Chubby cheeks, common during childhood, are likely an unwelcome feature when you become an adult. There are several reasons your face may be plump -- genes, diet and a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that can affect the shape of your face. Plastic surgeons perform a procedure known as "Buccal Fat Pad Removal" to reduce chubby cheeks, but for those who do not want to consider cosmetic surgery, there are alternative methods to help make your cheeks look thinner. Does this Spark an idea?
Drink nine or more 8-oz. glasses of water daily. Drinking too little water often leads to the body retaining water, which causes bloating in the hands, feet and face. When you increase your water intake, the body assumes the "crisis" that resulted in too little water consumption is over, and releases the water it was storing.
Limit salt and alcohol consumption. According to Good Housekeeping, sodium can lead to bloating. Likewise, alcohol dehydrates the body and, as a result, increases facial bloating.
Eat nutrient rich, low-calorie foods. If you are generally overweight, some excess fat is likely to be stored in your face. Although it is not possible to lose weight only on certain parts of the body or face, reducing your weight in general will help trim down a chubby face. Add potassium rich foods such as yogurt, avocado, bananas and fish that reverse the effects of a sodium-rich diet.
Perform cheek exercises. Louise Annette, creator of "Ageless If We Dare," says exercising the cheek muscles will help define and enhance the entire face, when practiced regularly. Pinch a chunk of flesh on either side of your nose using your thumbs and the side of your index fingers. Pull the flesh away from your face. Lift your cheeks up toward the center of your eyes by flexing the cheek muscles. When performed correctly, you will notice the flesh sliding out from beneath your thumbs and fingers. Hold for a few seconds. Repeat 20 times, every other day.
Strength train. General strength training like weight lifting, sit-ups or push-ups increase lean muscle mass. The more lean muscle you have in proportion to fat, the faster your metabolism works, and the more fat you burn. Strength training will help to tone and slim down your entire body, including fatty areas of the face.
