ No matter how uncomfortable it makes me, no matter how hard, not matter what anyone says: I am on a journey for self love and I WILL NOT STOP. ??? #cellulitesaturday #thisbody #embracethesquish Also lovelies! Pls actually tag me in your pics! If you just @ me, it gets lost. Sowwie ????? A photo posted by Kenzie B (@omgkenzieee) on Nov 5, 2016 at 5:52am PDT //platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js There is nothing wrong with cellulite. Having a healthier attitude towards it will also help you have a healthier attitude toward reducing its appearance. Only then will you stop believing all the unbelievable “miracle cure” claims and make some real progress in managing your cellulite.

What’s the worst thing about cellulite? Yes, it’s ugly, it gets us depressed and we can’t seem to do anything to get rid of it. But perhaps worst of all is the lack of hard scientific facts about cellulite. Most people’s understanding and perceptions about cellulite are, at best, misinformed. A lot of that misunderstanding comes from the industry that has grown around our desperate search for a ‘cure’ for cellulite. And right there is one of the biggest cellulite myths. It’s not something you cure, or should cure. In fact, if you absolutely cured your cellulite, you could be in for some serious health issues. The good people at Reader’s Digest recently spoke to some board-certified dermatologists about what they wished women knew about cellulite. In a way, we were happy to hear what they said because, in previous posts here on The Black Purple blog, we’ve touched on many of the points the dermatologists raised. 5 Facts About Cellulite That Dermatologists Want You To Know 1. What Really is Cellulite Cellulite is any ‘thing’. It is the term used to describe the dimpled appearance of your skin. “Cellulite is enlarged packets of body fat deep beneath the skin pushed against the vertical connective tissue that surrounds fat cells,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, of Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. Cellulite mostly appears on your belly, thighs and butt, where the layers of fat beneath the skin are deeper than elsewhere on your body. 2. Almost Every Woman has Cellulite “Cellulite is very common—93 percent of women have it!” says Dr. Engelman. So if you have cellulite, you’re definitely not alone. 3. Cellulite is Natural, Harmless and not a Disease The Mayo Clinic says cellulite isn’t a serious medical condition. Perhaps the worst health issue that can come from cellulite is the self-consciousness it creates, which can contribute to depression, anxiety and lower self esteem. 4. Exercise can Help Reduce your Cellulite Dr. Bruce Katz, MD, medical director of JUVA Skin & Laser Center in New York City, says "generally, the key to alleviating cellulite is weight loss combined with building muscle.” The correlation between exercise and cellulite is simple. Cellulite is caused by pockets of fat. Exercise burns fat, which would reduce the pockets that cause your cellulite. 5. What you Eat Affects Your Cellulite Similar to exercise, what you eat affects how much fat your body produces. But the benefits of a healthy diet go beyond maintaining healthier weight levels. “Antioxidants and omega-3s can be a woman's best friend in fighting cellulite because they help break fat cells down and strengthen the skin and connective tissue, respectively,” says Dr. Katz. The dermatologists mentioned a number of other points about cellulite around which there is some level of misunderstanding. This includes the fact that cellulite has a genetic component, that the structure of men’s skin means that they rarely get cellulite and, perhaps most importantly for your hopes and pocket book, there’s no known ‘miracle’ cure for cellulite. Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist says “while many treatments claim to be able to improve the appearance of cellulite, the long-term effectiveness of these treatments or their true efficacy is still being investigated. So, please, don't waste your hard-earned money on claims that won't really yield the results you want,”

How many times have you thought “I think I’ll get more nutrition in my diet to help reduce my cellulite”? If you’re like most, the answer would be “never”. And that’s why Nutrition was Secret Weapon #1 in the Battle Against Cellulite. In this episode, and sticking with the idea that these are “secrets” because you probably have never thought of them – or used them – to fight cellulite, we look at the anti-cellulite effects of strength training. BUT – Don’t Click Away Just Yet Yes, we know that most people don’t want to bulk up. Heck, most people aren’t into strength training at all. But we think it’s important for you to know its benefits against cellulite and then you can decide for yourself whether or not it’s worthwhile. In the Nutrition post, we learned once again that losing the fat that causes cellulite is just about the only way to really reduce it. And we talked about how nutrition supports healthy, sustainable weight loos. The Problem With Weight Loss that Strength Training Solves When you lose weight, your measurements, including thigh circumference and hip circumference, will shrink according to how many pounds you shed. That means there will be less fat between your skin and the underlying muscle. If there is a problem with weight loss as an anti-cellulite fighter, it is that, unless you lose an incredibly unhealthy amount of weight (cellulite would be the least of your problems if you lost that much weight), you will still have a certain amount of fat between your skin and the muscle tissue beneath it, a layer of fat that contributes the orange-peel effect of cellulite. Strength Training to The Rescue When you do some strength training (make sure to talk to your doctor before you begin), you will build muscle. Not enough to walk around with a six-pack necessarily – you can get away with even slight, unnoticeable increases in muscle mass. But when you do, it helps your fight against cellulite in a number of ways: 1. Larger Muscles Even if the change in the size of your muscles is unnoticeable, they are larger and extend closer to your skin, thereby reducing the thickness of the fat layer, which in turn reduces the appearance of cellulite. 2. Increased Metabolism A higher metabolism helps you burn more calories. 3. Lower Weight In addition to the increase in metabolic rate, you will burn more calories just from the activities you do in your strength training program. We know strength training isn’t for everyone. But we also know it can work to reduce your cellulite. And now you know.

It seems like the world is populated by slim people. How do they do it? You’ve been getting more active, you watch what you eat and yet you can’t get the weigh scale to budge. It’s usually at this point that many people give up and decide that they “just can’t lose weight”. They resign themselves to living an overweight life and tolerating everything that comes with that, from the hurtful comments, to the bubbly looking cellulite on their butts and thighs. First of all, with few exceptions, most people are physically able to lose weight. That’s not to say that the seeming inability to lose weight is purely a mental or emotional problem, but it’s certainly at least as much so as it is physical. It’s yet another reason why fad diets rarely produce lasting weight loss. They set up unreasonable short-term expectations which, when not met, would need massive emotional fortitude to conquer. But you’re over that. You now the secret to permanent weight loss is to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get as much activity as you can. So Why Do You Still Not Lose Weight? It is so disheartening to make huge adjustments in your lifestyle and diet, only to have it all produce zero results. The fat and cellulite remain. There are two basic reasons why eating well and getting exercise doesn’t work for everyone. 1. You Overestimate the Calories Burned During Exercise Regardless of whether you lost weight or not, you must admit that you feel great (at least after you catch your breath and cool down) after a good workout. Even a brisk walk can get your blood flowing, increase your metabolism and give you energy. But, in a way, all that good feeling and energy is the problem. We feel so good, we think we’ve burned way more calories than we actually did. A study done by the University of Ottawa found that, when participants were asked to eat the number of calories they thought they burned during a workout, they consistently ate two or three times more calories than they burned. 2. You Underestimate How Many Calories You Eat Numerous studies prove that we all underestimate how many calories we eat and even how often we cheat on our healthy eating habits. Even if you eat nothing but health foods, there is a tendency to think that, if it’s good for you, you can eat it, regardless of how much you’ve eaten already today. It’s when the “over estimating how much we burn” and “underestimating how much we eat” phenomena collide that some serious damage can happen. Like when we use food as a reward for a good workout. Let’s say you went for a very brisk walk of 6.5 km/h (normal walking speed is about 5 km/h), for half an hour every day. That would be quite an achievement. So you wouldn’t be blamed for encouraging yourself on the way home with a treat, especially a relatively healthy one like a bran muffin. If you did that exercise/reward combination, you would gain over a third of a pound every week – even while doing a fairly strenuous exercise.

It has no taste, no color, no real nutritional value and, if you lived near a pristine stream, it would have no cost. Yet, while it seems to not have a lot going for it, water is essential for life. As if that wasn’t enough reason to drink more water, water also delivers a number of benefits for weight loss, not the least of which is its ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite on your skin. Before we get into water benefits for cellulite reduction, it helps to understand exactly what is cellulite. Everyone has a layer of fat cells just below their layers of skin. The skin is also connected to the underlying muscle tissue through fibrous connective “cords”. When enough fat accumulates, it tends to push up against the underside of your skin. But the cords pull down on your skin. The result is the wavy, “orange peel” appearance of cellulite you see on the surface of your skin. How Drinking Water Helps Reduce Cellulite 1. Water Gives You More Energy When you don’t get enough water, your muscles don’t work as well. That reduces the amount of activity you can do before feeling fatigue. More water means more activity, which burns more calories, which reduces fat. 2. Strengthens Your Skin Your skin needs water. Without it, skin gets dry and somewhat thinner; this makes it more susceptible to showing the signs of cellulite. 3. Water Helps You Reduce Calorie Intake In addition to giving you more energy to burn calories, water helps reduce stress (a big reason for emotional eating), fills you up at meal time (so you eat less) and helps reduce your consumption of sugary drinks, all of which are a huge boost to any weight loss program. Drink up! Water is not a standalone cellulite cure. But when used in combination with other cellulite treatments and weight loss initiatives, water helps deliver results, and many more benefits to your overall health.

The numbers are astounding. Over 90% of women don’t like what they see when they look in the mirror. On average, women have almost one negative thought about their bodies every hour. Negative body image can have some serious implications, including low self-esteem, eating issues and depression. But how can you avoid it? With hundreds of media images bombarding you every day and stereotyping all around, how can you improve your body image? One or more of the following steps can help. 1. Adjust Your Media Consumption If you shift your TV viewing habits, or some of the magazines you read, you can find other programs, articles and websites that are just as satisfying, but they are less likely to make you cringe when you look at yourself. 2. Take Small Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle No. We’re not saying you must change your body. A more balanced diet, more activity and other elements of a healthy lifestyle should be pursued or their own merit (which is a healthier you); not to lose weight. But the point is to not jump into it so deeply that you change everything you eat and do every day in one giant leap. Doing that reduces your chance of success. Instead, try one thing that will improve your health, like finding new, healthy snacks, instead of automatically reaching for the bag of potato chips. 3. Look for Alternatives If there are ways to help improve your self-esteem, to help you have a better impression of the image in the mirror, without making you uncomfortable or adjusting your life to the point that you hardly recognize it, then don’t be afraid to give it a try. Flattering clothing, shapewear or even a new hair style can all help you feel better about yourself, which will help you be more accepting of who you are. 4. Be Grateful The next time you have a negative thought about your body, stop for a moment. Consider everything you have. Think about your friends and family and how much they mean to you. Be glad for everything you have achieved and can achieve. Suddenly, the idea that your body doesn’t look like the bikini models on TV will not seem like so much of an issue. It really is up to you. Listen to yourself. Listen to how you speak to yourself and look for signs of negative body image. Then take steps to reduce or eliminate them.

The third Monday in January is now known as “Blue Monday” – or the most depressing day of the year. While it may have started as a marketing tactic for a travel agency wanting to encourage vacations to warmer climes in the midst of winter, the idea of Blue Monday has struck a chord with many of us. The winter blues have been documented and up to 50% of Canadians report some physical or psychological symptoms, from simply feeling blah to diagnosable depression. For those trying to lose or manage their weight, the news is not any better. Research conducted by the Columbia University Medical Center shows that it’s normal to gain up to five or six pounds over the winter. And the extra pounds aren’t the only issue. Other symptoms, like cellulite and lower self-esteem, compound the problem. The quick answer is to change your eating habits and start exercising. But if you’re already in the winter doldrums, you’re not exactly in the best frame of mind to make major changes to your lifestyle. Fortunately, there’s an easier option. It might not deliver the same results, but it will put you on the right path and may even give you enough encouragement to stay there. Instead of attempting to make wholesale changes to your diet that you’re not likely to stick with (abandoned New Year’s resolutions anyone?), make small adjustments that are easier to keep. It’s Called Eating Healthy-ish Not only are you more likely to stick with smaller changes, you’ll also avoid the sense of defeat that comes from abandoning loftier goals. If you’ve failed to eat a completely healthy diet, try taking smaller steps and eat "healthy-ish”. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Healthy-ish Snacks – Snack foods are notoriously unhealthy. They must be because they taste so good. If you can’t wait to dig into chips and dip while watching TV at night, keep the dip, but enjoy it with mini carrots or whole-wheat flat bread instead. Or keep the chips, but dip them in hummus. Healthy-ish Fast Food – Can’t pass a McDonald’s without stopping for a Big Mac meal? Not only is it high in fat, but its salt content is over half your recommended daily intake. Carry a baggie of those same mini carrots, or some pods of peas, and have them with the burger and drink, in place of the french fries. Or carry low-salt vegetable juice and skip the Coke. Healthy-ish Fruit Juice – Contrary to popular belief, many popular fruit juices pack as much or more sugar than soft drinks like Coca-Cola. Unless you burn it off fast, the energy in all that sugar is stored by your body as fat. Try mixing your juice with water. Not only will you be surprised at how much of the flavour remains, you will reduce your sugar intake significantly and hydrate yourself at the same time, which has been shown to reduce cellulite. The underlying premise of eating “healthy-ish” is that it’s better to make whatever improvement you can to your diet than to avoid changes altogether because of your lack of motivation or fear of failure. And don’t worry, spring will soon be here.

In my 36 years I have always tried to adhere to healthy living, and in general I succeeded. Being “health conscious” to me means getting the essential food groups and nutrients in your daily diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, limiting toxic items like alcohol, cigarettes and processed food, and overall, managing stress. At 5’11” and what my mother would call “big-boned”, I had a propensity to gain weight if I did not keep an eye on my diet and stay very active. In my lifelong quest to maintain a healthy, comfortable weight, I tried many pills claiming miracle weight loss or fat burning, or some new exercise routine that promised fast & easy results with little effort. After all of this experimenting, I still came to the same conclusion: the tried and true method of eating healthy and exercising regularly is the best way to lose excess weight and keep it off. As we all know, the metabolism slows down as we age, and we lose about 5% muscle mass every year after reaching the age of 35. Where I once prided myself on maintaining a fairly fit physique, I was finding it more and more difficult to keep extra weight off. This is a frustrating experience when you know how much effort you are putting into your health and physical state. In addition to this, I started noticing that although I had never had a problem with cellulite previously, suddenly I was noticing dimples in cetain areas – and I did not like it. Now since I had never had to deal with cellulite, I didn’t have the first clue what to research on how to fight it. I had always passed by the anti-cellulite creams and lotions in the store, thanking the stars that I didn’t need them. I found myself in a conundrum – I may be getting older, but I am sure as hell not going to take this cellulite situation lightly! I started to look for solutions that would fit both my budget, and my busy, active lifestyle. A friend told me about Lanaform, and that it was the number one product in Europe for anti-cellulite shapewear that had just recently been brought to Canada and the U.S. Lanaform has had tremendous success and great results in clinical studies. Their Mass & Slim and Cosmetex shapewear are easy to wear, made of gentle, breathable fabrics that can be worn under clothes undetected. At this point I decided I had nothing to lose, and purchased both the Mass & Slim Slimming Shorts and Cosmetex Slimming Leggings. The first thing I have to say about Lanaform and TheBlackPurple is how quick and easy the ordering process and delivery was! I received my products 2 days after ordering, even though the website said on average 3-5 business days. Bonus! Free delivery always works for me too. I tried the Cosmetex Slimming Leggings first since I planned to be home all day. They are like a silky second skin and I immdediately loved the way my legs and bottom looked!! I would say that these leggings are less of a support garment and more of a secret skin silkening power tool! Cosmetex really do enhance your shape, giving an overall much sexier appearance and no one knows the difference from regular old black leggings but wonders why you look so good. The softness of my skin was instantly noticeable after wearing, not only by me but by my boyfriend as well. I only wish I’d bought a Large instead of a Medium since I am so tall… otherwise totally recommend – Cosmetex is a fantastic product! Now, for la Piece de Resistance… the Mass & Slim Slimming Shorts! I cannot say enough about this wonderful product! It takes a bit of getting used to the not-so-pretty appearance, but let’s be honest – they are in actuality a medical-like device. We are wearing them under our clothes and they are constructed more for form and function than a sexy underwear item. It pretty much only took me one day of wearing them before I was hooked. The thin, breathable fabric moves with your body, does not roll or constrict in any uncomfortable way – and this is important when wearing them for 8 hours a day every day. I felt so at-home in the Mass & Slim Shorts that I couldn’t wait to put them back on every day. They work well under pretty much any outfit, I wore them to the gym regularly and washing is simple in cold water followed by hang-to-dry. After using both the Cosmetex Leggings and Mass & Slim Shorts consistently for the recommended 28 day period, I definitely lost inches around my hips, thighs and waist. I see a significant improvement in any dimpling I was starting to notice. I feel tighter and more firm. The Mass & Slim Shorts come quite far up the rib-cage so they were more effective around my mid-section than I had even hoped for! I have become so accustomed to wearing these products that I intend to continue wearing them as part of my daily routine and plan on buying new items after the recommended number of washes. It has been a long time since I have been as happy with an online purchase as I have been with my Lanaform shapewear from TheBlackPurple. I will definitely be helping them spread the word because every woman concerned about her shape or cellulite needs to know about Lanaform. Thank you to TheBlackPurple and their amazing team!

Combating cellulite is not just about exercising and eating healthy but it's also about breaking some bad habits that most people don't associate with cellulite appearing. Here are 3 common everyday bad habits that help cause cellulite: Smoking Gone are the days of smoking being associated with glamour and being “cool”. With rampant anti-smoking laws in effect, and the interminable list of health risks linked to it, it is a wonder anyone even smokes anymore. But sadly, the industry is still thriving, despite restrictions on designated smoking areas and advertising across the country. In a time where information and warnings on the dangers of smoking abound, it is hard to believe how many smokers still exist. Cellulite is one of the risks due to smoking, and although hardly the most concerning of health issues associated with it, it is nevertheless a real byproduct of the nasty habit. Cigarettes are mainly made up of many toxins that affect the circulation of the blood, and affect how much blood successfully gets to your skin. These toxins will affect the composition of the skin, by breaking down collagen. This ends up loosening the skin, allowing fat cells to penetrate it, causing cellulite. Continuing to smoke will only counteract any positive methods you use to attempt to banish cellulite – polluting the body and negating any attempts at detoxification. Alcohol Aside from the obvious fact that alcohol contains excess calories that, when trying to maintain a caloric regime appropriate to weight loss or weight maintenance, the problem lies in the fact that these calories go straight into the fat cells. This happens because the body prefers to use alcohol metabolites as a source of fuel, which forces the calories in the carbohydrates and fats to be stored as fat in the fat cells. Drinking often leads to eating more, adding insult to injury with increased caloric consumption – usually at night – the most precarious time of day to be eating. Alcohol harms the liver’s ability to function and detoxify, lessens overall energy in the body, and over time, causes water retention. When served in cocktails or in beer, with sugars / refined carbs, the effects are worse. And let’s not kid ourselves: a night of drinking will more than likely lead to a day of less activity, more overeating, and possibly more smoking. Young women often keep social agendas that include frequent alcohol consumption, and they are at a higher risk for developing cellulite if these habits are not kept in check. Mass & Slim Shapewear Shorts $79.95 $99.95 Shop Now Mass & Slim Shapewear Leggings $89.95 $104.95 Shop Now Caffeine The trend coffee has taken in the last few decades seems to have gone the opposite way from that of smoking. In metropolitan areas there are coffee houses nearly every few shops, and the scene isn’t much different in smaller urban areas. Coffee fanaticism has reached nearly epidemic proportions and shows no signs of stopping. With no restrictions or government health warnings on consumption, the attempt to curb coffee drinking might become that much trickier. How does one start the day without that beloved cuppa-cuppa? To successfully lessen our coffee consumption we will need to look at our coffee differently, and see it for its’ potentially harmful effects. The effort this will take will vary greatly on an individual basis, depending on how much coffee you drink in an average day. If you cannot completely quit your morning fix, one coffee per day should be ideally the max. Again depending on how you take your coffee, or what variation of caffeinated beverage you choose – the most glaring of facts is again, the extra calories consumed. Cream, sugar, whipped cream, flavoured syrups – are all added calories that could be avoided. And the caffeine itself has been proven to store fat. How so, you ask? Caffeine raises the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and insulin in our bodies. And when insulin levels change and blood sugar levels increase, we may be tempted to add sugary treats to our beverage. Although topical application of caffeine has been found to stimulate skin and is in cellulite treatment, caffeine over-consumption is skin’s enemy because it lowers with your blood circulation. Skin requires a regular blood supply to stay looking young and healthy. A lack of oxygen leads to dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. The same effects too many late nights and morning espressos have on our face… can be seen in the lower area of the body as well. When skin is being robbed of vital nutrients, it’s going to look dry and dehydrated—and that will make your cellulite worse. What Now? Adopting a healthier lifestyle that does not involve smoking or over-consumption of alcohol and caffeine will be key in the treatment and reduction of the appearance of cellulite. Also consider using Lanaform’s Cosmetex and Mass & Slim shapewear slimming in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle is the simplest, most cost-effective way to lessen the appearance of cellulite, with proven results. Mass & Slim Waist Shaper $69.95 Shop Now Active Slim Compression Leggings $99.95 $129.95 Best Seller! Shop Now Reviews I am a critical care nurse and these leggings are saving my legs. I am no longer feeling leg fatigue at the end of my shift which has alleviated my knee pain. In addition my legs look smoother. My husband noticed the back of my thighs appeared less dimpled and he was a skeptic. I am ordering a second pair and I am going to try the bra this time too. Leann Kolovitz, USA. I have been wearing my mass and slim leggings for less than a week. I have already noticed tightening and toning in my legs, butt and stomach. I`m also seeing a reduction in cellulite and smoothing of my skin. Very impressed for the first week! I never submit reviews but if you are looking for something to help get u in shape and to look toned, these leggings are the bomb! Worth every dime I paid. I will post back in thirty days with an update but so far I`m extremely thrilled with these leggings! Great results! Pam Crawford, USA. See All Reviews

No one body is perfect. Not the bodies of the magazine models, not the ones of the superstar athletes, not the ones of the commercial spokespeople, not the ones of the newscasters or the fitness gurus we see on TV. Yet on a daily basis we are trained like Pavlov’s dogs to see what appears to be perfection and in turn, almost without even realizing it, subconsciously remind ourselves that unless we attain the same perfection, we will never be good enough. Good enough for who, though? Good enough for our partner – or perhaps the partner we are trying to find; colleagues, competition and the world in general – even the strangers on the street who we might fear are silently judging us. “Good enough” to attain the dream life that includes the accolades of success in a great job, the admiration of our peers, and the love and acceptance from family and friends. Although it may seem that in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, that appearance is more important than ever – in reality it has long been placed in the forefront of the mind of society as the key to achieving success and happiness. The portrayal of an ideal world thanks to an ideal body has existed since media was invented. So – in reminding ourselves of this fact, we must remind ourselves also that although valiant and consistent efforts to improve and maintain our outwardly appearance are admirable – they are not the “be all and end all” to our existence – and that maintaining a positive outlook and attitude about it are above-all the most important aspects of “looking good.” Easy Ways to Stay Positive Slow & Steady Wins the Race Rome was not built in a day. Quick-fix weight-loss plans and fad diets will never get you the long-term physical results you seek. Body changes take time, and they require a commitment of steady-paced, focused effort. Food choices need to be thought out, exercise needs to be mapped out, and most of all, both these aspects require ongoing execution in a detailed manner. Keep It Simple Complicating matters only complicates matters. Being well-armed with the right tools and information on how to keep your exercise and diet regime simple is paramount. Know where to find the most nutrients, and incorporate them into your regime wherever you can. Know which exercises net the most effective results – and use them. Exercise Regularly & Eat & Sleep Well Staying active on a regular basis will not only keep you in better shape, but the endorphin release will surely contribute to a more elevated mood and positive outlook. Any physical activity that you find entertaining will keep you both motivated and committed. Get a buddy onboard with your workout activities and see how it helps your drive and stamina. How The Black Purple and Lanaform Products Can Help We at TheBlackPurple.com believe in healthy lifestyle choices to best meet any long-term weight loss or toning goals. The Lanaform Cosmetex and Mass & Slim shapewear products are constructed to be effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite and in providing a more toned look and feel to the skin. The bio-ceramic beads and bamboo-viscose fibres have proven to be powerful ingredients in our shapewear, and our clients love it. Research studies have shown an overwhelmingly positive response to our products, and we are seeing an increase in repeat buyers. We aim to promote awareness and appreciation for the fact that human bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Our shapewear products are meant to work with all body types, they are comfortable enough to wear to work, to the gym, at home, or even while sleeping. The expandable yet snug fabric keeps you feeling confident and at ease that the shapewear is working while never being constricting or causing discomfort. We at TheBlackPurple.com are here to provide you with quality products and quality service – two things that will most definitely keep you on a positive track to reaching your weight loss goals – and happily keeping them.

There is an abundance of research available on the top cellulite-fighting foods, with extensive lists that include items that are sometimes obscure or tricky to obtain. Our list provides you with the 8 foods that are easiest to obtain, year-round, and are also fairly inexpensive. Chances are you might be already consuming some of them regularly. If not, now you have no excuse. Bananas: Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which is helpful for reducing cellulite in many ways. Firstly, potassium helps to reduce water retention which can be a leading cause of cellulite. Furthermore, potassium can help to support the lymphatic system and ensure it works efficiently at circulating fluid and cleansing the body of impurities. Kale: Kale is rich in Vitamin C, which helps skin to produce the collagen and elastin that protects it from cellulite forming. It also contains potassium, a mineral that prevents water retention and reduces the appearance of cellulite. High in calcium, the fat-fighting mineral will help to prevent fat cells from being stored in your body in the first place. It contains very little oxalic acid, the acid that STOPS your body from absorbing the calcium from other foods. Barley: Barley has the lowest glycemic index of all common grains. Because it takes longer to digest, it leads to a smaller spike in blood glucose and insulin levels. High amounts of insulin can promote fat storage in the body, and excess carbohydrate consumption can lead to weight gain. Instead of rice, have a ½ cup of barley with veggies and meat. Sweet Potatoes: One of the most nutritious vegetables, they contain potassium, vitamin C, some vitamin E, as well as beta-carotene. In addition, they contain some unique root proteins which, according to some preliminary studies, have significant antioxidant properties. The nutrients and other substances in sweet potatoes are thought to improve circulation and eliminate toxins – two of their most notable cellulite fighting properties. Blueberries: Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants called anthocyanins, this helps skin to form collagen. The anthocyanins can also fight the enzymes that lead to the breakdown of collagen, protecting your skin from weakening. They are also rich in Vitamin C, which the body needs to produce collagen. The anthocyanins in the berries is key in increasing the effectiveness of the Vitamin C, ensuring skin's protection. Finally, blueberries contain Vitamin E, which acts as a protective barrier to keep skin healthy and nourished. Flaxseed: Flax seed oil contains essential fatty acids (EFAs) that hydrate cells and improve skin elasticity. Oil from flax seeds contains many vitamins and minerals, making it thicker and healthier. The body relies heavily on fibre to metabolize fat cells quicker, and this is where flax comes to the rescue, making them smaller and less noticeable. Green Tea: As well as being an antioxidant, green tea has been shown to increase caloric burn rate. Drinking three cups a day can burn an extra 80 calories in the next 24 hours. Green tea may also reduce weight by stopping the production of fat-absorbing enzymes. French research claims a person can burn 30 per cent of their fat calories a day simply by drinking more. It contains an ingredient called theobromine, which stimulates the release of stored fats in the body, as does the caffeine it contains. Sunflower Seeds: Loaded with vitamin E, potassium, and zinc, good source of selenium and a good source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is crucial for the proper absorption of zinc from the intestines, but it also has some cellulite fighting properties of its own: Firstly, it plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins and helps strengthen and repair connective tissue. It can also act as a natural diuretic, eliminating excess water and bloating that make cellulite more visible. Use in moderation due to high calorie content. Conclusion Integrating these 8 foods into your daily diet and getting regular exercise are key factors in weight loss and its’ maintenance. The use of Lanaform Mass & Slim and Cosmetex products in conjunction with this healthy lifestyle plan can only further assist with your desired results of body shaping & toning, while actively working with you in your fight against cellulite. Click here to see our cellulite reduction shapewear.

A common question we hear at TheBlackPurple is "What is the difference between Lanaform Mass & Slim and Spanx?" DESIGN & INTENT: The main difference between these two products is that Spanx are designed to simply provide an immediate (and false) slimming "effect" to be worn under clothing to appear slimmer or in order to fit into a desired size/outfit. The Spanx products are geared towards women who don't have the time or desire to invest time into improving their body shape and who want to look good in work outfits, or for special parties or events, often at the last minute when there is no time to lose any unwanted weight or trim down/firm up. Although the Spanx line offers many different options, in essence all of their products are simply "control" undergarments that offer no intent or promise of changing your body shape. You will look exactly the same after the garment is removed. With Lanaform Cosmetex and Mass & Slim shapewear slimming products, the main purpose is to improve your body shape by helping to reduce inches, tone & soften skin, and combat the appearance of cellulite. Lanaform anti-cellulite products use innovative slimming fabrics made from Bamboo Viscose, Tourmaline and bio-ceramic crystals. These revolutionary, intelligent fibres have a two-fold effect: instant and durable. With a recommendation of wearing these products for about 8 hours a day for 28 days, Lanaform's goal is to help women lose inches and attain a more toned and refined body shape that will complement and boost a healthy lifestyle. PRODUCT QUALITY, DURABILITY & FUNCTIONALITY There has been much publicized and reviewed about the Spanx line since their 2000 launch. Their items are often sleek-looking and pretty in design, which increases their appeal to women wanting a quick-fix to feel sexy. Unfortunately, the recurring complaint about their products, it seems, involve functionality issues and inferior quality and craftsmanship. These issues inevitably lead to dissatisfaction & frustration among purchasers, regret on spending money, poor reviews and less inclination to repurchase. And despite claims that Spanx products effectively slim the physique, many women complain of discomfort or pain wearing them, especially for long intervals. There have also been many reports of problems with the Spanx return/exchange policies & procedures. Spanx also charges shipping to Canada. Lanaform Mass & Slim and Cosmetex products have a dual-functionality and are made of the highest-quality materials and fibres, and will continue to produce the desired slimming and anti-cellulite effects with the use of careful wash & care. Effectiveness is guaranteed for up to 30 washes. They redefine your figure thanks to the highly-targeted corset effect: the buttocks, belly and thighs appear thinner immediately and are comfortably maintained. The Lanaform line has a "second skin" effect which gives the wearer a sense of freedom. The leggings, shorts and belt do not "roll" or slip or move position, ensuring they are constantly working to produce long-term slimming effects correctly. TheBlackPurple has a very clear, user-friendly return policy, and will immediately replace items without requiring the receiver to ship back an incorrectly shipped order. All shipping to both Canada and the U.S. is free of charge. CONCLUSION Your choice on whether to purchase Spanx, or Lanaform Mass & Slim /Cosmetex, or any other line of shapewear for women on the market, depends on the results you want to achieve. For a long-term anti-cellulite, overall slimming and toning effect, when coupled with a healthy lifestyle, Lanaform offers you the solution that will best meet your body shaping and weight loss needs.