For many people losing weight is a constant struggle. They jump on the latest weight loss program and diligently follow the diet and exercise routine. For the first month they see a nice weight loss and then all of a sudden the pounds stop coming off. This is what is known as the weight loss plateau.

The problem with weight loss plateau is that once you hit it, it’s hard to figure out how to fix it. This is because most people do it the wrong way. The most common reaction is to start cutting calories from your diet. Unfortunately, this is the wrong way to break the plateau because cutting calories leads to a slower metabolism which only makes the situation worse.

If you need to rev up your metabolism to get past your weight loss plateau, here are three tips to keep you moving toward your weight loss goal.

1. Start keeping a food journal. Write down everything you eat every day and see if you are making good food choices. While it’s okay to have a cheat meal once in a while, you want to make sure you’re not including unhealthy foods in your diet more often than you should.

You also need to make sure that your caloric intake is enough to meet the needs of your metabolism. Not eating enough calories can be just as detrimental to your weight loss goals as eating too many calories. Your body needs calories to function at an optimal level. This is especially true if you are using an exercise program in conjunction with your diet.

2. Change your exercise routine. Doing the same routine day after day can be counterproductive and boring, which can keep you from exercising as much. Try changing the types of cardio you’re doing every few weeks. Instead of jogging, try swimming or biking—anything to change up what you’ve been doing and keep your interest high. The same goes for weight lifting routines. Don’t do the same thing every time you train. Mix different lifts, weights, or even the number of repetitions. By changing your workout, your muscles will work harder and burn more calories.

An increased metabolism is the best way to lose weight and avoid the weight loss plateau. If you find yourself hitting that plateau, try these tips to get back on track. Just remember that any setback you have can be overcome if you stick to your plan and don’t give up.