The tip: Avoid cruciferous vegetables at all costs.

Why it works: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables can make you balloon, thanks to raffinose -- a sugar that is hard for the body to break down. In trying to do so, your body produces gas as a byproduct, which will make you bloat, says Raj.

It may be time to have a funeral for your kale (surprise: it's cruciferous!), which can be making you bloated, says Franci Cohen, NYC certified fitness trainer, nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Probably not what you had in mind when you chose that kale salad for lunch.

The tip: Go gaga for probiotics.

Why it works: Foods with probiotics, like yogurt, can help with bloating, says Raj. Why? According to Raj, probiotics restore the healthy balance of bacteria in your gut and help your body digest food more efficiently. One word of caution, though: If you're sensitive to dairy, yogurt could set off even more bloating. Instead, get your probiotics in pill or Kombucha form.

The tip: Work it out.

Why it works: When you're bloated, going to spin class or CrossFit is probably the last thing you want to do. Well, throw on a float-y, sweat-wicking top to cover your bloated belly and get your butt to the gym anyway. Exercise stimulates the digestive system and the bowels, explains Raj. This is a good thing, trust us.

Working out makes food and drink move through your system faster, getting rid of any bloat-causing gas in the process. A vigorous workout that activates the sweat glands also helps release any fluid you might be retaining. In fact, some doctors believe our sedentary lifestyle is a major culprit in chronic belly bloat. So put on your walking shoes and hit the pavement -- daily.

The tip: Calm your nerves.

Why it works: In a cruel twist of fate, stress can actually increase bloating. (So, stay calm if you're bloated and only have three days to fit into your bridesmaid dress).

Stress and anxiety release adrenaline into your system, which alters the way your body processes food. The result: stomach pain, indigestion and bloating. Raj recommends deep breathing, meditation or yoga to calm your mind -- and deflate your stomach.

The tip: Eat less sodium.

Why it works: Okay, so sodium isn't all bad -- if consumed in moderation. In fact, it's essential for your body to function properly. However, according to the CDC, the average American consumes 3,300 milligrams of sodium a day -- that's at least 1,200 milligrams over the recommended 2,300 milligrams or less a day. And it isn't coming from over-salting your steak: Most of the sodium Americans consume comes from processed foods. Though convenient, those ready-to-eat meals, lunch meat and, yes, even cereals are swelling up your belly like a water-logged sponge.

The simple solution: Slash sodium to reduce water retention, says Raj. This means carefully checking labels and, if possible, avoiding canned or processed foods. Read more about the sneaky ways sodium is sabotaging your looks here.

If the damage is already done, try this trick to de-bloat fast: Munch on veggies like cucumber, asparagus (Maria Menounos swears by this veggie to look her best before a photo shoot) and zucchini. These are all diuretics, which help flush the salt out of your system.

Another way to deflate fast? Potassium. "Foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, may help regulate sodium levels in your body and can thus reduce salt-induced bloating," says Raj.