Have you ever worked really hard to lose weight and find yourself gaining instead? Although there could be a number of reasons you’re heading in the wrong direction on the scale, one of the biggest culprits is water retention. Here are 6 ways to help shed water weight and look thinner.

1. Drink more water! This is huge, and seems counter intuitive when you’re trying to shed water weight, but it’s one of the very best things you can do of you body. When we become dehydrated, or body protects itself by holding on to water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush fluids and keep our digestive system working properly; not to mention it’s wonderful for your skin, hair and nails. Add lemon to your water for flavor and digestive benefits.

2. Sweat! Getting exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but there are other ways to sweat off the excess water weight. Gardening in the summer, mowing lawn and laying in the sun are all great ways to get your sweat on outside of working out, and get your daily dose of vitamin D. Just remember to drink plenty of water so your body doesn’t go into super water storing mode.

3. Watch your salt intake! If you’re eating a lot of processed food, chances are there’s way more salt in your diet than you’re aware of. Try replacing some of your processed diet with whole foods. Fruits and vegetables make great snacks, shoot for organic when available.

4. Cut back on alcohol! As much as it’s nice to indulge in drink every now and then, it’s a sure fire way to trigger your body to store water. The dehydration caused by drinking causes water retention. When trying to reach your fitness and weight loss goals, it’s important to seriously cut back, if not stop drinking alcohol all together.

5. Eat more fiber! Eating fiber rich foods cleanses your body and encourages the release of excess fluids. Fiber rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. You can also find a variety of fiber supplements. I use this one, which dissolves completely, and is flavorless, when added to my morning sports drink.

6. Eat and drink more diuretics! Did you know that coffee and tea are a great diuretic? Here’s a link to some foods that will help you shed water weight.