I like listening to audiobooks or podcasts while walking/biking, and sometimes running, but mostly I prefer music for running. Actually can you get a bike? That might not be a bad way to expand your exercise horizons for not too much money.

Foodwise I tend to get into ruts but I don't mind. I have a breakfast and a lunch that I like and fit my dietary preferences/requirements and are pragmatic for taking to work each day. That's my go-to most of the time, and I try to mix it up at least once a week to give myself something to look forward to and keep me from getting too rebellious And I try to keep elements of it fresh, so I might try a different kind of salad dressing each week for my lunch salads, or get a vegetable I don't usually include (like this week radishes looked really good at the store so those are a new addition).

My only other trick is something we've already talked about...doing as much of the prep as I can in advance so that everything healthy is just right there and ready, and I can't use the "I don't want to take the time to wash and chop these vegetables for a salad, so I'll just throw a sandwich together..." excuse. If there are hard boiled eggs or carrot/celery sticks and hummus in the fridge I'm less likely to go for the bag of potato chips. Both because I know it's "better" but also because I don't want to waste the money and effort that already went into those options.