When it comes to excess fat in the body, many women are ashamed or embarrassed about the problem. They fail to realize that cellulite plagues many others, and it's not always due to overeating. A poor diet and a lack of exercise are probably the two greatest culprits, and there are also other potential causes. The good news is cellulite can be treated naturally, without expensive surgeries and without anti-cellulite creams and medicines.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the term used for fatty deposits and other material that are trapped in pockets just beneath the skin. Cellulite appears as dimples or bumps in the skin, usually seen around the buttocks, hips, and thighs. It is caused by poor lymphatic drainage, poor circulation, fluid retention, a sedentary lifestyle, hormones, and a lack of water in the body. When strands of connective tissue (that attach skin to muscles) pull tight where a lot of fat is present, this causes fatty areas to appear lumpy with a look often compared to cottage cheese.

Cellulite Removal Tips

If you want to get rid of cellulite naturally, there are numerous steps you can take. Sure you could opt for a medical cellulite treatment such as liposuction in which the fat is surgically removed. But unfortunately, this type of cellulite removal can be dangerous to your health in worse ways than the cellulite itself. You could also try intense cellulite massages, but massages may only work temporarily.

The best way to combat the problem of cellulite is to reduce and prevent it at the source. For starters, change your eating habits. Opt for more organic foods and reduce your intake of processed foods. Try to consume more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Avoid too many trans fatty acids and saturated fats, and choose the "healthy" fats such as nuts or lean meat. Drink plenty of water daily to keep your body hydrated.

Another way to keep cellulite from showing its ugly head is to increase daily activity and exercise. Nowadays, many Americans are sedentary at work and in their lifestyle thanks to computers and home entertainment. If you have a desk job or any job where movement is limited to a few trips to the bathroom a day, then you will need to exercise much more than someone with an active job.

Start a daily exercise routine in which you can exercise in the morning, on your break at work, and at least 30 minutes during the evening hours. During your break at work, you might be able to walk or jog around the building or even in the hallways if you work in a large office complex. Walking is great exercise and it gives your heart a non-strenuous workout as well.

Plan to engage in some fun physical activities or games with your family at least several times per week. This will help your entire family to stay in shape! If you live alone, get a pet dog and commit to walk the dog at least one hour per day. Or, join a local gym so you can workout using high quality equipment.

Educate yourself about cellulite treatment and reduction. You can learn a great deal about cellulite removal in books such as "The Cellulite Cure" and use the Internet to gather other helpful information. Getting rid of cellulite is not easy, but with consistency, you'll be able to watch your cellulite slowly disappear.