Many successful dieters get stuck near the end of their weight loss journey, but nutritionists and trainers say there are ways to move past the frustration:

• Reconsider your weight goal. You may have set your target too low. Think more about health and fitness level, as well as body fat percentage.

• Shake up your fitness routine. When your body gets too used to one type of exercise, you don't need to burn as many calories to get through a workout. Add 10 or 15 minutes on an exercise machine, alternate periods of high and low intensity, walk at a brisker pace or try something new altogether.

• Don't starve yourself. Your metabolism will slow, which could lead to future weight gain. To feel fuller, add healthy proteins to meals and snack, such as a thin spread of peanut butter on whole-wheat bread or sliced turkey on a salad.

• Look for little diet trims. Some examples: Eat one slice of bread on a sandwich instead of two, order a child-sized scoop of ice cream rather than a small, use less oil when you cook and switch to lower-fat cheeses.

• Beware high-calorie drinks. Many dieters sabotage their efforts with coffee drinks, alcoholic beverages and smoothies full of fat, calories and sugar. Drink plenty of water and get specialty drinks with non-fat milk and no syrup added.

• Measure yourself differently. Instead of obsessing over numbers on the scale, look at inches lost from your waist and hips and drops in clothing sizes.

• Get enough rest. Too little sleep triggers hormonal changes that increase hunger and fat storage.

• Create a reward. Have an incentive to finally reach your goal, whether it's a new outfit or a mini-vacation.