When you first begin a weight loss program, it’s like the honeymoon phase. Everything is new, and you are planning ahead. You start to gain a little momentum. You see some good weight loss progress.

Now, fast forward four to six weeks ahead, and all of a sudden, that chicken breast on a salad just doesn’t sound as exciting as before. Lots of people struggle with staying motivated on a weight loss plan, and everyone reaches a point when they are less motivated.

Don’t give up. This is something worth starting, and it’s also something worth finishing. This is your make-it-or-break-it-time. Recognize that you are at a fork in the road. Are you going to stay with this?

Often, the culprit making you want to quit is boredom, so here are some hints to shake it up a bit. Let’s get you out of the rut and keep things interesting.

1. Workout With A Friend

Having a workout buddy will help keep you accountable, help you pass the time more quickly, and will also help you get some good social time in. If you are naturally a social butterfly, this is the best way to avoid skipping a workout to meet friends. Instead of going out for coffee or shopping, book a session or two together at a gym.

A lot of local gyms have 1-week free trial offers, and many of the residential areas in SWFL have workout facilities on site. Schedule yourselves an hour to sweat together, with a little time for chatting in between. You’ll get to socialize and help your health at the same time.

2. Rediscover your Goals

Chart and track your progress over the course of a month. Congratulate yourself on your progress, no matter how small it is. Instead of huge, long-term goals, challenge yourself with small, short-term stepping stones, like “In two weeks, I want to be down at least 5 pounds.”

These little mini-goals will help you go the longer distance. When you have met weight-loss goals in the past, it gives you confidence that you can continue doing it. Just keep your eye on the prize.

3. Take Progress Pictures

As you look at yourself each day, you may not notice any changes, as they are difficult to see. It’s really difficult to assess daily progress.

One of the best ways around this is to snap a progress picture every two to three weeks. While you may not be able to notice a difference in your body over two to three days, you will be surprised to see the progress you have made over two to three weeks.

With those progress pictures to mark just how much progress you really are making, it will boost your overall motivation dramatically.

4. Try A New Recipe

If it’s dietary boredom that you’re battling, one great technique is to make use of a new recipe. With so many different healthy recipes available, there’s no reason why you should be only eating two or three different meals. Liven up your menu by getting curious about new foods that are acceptable on your plan. 

Making sure that you aren’t defaulting to the same breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day will help keep you going. If you’re eating similar meals day in and day out, you will likely get bored, whether you are dieting or not.

5. Book A Session With A Trainer

It can be invaluable to have someone walk you through your workout program and make a few changes to freshen it up. It also makes the routine more interesting, as we don’t have to think about what exercise is next; it’s already done for us.

The accountability that booking with a trainer brings is invaluable. It would be so much easier just to not go exercise, but if you have an appointment a couple of times per week you are much more likely to show up for some sweat-time.

Next time your resolve starts to slip, turn to one of these tips. Maintaining your motivation is definitely something we all have to work on, but when you find tips and ideas that work well for you, it’s no longer going to be such a challenge.