Karen refers to cellulite as toxic fat. She arrives at this term by reasoning that cellulite is basically caused by 2 things: excess fat and toxins that become trapped in the body. Let's look into the topic of excess body fat a bit further…

Excess fat accumulation close to the skin's surface results in that dimply, cottage cheese-like appearance we commonly refer to as cellulite. But if that's true, why do so many people who are thin or average-sized have cellulite? That's a common question asked by many women who are puzzled by their cellulite.

Can You Be Skinny AND Fat At The Same Time?

The best way I know to explain this situation is by referring to the concept of a "skinny fat person" – personal trainers sometimes use this term. Your body is composed of 3 main components: water, fat and muscle. Of course there are other things in there too, but fitness levels are typically measured using body fat percentages based on these 3 components. You've probably seen this with the body fat scales that became popular a few years back. They not only measure your weight but also the percent of body fat you're carrying.

If you've ever used one of these scales, you might have been surprised. You see, it's not uncommon for a thin person to have a relatively low percentage of muscle in their body, which relates to a corresponding high percentage of fat. When you look at someone, it's difficult to tell what their body composition is. You just take a quick look at say they're skinny, normal or fat.

Cellulite isn't usually a problem for someone when they're young, but as they get older it's a different story. From a body fat perspective, the best way to protect against and combat this problem is by increasing your muscle strength and size. You don't need to become a bodybuilder, but you would serve yourself well to build some lean muscle mass and lose any excess body fat.

Losing fat and gaining lean muscle consists of 3 basic steps:

1. Proper nutrition
2. Cardiovascular exercise
3. Strength training

Karen discusses all three of these components and a lot more in The Cellulite Cure. In it, she provides exactly what you need to plan a cellulite home remedy to your exact specifications. In fact, you can download the first chapter of her book here to preview the information she shares about cellulite reduction.

True natural cellulite treatments have no synthetic or chemical components. In fact, they aren't processed in any way at all. They are completely harmless which makes them a great alternative to some of the pills, laser treatments, creams and other expensive treatments for cellulite removal.

Many safe, natural cellulite treatments are common items you probably already have around your house and use often. Believe it or not, water is the original natural cellulite treatment option. It doesn't get any safer than water, which works to safely flush toxins out of your body. Since toxins play a major role in cellulite formation, keeping your body as toxin-free as possible helps a lot.

Water also helps to keep your body and skin hydrated. So, not only will it help reduce cellulite, but it will also improve your general health.

Altering your diet can also be an excellent natural remedy for cellulite. In fact, cellulite is often caused by excess body fat. If you watch your diet and exercise regularly, you can reduce the appearance of cellulite significantly.

What Does A Healthy Diet Consist Of?

Fruits and vegetables are always excellent choices. They're chock-full of vitamins and nutrients needed by your body. Plus, they're low in fat and easy to burn off through regular activity. Aim for as many low-fat, high fiber choices as possible and your diet will become healthier each and every day.

Another popular cellulite home remedy is green tea. Green tea has become somewhat of a cure all due to its great health benefits. It's full of healthy antioxidants, which are believed to help prevent illnesses such as cancer. When it comes to cellulite reduction, some people apply green tea to the skin to decrease its puffy appearance.

While there is no such thing as a quick fix or complete cellulite solution, there are many natural alternatives for you to try. Sometimes you'll be able to combine a strategy or two and see even better results.

Here's an easy anti-cellulite message recipe you can try:

• 2 TBS almond oil
• 5 drops juniper berry oil
• 5 drops geranium oil

Mix oils together, apply and massage.

Many women find they get similar or sometimes better results from an anti-cellulite cream designed specifically for cellulite reduction. Click here to learn about one of our favorites.

A bit of explanation about how massage cellulite treatments work…

First, understand that essential oils must be mixed with a suitable carrier oil and then massaged onto affected areas. You'll get the best results by treating each day right after your bath or shower.

Massage movements should be firm and stimulating. Pressure should be constantly applied on the stroke working towards the heart. Do not use massage techniques in areas where you have varicose veins.

The combined effect of the essential oils and the massage will help to break down fatty deposits and encourage the elimination of toxins through increased circulation.

You'll see greater benefits when you use a soft body brush on the skin before bathing or showering.

Essential oils provide a pleasant and easy to use treatment and you may choose from a variety of different oils. Popular selections include lemon, grapefruit, orange, cypress, juniper, lavender and rosemary. A word of caution… do not use if you're pregnant unless you check with your doctor first. Of course, this advice applies to health-related treatments of any type.

While the use of oils as massage cellulite treatments alone will, unfortunately not be enough to rid your body of cellulite, they will help. It's also necessary to make diet and lifestyle changes to eliminate excess fat and to also strengthen connective tissue.

- Include plenty of fiber and whole grains in your meals. Fiber is necessary to keep your system running properly. Cellulite is just one of the side effects of an improperly maintained system.

- Fruits and vegetables also help keep you healthy and discourage fat accumulation. Eat plenty of these every day.

- Drink a lot of water to keep yourself well-hydrated and flush away those toxins from your body. Toxins play a large role in cellulite so it's in your best interest to get rid of them. Water, water and more water!

Incorporate these nutritional strategies into your daily routine and you'll definitely notice a difference. Keep at it!

Following a regimen of good health, nutrition and exercise will rid your body of excess toxins and promote a general state of health that is optimum for pursuing any program for dealing with cellulite.

Important considerations for maintaining good health include:

1. Watch your diet
2. Incorporate fresh and natural foods into your diet
3. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
4. Limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol
5. Avoid high fat foods
6. Get plenty of fiber
7. Quit or cut down on smoking
8. Avoid medications not necessary to health and well being
9. Get plenty of exercise

You see, the better your health habits, the better your chances are for reducing cellulite too!

- Alcohol consumption does absolutely nothing positive in the area of cellulite prevention or reduction. In fact, alchohol will encourage cellulite deposits to form and increase in your body. Drink at your own risk… definitely not advisable.

- Avoid the "whites" as much as possible – white flour, sugar and salt. These are not only unhealthy in general, but they will also encourage cellulite dimples, especially as time goes on.

Working these two "no-no's" out of your nutrition plan alone will help tremendously.