To lose weight fast, cardio is key! In just three 20 minute cardio sessions each week you can scorch calories in a cinch. If you are a basic fitness level, you can walk at a brisk pace to burn calories. To step it up, jog your 20 minutes away. If you want to challenge yourself further and really get the most bang for your calorie burning buck, try jumping rope, swimming, or stair climbing.

If you want to lose weight fast, it is important that you are as active as possible throughout your waking hours. Easy ways to be active that don't include a session at the gym:

- While enjoying your favorite television show get busy during each commercial break. You can do household chores or you can have a commercial exercise challenge. Here's how it works, during each commercial break give yourself a fun challenge such as: crunches, jumping jacks, lunges, or any other physical activity.

- Play with your kids or dog outside. Yes, you can play away your pounds in an effortless way to lose weight fast! There are many ways to enjoy outside activities with your family or pooch. Play ball (any kind will do!), have races, ride bikes, shoot hoops, create obstacle courses, go hiking, or just do yard work.

If you really want to lose weight fast, you must pick up the weights. Don't be intimidated by the contraptions at the gym. You can get a calorie burning workout in with a set of dumbbells. Resistance training is one of the best ways to challenge muscles and burn calories. The best part is that the calories keep melting away after you lift weights. Simple, yet effective weight exercises:

- Bicep curls

- Lunges

- Squats

- Calf raises

- Weighted crunches

- Oblique twists

Here comes the best piece of information and is one of the most pleasant ways to lose weight fast. You must eat! It is vital to know what and when to eat, but if done correctly you can eat your way to a smaller pants size. Your body needs to be fed constantly to keep your metabolism going at full speed.

Eat a high protein/low fat snack every two hours to keep your metabolism fueled. No fuss protein choices: cottage cheese, low-fat cheese sticks, salt free nuts, yogurt, or egg whites. Eating after exercise will help you eat less, as you will be thirsty and will consume more water. You will also be motivated to eat right after a challenging workout.

If you want to lose weight fast, you must be consistent and realistic. If you can do 20 minutes of cardio every other day (three times per week), weight train on the other days (two times per week), and eat high protein/low fat meals and snacks, you will see results in a hurry. Make fitness and healthy eating part of your lifestyle, and you will never have to worry about dieting again!