The various hormonal changes that accompany menopause are often associated with changes in body shape, particularly around the abdominal area. Whether it takes the form of belly cellulite or simply a bloated stomach, many women are concerned about it at this time of life!
That’s why we’re sharing 5 tips to combine, helping you look after your belly every day: drinks, pinch-and-roll massage, carbohydrates, aerobic exercise and protein.
Drinks to enjoy throughout the day
First and foremost, remember to stay hydrated simply by drinking water throughout the day: water isn’t just for quenching 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 recommended to drink a large glass of water before breakfast. It’s a simple habit to start the day well.
The Cellublue dietary supplement is diluted in water according to the directions on the product page.
Four plant extracts, one dose a day
- Instructions for use
- Friendly advice
You can then complement this with plants. As an infusion or decoction, drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.
As for which plant to choose, you can turn to green tea, preferably unsweetened, free from aspartame-based substitutes and of good quality where possible.
Artichoke, which contains cynarin, also fits easily into your meals.
Adopt cupping massage for a pinch-and-roll effect
A silicone cupping cup, used with a massage oil, lets you enjoy a massage at home that recreates the pinch-and-roll 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 enjoying this massage at home.
Indeed, the action of the supple cup helps you recreate the pinch-and-roll movement directly on the skin of your belly, making it more convenient to massage at home.
The cupping cup is therefore a practical tool for your anti-cellulite routine! It’s also worth noting that applying a massage oil makes the cup easier to use.
How to use the Cellublue cupping cup on your belly
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.
Cut down on carbohydrates in your diet
Fats have often been singled out. However, an American study involving 90,000 women looked at the proportion of carbohydrates in the daily diet at the onset of menopause.
That said, be careful not to go to extremes and cut out carbohydrates entirely from your diet.
Above all, it’s a reminder to be wary of the overabundance of hidden fast sugars found in many ready-made products.
Fast sugars can be tempting and are easy to eat regularly, so it makes sense to reduce your intake through a balanced diet and by cutting down on processed foods.
Try aerobic exercise
When it comes to physical activity, exercise has its place in this routine. Step aerobics, for example, works the lower body, an area where cellulite and fat cells are often concentrated!
It will also help you stay active while keeping your overall fitness in check.
A daily 30-minute session can mean around 200 calories burned, depending on your pace. Each session will work your body, with a focus on your waistline, along with the glutes and thighs.
Step aerobics is a physical activity that gets the whole body moving.
Make sure you eat enough protein
A study conducted in the United States showed that it is harder for post-menopausal women to rebuild muscle mass, which naturally decreases with age.
This is why it is useful for women to consume enough protein at this stage of their lives while staying physically active.
This is all the more true for women following sometimes restrictive diets and exercising at their own pace. What’s more, protein has its own place in a balanced diet.
Remember to vary your sources of protein, both animal and plant-based.
Discover 7 foods rich in plant-based protein
More everyday tips
Here are our recommendations:
- Choose vegetables: rich in fibre and water and low in calories, they’re easy to steam or cook in a broth. To find out more about water retention, read our dedicated article;
- Limit your salt intake: salt is best enjoyed in moderation! So it’s worth cutting back on processed ready meals, as well as on dishes made with soy sauce, cured meats or cheese. Also get into the habit of not adding extra salt once your plate is served: spices alone will do a wonderful job of waking up your taste buds;
- Reduce your calorie intake: there’s no need to starve yourself, though. Eat only until you feel satisfied, focusing on good sources of carbohydrates and fats, and choose a piece of fruit or a low-fat yoghurt as a snack.
Menopause belly: the key takeaways
During menopause, it’s better to rely on several small habits than on a single solution: stay well hydrated, cut back on fast sugars and processed foods, keep an eye on your protein intake, move regularly (with step aerobics, for example) and massage your belly using the pinch-and-roll technique. Choose habits you can stick to over time. If in doubt, ask your GP for advice.
Also read: Why can cellulite worsen during menopause?
Frequently asked questions
Why can your tummy change during menopause?
Menopause brings hormonal changes, and some women notice a change in their body shape at this time, sometimes around the belly. To find out more, read our article “Why can cellulite worsen during menopause?”.
Can I follow these tips during perimenopause?
These tips can be considered before menopause, depending on your situation. They cover drinks, diet, aerobic exercise and pinch-and-roll massage. If in doubt, ask your GP or another medical professional for advice.
Does HRT have an effect on cellulite?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical decision. For any questions about this treatment and its effects, ask your GP or gynaecologist. The tips in this article focus on diet, physical activity and massage.
Do these tips also apply to cellulite on the thighs or arms?
The diet and exercise tips in this article are general habits that aren’t limited to the belly. For cellulite on the thighs, our dedicated article on thigh cellulite offers further ideas.
Related articles
- Menopause: what to do about cellulite on the arms?
- Why can cellulite get worse at menopause?
- Weight gain after menopause: causes and everyday tips
Useful categories: Belly cellulite.
