If you have ever wanted to lose weight, you know that the first thing you want is to lose weight quickly. This is because putting on excess weight is easier than taking it off. Yes, there are those fortunate folks out there who have a difficult time gaining weight, but they are a small percentage of the population.

What is different about those individuals who seem to be able to eat and eat and never gain weight? Let's talk about why that is. I would love to convince myself that it is pure, simple, unadulterated LUCK - but it is not. It is metabolism.

Metabolism is a word often thrown about, but do we really know what it is? Merriam-Webster.com/dictionary/ defines metabolism as:

1 a: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm ; specifically : the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated b: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the living body c: the sum of the metabolic activities taking place in a particular environment (the metabolism of a lake)

Clear as Mud?

Yep, for me too- from that definition it is no small wonder many of us do not understand what this really means! Try understand the process as this: How quickly your body uses your calorie intake in order to live = metabolism.

That said, to lose weight quickly you MUST increase your metabolism. How do we do that you ask? The number one way to boost your metabolic rate is to get your body moving. We constantly burn calories.

Even while sleeping we are burning calories. The simple act of breathing alone uses calories. As you can imagine though, breathing alone does not use up many calories.

Building muscle increases metabolism. There are many ways to build muscle.

The most common is with weight training. The benefits of weight training last far longer than the time in which you are holding the weights, you continue to burn calories hours after you finish your workout routine.

Replenishing your body through hydration is another key to quick weight loss. Water flushes your body of toxins and helps to increase muscle during activity. The old standard of 8 glasses of water each day holds true.

Start your day with an 8 ounce glass of water while waiting for your coffee. Have another mid-morning, with lunch, mid-afternoon, before dinner, in the evening and before bed and there you have your hydration for the day.

Adding aerobic activity to your weekly routine will also help you to lose weight quickly. You don't have to run a marathon to lose weight. Simply walking at a brisk pace for thirty minutes will strengthen your heart muscle and increases your metabolism.

The human body - aside from the skeleton - is comprised of water, muscle and fat. Substantially increasing the amount of water and muscle, combined with slightly decreasing calorie intake is an effective way to accomplish physical fitness. Lose weight quickly by drinking plenty of water each day, alternate resistance training and aerobic training to build muscle, and you will be on your way to a leaner, trimmer and healthier you quicker than you think.