Hormonal changes, certain foods, stress and changes in climates can trigger fluid retention and digestive trouble. The result can be puffiness and bloat that make especially women look heavier than they really are. Fortunately, these simple tricks can quickly fix the puffiness.

• Bloating is an abnormal swelling of our stomach. The causes range from lactose intolerance (as it leads to gas pains and diarrhea), overeating, food intolerances, gas-producing foods and constipation. But this is all perfectly normal, and we may experience them once or twice a day. Gas build-up can make you experience stomach cramps, and the release of gas and bowel movement can help relieve the pain. Quick Fix: To avoid bloating just watch what you eat. Foods avoid are beans, dairy products, wheat products, fatty foods and carbonated drinks. If bloating happens too often, there may be something serious behind it. So it is best to consult a doctor.

• For Slender Legs: Standing in long lines and sitting in traffic can lend a thick appearance to the lower legs and ankles. When the body is upright and at rest, gravity causes blood and lymph to pool in the lower extremities. Quick fix: While standing or sitting, point the toes of one foot upward, then downward, 10 times; repeat on the other side. This activates the muscular "pump" in the calves, sending blood and fluid upward to prevent pooling. For stubborn swelling, lie on your back and rest your legs against a wall for three minutes. Elevating the ankles above the heart gives bodily fluids a gravitational assist.

• For a Slim Face: Reduced water content in the body creates a rise in sodium, prompting fluid retention that makes the face look puffy. Quick fix: Drink two 8oz. glasses of water upon awakening. This dilutes sodium and replenishes fluids so puffiness subsides throughout the day. Do not drink mineral water, which contains sodium.
• Puffy eyes. There are several causes for under eye bags, puffiness, or dark circles. Some of these are: heredity, water retention, toxin build up, a change in weather, hormones, allergic reactions, as well as health issues or complications from medications. Having allergies may cause you to wake with puffy eyes from time to time.

Quick Fix:

• Sleep with your head elevated slightly may help alleviate puffy eyes.
• If the cause is allergic reaction, avoid the known allergens. Taking an over the counter medicine may also help avoid the allergens that cause allergic reaction.
• Eat a healthy well balanced diet and stay well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help your body flush itself of any toxins as well as reduce the chance of water retention.
• Limit your caffeine intake to help reduce water retention.
• Sodium may also cause water retention, so to reduce the bags under your eyes reduce the salt in your diet.