Anyone can lose weight fast. Shedding pounds quickly through fad diets, starvation and other means is certainly possible. Keeping that weight off and staying healthy in the process is another issue. This is where unlocking the weight loss puzzle can really pay off.

Successful weight loss involves more than calorie reduction. To lose weight, you must burn fuel efficiently and also have the right outlook. In addition, keeping the body healthy is also a necessity for weight loss to be worth the effort.

Let's look at the pieces in the puzzle.

Caloric Reduction

To lose weight, most people need to take a look at what they are eating. This can mean minor adjustments in some cases or even some pretty major eating alterations. The key here is to eat a healthy, well balanced diet that fits proper proportions.

Striking the right balance means eating fruits, vegetables, proteins and yes - even carbohydrates - in the correct proportions. Splurging is okay once in a while, but it shouldn't be a way of life. The idea is to burn more calories than are taken in to help weight loss take place.

Exercise

No one wants to hear that this is a required component, but it is. The fact is weight loss can happen without it, but not as effectively. Aerobic exercise, such as swimming, running, dancing and more, can help burn calories while also toning the body. When a person is in the process of losing weight, this can also help kick start the process and take it to the next level. When exercise is incorporated into daily life, the results can be lasting.

Attitude

This is another major component and one that is often overlooked. To make a plan to lose weight actually work, it's a good idea to approach it with a positive attitude. When the outlook is realistic, the outcome can be more than satisfactory. Set realistic goals and try to achieve them one at a time. Don't expect miracles overnight, but do expect results.

Supplements

When it's impossible to get every vitamin and mineral the body needs through diet, supplements can be worth a look, too. These can simply help ensuring the body stays healthy and energetic while burning pounds and even after.

Supplements can help with hunger cravings. Some people need to use these to get them started and others do not.

Weight loss isn't a magic proposition that's impossible to attain. When all the components necessary for success are incorporated, it's likely success will result. A healthy weight-loss process doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen.