The Xcell Plan
Yinka Thomas, who has spent ten years researching the causes of cellulite, claims the dimpling of the skin is formed when fatty tissue is invaded by toxins which are created by acid in our system.
She explains: 'We're constantly told by GPs that cellulite is a genetic problem, but this isn't true. It's a problem of lifestyle. We women are subjected to more toxins then ever before - in the food we eat, the air we breathe, even the creams we put on our skin.
'These acids are too toxic for our body to deal with so our system converts them into salts and stores them in fat cells in areas like our bottoms and the tops of our legs.
'Poor circulation weakens lymphatic vessels, so the fatty tissue is flooded with fluid and toxins. The enlarged fat cells then weaken the connective tissue which is responsible for joining our surface skin to deeper muscle within.'
'The XCell Plan I have devised is a 12-week diet, exercise and lifestyle plan. Its first aim is to rid the body of cellulite, but along with this come other mental and physical benefits.'
Detoxifying
Stage 1 - Herbal Tea
Yinka maintains that cellulite is a symptom of acid forming in our system. She therefore believes it is as important to tackle the problem from the inside out.
As part of her package, she includes a tea containing 19 herbs which have been identified as beneficial in breaking down the elements that cause cellulite.
She says: 'Barbara will need to drink one litre of this tea per day and will need to relinquish her intake of caffeine and alcohol to fully recognise the benefits.'
Stage 2 - Skin Brushing
Dry skin brushing stimulates the body's circulation and lymphatic system so that it can cleanse itself of the toxins which cause cellulite.
Yinka says: 'Barbara will need to do this three times a week before bathing or showering. Using a body brushing mitt that has coarse, natural fibres, she should brush her body from the soles of her feet upwards, using circular strokes.
Stage 3 - Bath Salts
Soaking in water softened with alkaline bath salts three times a week helps to draw out toxins.
Yinka says: 'The skin has a natural pH level of 5.5, which counts as neutral. Adding a high alkali content to the water makes the body try to regain its balance, so it draws acids to the surface in an attempt to neutralise the alkali.
Acids are responsible for causing the toxicity which leads to cellulite. Bathing is the most effective way to expel them.
'This is a holistic approach and I want Barbara to relish her bath times. Stress levels play havoc with our sodium and potassium levels, so stress contributes to cellulite. Taking time out will aid the physiological process and reduce Barbara's stressometer, leading to an overall sense of wellbeing.'
Diet
The anti-cellulite diet entails eating foods that are alkaline-forming, rather than acid-forming. Acid-forming foods include red meats, white pasta and white rice.
Yinka says: 'Barbara relies too heavily on pre-packaged convenience foods which means her diet, like many Western diets, is high in artificial sweeteners, colourings, preservatives and very high amounts of refined sugars - the main acid-forming component responsible for cellulite.
She also has a sweet tooth - taking sugar in her tea and indulging in cakes and biscuits - which will add to the acid levels clogging up her system.'
Over a 12-week period, Yinka limited Barbara's diet to foods which were alkaline-forming to counteract the acid build-up. The eating programme is mainly vegetarian and involves cutting out as much processed food, eggs, dairy and wheat-based products as possible.
To achieve maximum results, Yinka recommended eating six to seven portions of fruit and vegetables every day to help cleanse the system.
Eating organic produce will enhance the result because they are not treated with chemicals, while drinking lots of water is one of the best ways to flush out toxins.
An average meal from Yinka's plan is porridge oats sweetened with a banana for breakfast, whole-wheat pasta salad for lunch, and grilled fish with vegetables and potatoes in the evening.
Exercise
Yinka maintains that none of the traditional body-toning exercises such as aerobics or weight training are effective in strengthening the connective tissue which becomes misshapen by toxins.
She says: 'Traditional aerobic exercise focuses on the heart, lungs and arteries, while strength-training exercises improve only the tone of the muscles. Neither specifically target cellulite.'
Yinka has discovered that exercising on a mini trampoline - a technique known as 'rebounding', which is popular in the U.S. - is the only way to strengthen ligaments, tendons and connective tissue to improve cellulite as well as toning muscles.
'I advised Barbara to build up her routine from ten minutes once or twice a day to half an hour a day.
'Rebounding really is all you need to start combating cellulite, but if you can fit in a session of swimming or another activity you enjoy, then it will help by improving circulation.'
The results
After following the plan rigorously for the full 12 weeks recommended by Yinka, Barbara lost all the cellulite from the tops of her legs, the skin on her buttocks was completely smooth and the rest of her skin was smoother than before.
'I'm completely amazed at the way this system has worked. I found it difficult at first to change my diet so radically.
'But once I started eating a more balanced diet, my cravings for sugar disappeared. The diet was easy enough to stick to at work, as I would take fruit with me and opt for the salad bar at lunchtime. 'Finding time for my rebounding sessions was also difficult. I resolved that by getting up earlier and fitting them in before work. It turned out to be just as stress-relieving as the long soaks in the bath, and twice as much fun.
'Apart from the visible improvement to my skin, I feel more energised and alert. Although Yinka told me her programme isn't about losing weight, I have managed to lose a stone, which has been an added bonus.
'For the first time in more than ten years, my legs and buttocks are cellulite-free. I can't believe it.' For more information on the XCell Package, call 0800 085 1487. |
