The various hormonal changes that accompany menopause are, in most cases, associated with weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area. Whether it takes the form of belly cellulite or simply a bloated stomach, it can be extremely difficult for women to get rid of it!
That’s why we’re sharing 5 foolproof tips to combine for best results, helping you get your figure back while flushing out toxins.
Draining drinks to deflate your belly
First and foremost, it is important to stay hydrated simply by drinking water throughout the day. Scientifically recognised for its slimming properties, water does far more than just quench your thirst!
To do this, drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of water daily, ideally opting for mineral water at room temperature.
It is also well established that drinking a large glass of water before breakfast helps flush out toxins. Following this basic principle is essential to start de-bloating and reducing belly cellulite.
The Cellublue Anti-Cellulite Drainer drains and detoxifies with just one serving a day. It leaves skin looking firmer, more toned while targeting cellulite and the orange-peel effect.
You can then boost abdominal drainage further with the help of plants. As an infusion or decoction, drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day to see results.
As for which plant to choose, you can rely on the draining and detoxifying effects of green tea, preferably unsweetened, free from aspartame-based substitutes and of good quality where possible.
Artichoke is also widely praised in the context of weight management, thanks to the cynarin it contains — an active compound known for its fat-burning, cellulite-fighting and draining properties!
Adopt cupping massage for a pinch-and-roll effect
A silicone cupping cup, used with a massage oil, can deliver genuinely effective results in the fight against cellulite. It replicates the pinch-and-roll massage technique, which would normally cost a great deal if booked at a spa.
The cup on its own or as part of a kit lets you save money while achieving visible results.
Indeed, the action of the cup helps dislodge stored fat by boosting blood circulation in the skin and making it more supple. Visually, this translates into a smoother surface where cellulite has disappeared or at least diminished.
The cupping cup is therefore a powerful weapon against cellulite! It’s also worth noting that applying a massage oil makes the cup easier to use while targeting your cellulite through its active ingredients.
Using it is simple and requires very little effort:
- Apply massage oil generously over the belly;
- Place the cup on the skin and glide it back and forth for 3 minutes, making sure to cover every area. If it’s your first week of use, extend the session by an additional 2 minutes;
- Feel free to also use it in the shower for 3 minutes.
Eat fewer carbohydrates to de-bloat your belly
While fats have often been singled out, an American study involving 90,000 women showed that reducing carbohydrate intake in the daily diet can help better manage weight at the onset of menopause.
That said, be careful not to go to extremes and cut out carbohydrates entirely from your diet.
This study is more of a reminder of the issues caused by the overabundance of hidden fast sugars found in many ready-made products.
Fast sugars are a source of weight gain as well as increased appetite, so it makes sense to reduce your intake through a balanced diet and by cutting out processed foods altogether.
Do aerobic exercise to burn fat
Exercising is of course the ultimate tool when it comes to physical activity and burning stored fat, tackling stubborn cellulite and burning calories. For this, nothing beats step aerobics to target fat cells concentrated in the lower body!
It will also help you improve your breathing while keeping your overall fitness in check.
A daily 30-minute session can help you burn up to 200 calories, or even more depending on your pace. Results will show quickly, with a slimmer waistline to expect, along with more toned glutes and thighs.
Your muscles will thank you too, as step aerobics helps energise them while flushing out stored waste! It’s also worth noting that step works particularly well as a preventive measure — so don’t wait for the first rolls to appear on your belly before getting started.
Eat more protein to refine your figure
A recent study conducted in the United States clearly showed that it is harder for post-menopausal women to rebuild muscle mass, which naturally decreases and weakens with age.
This is why it is essential for women to consume enough protein at this stage of their lives while staying physically active.
This helps women prevent muscle loss associated with sometimes restrictive diets, and to successfully exercise in order to burn fat. What’s more, proteins are fat-burners in their own right.
In fact, increasing the proportion of protein in your diet means the body will crave less sugar and fat.
Since these will be consumed in smaller amounts, the body will draw on stored fat to compensate!
Discover 7 anti-cellulite foods rich in plant-based protein
More tips to help slim your belly
Here are our recommendations to keep accelerating your weight loss around the abdominal area:
- Choose vegetables over carbohydrates: Vegetables are rich in fibre and water, while being very low in calories when steamed or cooked in broth. Avoid eating them raw to support good digestion. They will help you feel fuller more quickly while limiting fat storage. Vegetables rich in potassium are also great for effectively combating water retention;
- Limit your salt intake: Salt simply causes your cells to retain water! This means all processed foods should be avoided, as should excessive consumption of soy sauce-based dishes, cured meats and cheese. Also get into the habit of not adding extra salt to your plate once served — spices alone will do a wonderful job of waking up your taste buds;
- Reduce your calorie intake: During menopause, the metabolism slows down and tends to store more. There’s no need to starve yourself either — eat only until you feel satisfied, focusing on quality sources of carbohydrates and fats and choosing a piece of fruit or a low-fat yoghurt as a snack.