Photo: Waterflex Water Rider 5.

There are a few things in life that are not so desirable; cellulite happens to be one of them. If you've always been bugged by the same problem, add these three changes to your daily routine now. 

1. Cut down on sugar

Cutting all types of sugar from the diet isn't always realistic because the body still needs some to function properly. However, it's wise to follow a diet with a low Glycemic Index (GI), which includes foods that have very little impact on blood sugar levels.

According to French diet developer, Michel Montignac, weight gain is supposedly linked to eating the wrong kind of carbohydrates, which then causes insulin levels to spike and lead to more fats being stored in the body. Consume more low-GI foods like vegetables (except cooked carrots and potatoes) and legumes like peas, chickpeas, lentils, plus wholegrain cereals and certain types of meat.

The chrono diet, developed by Dr Alain Delabos, can also be a source of inspiration. This recommends banishing sugars — including fruit, fruit purees and dark chocolate — after 5pm to help prevent fat being stored overnight. Try to cut down on hidden sources of salt too, as these are often responsible for water retention. Dr Delabos also suggests avoiding soup as an evening meal, as it may contain mineral salts found in vegetables, as well as salt used to bring out the flavor. Those encourage water retention around the thighs and buttocks. 

2. Try underwater cycling

Attack the “orange-peel skin” with underwater cycling or aquabiking. They stimulate leg muscles fully and boost blood circulation. But remember not to go overboard; it's better to take a long-term approach with regular 45-minutes cellulite-busting sessions. 

3. Go hands-on with massage

Regular manual subdermal tissue massage can mimic the effects of exercise by breaking down adipocytes and liberating lipids. If you want to try a slimming cream, choose a caffeine-based formulation to encourage the liberation of fats and the emptying of adipocytes (fat cells). DIY-blends can be useful too — try adding a few drops of essential oils like rockrose, cypress or red cedar wood to an almond carrier oil, for example, to make your own massage oil.