How to Slim Down Hips & Thighs

The hips and thighs are a problem area for many people: our bodies are often genetically programmed to store fat in this area. Even slim people can suffer with stubborn "saddlebags," "muffin top" and cellulite around the hips. The root of the problem often lies within poor diet and exercise habits. Although it may take strong willpower to slim down this problematic region, once you get into positive routines you may find that you slim down quickly.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink eight glasses of water a day. Water helps your body's lymph system to work efficiently and reduces water retention and bloating. It also keeps your body functioning optimally by ensuring hydration in the cells.

• 2

  Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Aerobic exercise such as jogging, cycling or swimming is hugely beneficial to our bodies. These exercises improve circulation and can help to boost metabolism, they also tone the body, reducing the wobbly effect that reduced muscle mass and increased fat can create.

• 3

  Target the hip and thigh muscles. Exercises that specifically challenge the hip and thigh muscles, such as bridges, squats and lunges, help to create tone in this problem area and give support to the tissues above the muscles. As you lose fat it is important to increase muscle mass to create a sleek figure and reduce the risk of sagging skin.

• 4

  Cut out processed and fatty foods from your diet. Foods that contain trans-fats, chemicals and preservatives are unhealthy. Our bodies are not adapted to process them efficiently. Fast foods and microwave meals are examples of such foods and can cause a sluggish metabolism, unstable blood sugar levels and increased fat storage, particularly in areas such as the stomach, hips and thighs.

• 5

  Eat a healthy balanced diet. Follow the recommended daily intake guidelines of food groups, vitamins and minerals as closely as possible. Avoid over-cooking vegetables to preserve their natural goodness and eat a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get a good balance of vitamins.