
But despite the fact that these women—many of whom are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world—admittedly have patches of cottage-cheese-like skin, doesn't make it any easier for us mere mortals to embrace our imperfections. Unfortunately there's no miracle cure for cellulite, but it's possible to create a smoother look by consuming foods that aid weight loss and support lean muscle growth, collagen production and skin elasticity. All of the recipes below—courtesy of recipe developer and author of Go Clean, Sexy You Lisa Consiglio Ryan—are chock full of the nutrients and fare your body needs to create the dimple-free look you crave. And to boost the effects of your anti-cellulite diet further, be sure to check out these 25 Best Foods for a Toned Body.
JUICES & DRINKS
RED ALERT JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 242 calories, less than 1 g fat (0 g saturated), 240 mg sodium, 60 g carbs, 12.2 g fiber, 41.6 g sugars, 5.2 g protein
This drink serves up a hefty dose of two of the most potent cellulite-fighting nutrients on the block: vitamin C and fiber. Although the former helps rebuild collagen that supports the appearance of smooth, un-dimpled skin, the latter super-satiating nutrient helps draw toxins out of the body that promote fat storage. Sip this nutrient-dense, easy-to-make drink each morning to reap the benefits. And to accelerate your weight-loss wins, round out your meal with some of these 50 Best Breakfast Foods for Weight Loss.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
2 beets (use the stems)
2 carrots
1 apple, cored and quartered
1⁄2 lemon, peeled
1⁄4-inch piece fresh gingerroot
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
HANGOVER MARY GREEN JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 108 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated), 33 mg sodium, 26 g carbs, 5.3 g fiber, 12.8 g sugars, 4 g protein
For a mere 100 calories, this light, refreshing juice provides more than 20 percent of the day's fiber and nearly two days' worth of vitamin C. Not only does vitamin C reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it's also been shown to elevate mood and counteract the stress hormones that trigger the storage of belly fat. All convincing reasons to make a batch of this sweet, slightly spicy drink, if you ask us.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 cup spinach leaves
1 cucumber
1 kiwi fruit
1/2 lemon, peeled
1/4 inch fresh ginger root
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
WARRIOR LIME JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 200 calories, <1 g fat (0 g saturated), 92 mg sodium, 51.6 g carbs, 10 g fiber, 30.5 g sugars, 4 g protein
We know the sugar and the carb count is high, but don't let that deter you from making this superfood-packed juice. All of the foods that go into this sip come from nature, so they should be embraced with open arms. For example, apples, one of the star ingredients in this recipe, boast the powerful antioxidant quercetin, belly-slimming fiber and vitamin C, an anti-cellulite nutrient we can't get enough of. Pair this juice with a small serving of overnight oats for a healthy, filling breakfast.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 cucumber
2 carrots
1 apple
1 tablespoon basil
1⁄2 lime, peeled
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
DIY ALMOND MILK
Serves: 4
Nutrition: 157 calories, 12 g fat (0.9 g saturated), 6 mg sodium, 10 g carbs, 3.5 g fiber, 5.1 g sugars, 5.2 g protein
Believe it or not, some commercial almond milk containers only contain trace amounts of the health-protective nut for which the beverage is named. To up your intake of lysine (an amino acid found in almonds that blasts away cellulite by repairing tissue and collagen), make your own milk at home. This recipe is super-simple to make and contains five times the amount of protein in a one-cup serving. The more protein you consume, the easier it will be to build lean muscle mass and incinerate body fat, which helps diminish the appearance of cellulite. To discover more ways to build the body of your dreams, check out these 50 Best-Ever Weight-Loss Secrets From Skinny People.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 cup almonds, soaked overnight (12 hours)
3 cups filtered water
2 Medjool dates
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Blend all ingredients in a blender.
Step 2
Pour into a pitcher and keep refrigerated for up to 7 days.
CILANTRO LEMONADE SMOOTHIE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 14 calories, <0.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 31 mg sodium, 1.9 g carbs, 1 g fiber, <1 g sugars, 1.2 g protein
The cilantro in this recipe does much more than take your taste buds south of the border, it promotes detoxification by helping to remove heavy metals from the body that tend to hide in fat cells. These heavy metals can disrupt normal tissue function and, as a result, prevent your body from healing and functioning properly. By reducing overall toxins in your body, you can help get rid of excess stored fat, which can help lessen the appearance of cellulite.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
½ cup cilantro
1 cup spinach
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ inch fresh ginger root
2 cups water and ice cubes
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
SLIM SHADY BEET JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 274 calories, 1.0 g fat (0 g saturated), 306 mg sodium, 67 g carbs, 14.5 g fiber, 44.8 g sugars, 6.6 g protein
Forget your morning coffee, this drink's flavor kick is sure to wake you up—and blast away the appearance of cellulite—stat! This elixir gets its punch from a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, a spice that's been shown to reduce belly fat, suppress appetite and boost thermogenesis—the body's ability to burn food as energy. And for more ways to melt excess flab, check out these 30 Foods That Melt Love Handles.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
2 beets (use stems)
3 carrots
1 apple
1 cup spinach
1/2 lemon, peeled
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
BLISS OUT GREEN JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 214 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated), 44 mg sodium , 53 g carbs, 9.2 g fiber, 24.4 g sugars, 6.8 g protein
Parsley and cucumbers, which are composed of up to 96% H2O, are natural diuretics. But they do more than flush out your kidneys and fight bloating. Water is essential to fighting skin puckering because hydrated skin helps smooth out the appearance of cellulite. Plus, this juice is packed with vitamins and minerals. Knock out two days' worth of vitamins A and C demands, get in 9 grams of belly-slimming fiber, as well as hefty amounts of potassium, manganese and vitamin B6.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 cup kale
1 pear
2 cucumbers
1 tsp. parsley
1/2 lemon
1/4 inch fresh ginger root
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
POWER GREEN JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 165 calories, < 1 g fat (0 g saturated), 166 mg sodium, 41.2 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 21.5 g sugars, 5 g protein (calculated with 2.5 celery stalks)
Low in fat and sodium, this Power Green Juice is bursting with cellulite-fighting nutrients. It contains three days' worth of vitamin A (301% DV), two days worth of vitamin C (234% DV), and a hefty dose of potassium and vitamin B6, a nutrient that helps the body metabolize fats and proteins. Potassium- and vitamin C-rich foods fight sodium retention and help keep skin hydrated and pucker free. And speaking of potassium-rich foods, check out these 21 Amazing Things Bananas Do To Your Body. The yellow fruit is overflowing with the powerful nutrient!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 cup kale
1 cup spinach
1 cup Swiss chard
2-3 celery stalks
1 apple
1 lemon (peeled)
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
SELF LOVE JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 189 calories, <1 g fat (0 g saturated), 200 mg sodium, 45.9 g carbs, 10.2 g fiber, 30.7 g sugars, 5.2 g protein (calculated with 1.5 celery stalks)
You had us at self love—especially since you can never truly get rid of cellulite, you can only diminish the appearance. "Cellulite is everywhere in real life, but because it's absolutely nowhere in TV, movies or magazines, it's easy to forget that. In fact, at least 80 percent of women have cellulite, and a fair number of men have it, too," says Dr. Lexie Kite, PhD, Co-Director of Beauty Redefined. Show your body love by sipping on this cellulite-reducing recipe.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 handful of spinach
1-2 celery stalks
2 beets (use the stem too)
1 pear, stem removed
½ lemon
1/4 inch ginger root
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
REFRESH GRAPEFRUIT AND MINT JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition:105 calories, < 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 3 mg sodium , 28.2 g carbs, 5.1 g fiber, 19 g sugars, 2.3 g protein (calculated with 2 grapefruits)
You know Vitamin C fights the common cold, but that's not even the half of it — C also helps build up and repair skin collagen, keep you hydrated and even boost your metabolism! If you're battling cellulite, refresh your skin with this Grapefruit and Mint Juice that delivers almost two days' (181%) worth of the essential nutrient.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1-2 ruby red grapefruits
1 lime, peeled
1 Tbsp. fresh mint
¼ cup water
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
SOARING ENERGY JUICE
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 269 calories, <1 g fat (0 g saturated), 6 mg sodium, 71.6 g carbs, 8.4 g fiber, 52 g sugars, 3.2 g protein (calculated with raw pineapple).
With just two ingredients, this juice delivers a powerful puckered-skin punch. Pineapple, the first ingredient, contains potassium—an electrolyte that plays a key role in tissue hydration by fighting sodium retention. And citrusy fruits like lime, the second ingredient, are sky-high in hydrating and skin-repairing Vitamin C. However, you may want to add water and divide the recipe into two servings—the sugar count, although from a natural source, is rather steep.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1/2-1 cup pineapple chunks (frozen) or 1/2 a pineapple cored and chopped
1/2 lime, peeled
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Combine ingredients in blender or juicer and serve.
SALADS
CHICKPEA CHOPPED SALAD
Serves: 4
Nutrition: 482 calories, 13.9 g fat (2 g saturated), 56 mg sodium, 70 g carbs, 20.1 g fiber, 13.5 g sugars, 23.4 g protein (calculated without salt and pepper)
Although you might focus on fiber and protein for their waist-whittling and satiating effects, the nutrients are also incredibly important in the fight against cellulite. Luckily for you, this easy to make recipe is overflowing with both. To cut the calorie count a bit, spoon a smaller serving of the salad over a bed of spinach or romaine with some grilled chicken, a potent muscle builder that also happens to provide lysine, an amino acid that helps repair collagen. This is one cellulite-blasting meal we can't get enough of.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
¼ cup pumpkin seeds
15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup asparagus, chopped
2 carrots, chopped (1/4 cup)
2 celery stalks, chopped (1/4 cup)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, asparagus, carrot and celery.
Step 2
Add cooled seeds to mixture and stir in lemon juice and oil.
Step 3
Season with salt and pepper. Toss and serve.
FAT-BURNING SPRING DETOX SALAD
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 476 calories, 43.9 g fat (7.5 g saturated), 69 mg sodium, 22.3 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 5.6 g sugars, 5.3 g protein
Send cellulite packing with this fat-blasting citrusy salad. What makes it such a nutritional winner? It's topped with avocado and grapefruit. Although studies suggest that the sour pink fruit may help incinerate fat and lower cholesterol levels, other pools of research have found that avocados can also lower blood pressure, banish bloat, quell hunger pangs and fry fat stored around the midsection. With all these powerful fan-banishers in your corner, this dish is a surefire winner for your figure.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
FOR THE DRESSING
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. dijon mustard
1 tsp. chopped fresh mint
1 tsp. chopped fresh dill
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
FOR THE SALAD
1 bunch kale, 2 cups (discard the ribs)
1 Tbsp. pine nuts
1 ruby red grapefruit, peeled and segments removed from membrane
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and cut into chunks
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Combine lemon juice, mustard, mint and dill in a small jar, and shake well.
Step 2
Add oil and shake well again.
Step 3
Toss kale with 4 Tbsp. of dressing in bowl. Add pine nuts and toss to combine. Divide among 2 plates.
Step 4
Heap grapefruit segments and avocado chunks on top of spinach, drizzle with remaining dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.
AVOCADO TOMATO SALAD
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 643 calories, 52 g fat (10.4 g saturated), 49 mg sodium, 36.8 g carbs, 13.1 g fiber, 8.5 g sugars, 18.3 g protein
Parsley, an oft-overlooked herb, contributes more to this dish than decoration. It's actually a powerful diuretic, which helps flush out your kidneys, preventing bloating and water retention. What's more, parsley is also packed with vitamins A, C and E, nutrients that help smooth out the appearance of cellulite.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
FOR THE SALAD
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and thickly sliced
½ cup pumpkin seeds
FOR THE DRESSING
½ cup cashews
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tsp. paprika
¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Make dressing: Soak cashews in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes then drain and put in food processor. Add rest of dressing ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2
Put the tomatoes, spinach, cilantro, parsley, and avocados in a bowl and toss with the dressing.
Step 3
Top with pumpkin seeds and serve.
CHICKPEA SALAD
Serves: 3
Nutrition: 694 calories, 22.2 g fat (3.3 g saturated), 122 mg sodium , 95.7 g carbs, 27.6 g fiber, 17.7 g sugars, 34.4 g protein
Lessen the appearance of cellulite with this tasty Chickpea Salad. Not only does it contain cilantro, a fresh herb that fights cellulite by removing fat-hiding heavy metals from the body and improving fat metabolism, but it also contains lemon juice. This yellow fruit delivers a big hit of vitamin C fighting against skin damage and other toxins in the body.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1⁄4 cup pumpkin seeds
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon chopped basil
1 tablespoon chopped dill
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Place pumpkin seeds on baking tray. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, peas, and herbs. Add cooled seeds to mixture and stir in juice and oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Toss and serve.
OH-SO-GOOD SPINACH SALAD
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 534 calories, 50.1 g fat (5.4 g saturated), 248 mg sodium, 22.4 g carbs, 9.3 g fiber, 10.2 g sugars, 7.1 g protein
This recipe calls for half a cup of heart-healthy pecans. Not only are these hickory nuts full of essential fatty acids, but they also fight cell damaging free-radicals thanks to their excellent vitamin and mineral content. More specifically, pecans are rich in Vitamin E, responsible for maintaining healthy skin cell membrane. Because the emergence of dimpled skin is often due to the breakdown of skin's collagen, consuming foods containing this nutrient help to maintain skin's integrity.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
FOR THE SALAD
1 bunch spinach (1 cup leaves)
1 pear, cored, quartered, and sliced
1 tablespoon dried cranberries
FOR THE SPICED PECANS
1⁄2 cup pecans
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
FOR THE VINAIGRETTE
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1⁄2 onion, chopped (1⁄4 cup)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
WHAT TO DO
TO MAKE PECANS
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and toss until well coated.
Step 3
Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until toasted, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Let cool.
TO MAKE VINAIGRETTE
Step 1
Whisk together all ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
TO MAKE SALAD
Step 1
Place spinach, pear, and cranberries in a bowl.
Step 2
Add vinaigrette and toss.
Step 3
Transfer to serving bowl and top with pecans. Serve.
LENTIL SALAD
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 424 calories, 8.5 g fat (1.2 g saturated), 99 mg sodium , 62 g carbs, 30.5 g fiber, 4.2 g sugars, 25.7 g protein (calculated without S&P to taste)
Thanks to the hearty amount of lentils, this recipe contains more than 30 grams of flat-belly, fat-cell-demolishing fiber! In addition, cherry tomatoes and lemon juice are great sources of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen and repair skin collagen. Tomatoes are particularly rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that increases after cooking and fights a slew of diseases, including skin damage. And with more than 25 grams of protein per serving, you can satisfy your appetite and fight cellulite with just one nourishing bowl!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
FOR THE SALAD
1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
1⁄2 onion, chopped (1⁄4 cup)
1⁄4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
FOR THE DRESSING
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Prepare lentils according to package directions. Set aside.
Step 2
In a bowl, whisk together mustard, juice, vinegar, and oil.
Step 3
Pour dressing over lentils and add onion and tomatoes. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Serve.
TANGY ARUGULA SALAD
Serves: 1
Nutrition:566 calories, 42.6 g fat (6.1 g saturated), 50 mg sodium, 42.8 g carbs, 10.3 g fiber, 25.3 g sugars, 13 g protein (calculated without S&P to taste)
When it comes to dimpled, puckered skin, this is one recipe you don't want to ignore! It's got vitamin C bursting lemon and clementines, as well as fat- and inflammation-fighting radishes. Looking to cut calories and fat? Divide this dish into two and throw each serving over a bed of mixed greens.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
2 clementines, peeled and segmented
1 bunch arugula (1 cup leaves)
1⁄4 cup chopped radishes
1⁄2 onion, chopped (1⁄4 cup)
1⁄4 cup sesame seeds
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Toss all ingredients in a bowl and serve.
EASY FIVE-MINUTE BLACK BEAN SALAD
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 402 calories, 17.9 g fat (3.1 g saturated), 808 mg sodium, 52.3 g carbs, 14.7 g fiber, 9.7 g sugars, 13.2 g protein
In just five minutes, whip up a wholesome salad that's packed with puckered-skin reducing nutrients, belly-slimming fiber and satiating protein. Just keep an eye on the sodium content. It's more than half a day's worth. You can reduce this by cutting the sea salt or serving up smaller portions over a bed of lettuce.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup mango
½ avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 cup spinach
½ tsp. chili powder
Sea salt to taste
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
In a bowl, toss together beans, mango, avocado, oil and juice.
Step 2
Pour over spinach on plate. Sprinkle powder on top. Season with salt and serve.
SOUPS & QUINOA DISHES
VEGAN GLUTEN-FREE ITALIAN SOUP
Serves: 4
Nutrition: 433 calories, 5.1 g fat (<1 g saturated), 437 mg sodium, 70.4 g carbs, 27.7 g fiber, 4.7 g sugars, 29 g protein
Warm up this winter with this flavorful, savory soup. Its high fiber and protein content is sure to keep you satiated long after you put spoon to mouth, which in the long run, can help you lose weight and build muscle, warding off the appearance of cellulite. And for more weight loss tips, check out these 20 Easy Ways to Lose Weight Like a Celebrity.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
8 cremini mushrooms, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup kale, stemmed, torn into bite-size pieces
1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp. lemon juice
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a pan.
Step 2
Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 3
Add carrots, garlic, and kale and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 4
Add beans and broth and cover.
Step 5
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6
Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
CHILLED TOMATO SOUP
Serves: 3
Nutrition: 258 calories, 24 g fat (17g saturated), 19.7 mg sodium, 11.8 g carbs, 3.8 g fiber, 7.1 g sugars, 3.2 g protein (calculated with unsweetened coconut milk)
If you love fresh juices and smoothies you're sure to be a fan of this warm weather soup. All you need to make it is a blender! It gets better: Not only does it contain the very nutrients you need to look your best in short-shorts and swimwear, but it's also overflowing with lycopene, a phytochemical that helps eliminate skin-aging free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays. For more weight-loss-friendly foods that can help save your life, check out these 40 Best-Ever Weight-Loss Super Foods.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
3 tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1⁄2 onion, chopped (1⁄4 cup)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (1⁄2 cup)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1⁄2 teaspoon cumin
HOW TO MAKE IT
Step 1
In a blender or food processor, purée all ingredients until smooth.
Step 2
Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving
LEAN UP DETOX SOUP
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 178 calories, 7.7 g fat (1 g saturated), 455 mg sodium, 27 g carbs, 7.2 g fiber, 7.1 g sugars, 4.5 g protein
If you're looking for the most potent cellulite recipe on the plant—this is it! From fiber-rich broccoli and spinach to detoxing parsley, nearly every ingredient serves a purpose in the fight against dimpled skin. Not to mention it's under 200 calories per serving!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 yellow onion, diced (1/4 cup)
1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped (or use frozen broccoli florets)
1 cup spinach
1 parsnip, peeled, cored, chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley
2 cups vegetable broth
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 lemon (or 1 Tbsp. lemon juice)
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Heat oil over medium heat in large pot. Add garlic, onion, and ginger and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 2
Add the broccoli, spinach, parsnips, celery and parsley and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Step 3
Add vegetable broth and reduce to medium-low heat. Cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Puree the soup with a blender or food processor.
Step 5
Pour soup into two bowls. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze lemon over the soup before serving.
COCONUT BERRY QUINOA
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 603 calories, 29.4 g fat (17.8 g saturated), 17 mg sodium, 74.7 g carbs, 15.2 g fiber, 9.4 g sugars, 15.4 g protein (calculated with chopped pecans)
Quinoa is a weight-loss superfood, known for a slew of health benefits, including its waist-trimming fiber content (12 grams per cup). However, the nutrient does more than promote satiety. It's incredibly important in the fight against cellulite because it helps purge fat cells of toxins and boasts high amounts of lysine, an amino acid that helps repair body tissue and collagen.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 cup cooked quinoa
1⁄2 cup strawberries
1⁄4 cup coconut flakes
1 tablespoon pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve.
SNACKS
NUTTY FRUIT SALAD
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 291 calories, 6.1 g fat (2 g saturated), 6 mg sodium, 62 g carbs, 9.6 g fiber, 39.3 g sugars, 3.9 g protein
Essential fatty acids, which are found in nuts like almonds, help delay the skin's aging by reducing the body's natural production of inflammatory compounds. But that's not all they do to fight cellulite. These omegas also help to maintain the health of skin-cell membranes by blocking toxic chemicals and holding in healthy elements (like water) to make your skin look softer, fuller and wrinkle-free!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 banana, chopped
1 apple, sliced
1 tablespoon almonds
1 tablespoon raisins
1 tablespoon coconut flakes
1 teaspoon ground flax seed
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Mix all ingredients except flax seed in a bowl.
Step 2
Sprinkle flaxseed over salad. Serve.
PORTOBELLO AND GUAC TREATS
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 447 calories, 39.3 g fat (8.2 g saturated), 483 mg sodium, 24.3 g carbs, 15.4 g fiber, 3 g sugars, 7.4 g protein (calculated with ½ tsp sea salt)
"Portobellos are the most B3-packed veggie you'll find, and they're a great substitute for high-fat meats. Eating a plant-based diet may help reduce the risk of chronic disease and aid weight maintenance," explains Lisa Cimperman, MS, RDN, LD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent and improve the appearance of cellulite, which is simply fat pushing up against your skin.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and mashed
1⁄2 onion, chopped (1⁄4 cup)
1 tomato, chopped (1⁄2 cup)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 portobello mushrooms, stemmed and gilled
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Make guacamole by combining all ingredients except the mushrooms in a bowl.
Step 2
Scoop the guac into the mushroom caps and serve.
NOTES
This recipe makes 4 servings of guacamole. Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge; it will last for 2 to 3 days.
GLUTEN-FREE BANANA OAT MUFFINS
Serves: 12
Nutrition: 104 calories, 2.3 g fat (0 g saturated), 4 mg sodium, 19.3 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 4.5 g sugars, 3.2 g protein (calculated with 3 bananas).
This recipe calls for two cups of gluten-free rolled oats. Raw oats are one of the best sources of resistant starch, which digests slowly, suppressing appetite and speeding up caloric burn. And researchers have found that females who lose weight have less cellulite. Plus, GF oats are a good source of lysine-rich fiber.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
1⁄4 cup almond milk
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon coconut flakes
2 tablespoons raisins
1 tablespoon flaxseed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
WHAT TO DO
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 ̊F.
Step 2
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Step 3
Pour mixture into a muffin pan.
Step 4
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until slightly brown on top.
LOSE UP TO 14 POUNDS—FROM YOUR BELLY FIRST
All it takes is a humble bag of tea. Find out how in THE 17-DAY GREEN TEA DIET, developed by the bestselling authors of Eat This, Not That!
BUY NOW ON AMAZON or IBOOKS!