Cheryl Forberg, RD. Biggest Loser Nutritionist

That said, I was able to squeeze in a vacation last month. I wanted to go far away, but still have internet access (because the contestants send their food journals to me every single day). I also wanted to have a fitness vacation and come home happy and STRONG!

After a very quick decision process, I decided to go hiking in Montenegro.

Where is that you say? I didn’t know before I went. Montenegro is in Eastern Europe on the Adriatic Sea. It is also the newest country in Europe (2006). I decided to take a hiking vacation with the Exodus tour group in the UK.

I traveled solo but was surprised to find that the other eight hikers I joined for the tour, had also come individually. Our flights merged in Dubrovnik before we were driven to Montenegro to begin our seven-day trek.

I thought I was in great shape when I left California. I teach nutrition here in Napa at Napafit Bikini Bootcamp with owner, Ines Donnelly. The week before I left I took Dr. Huizenga’s advice and had two intensive workouts per day with Ines.

Everyone in our group lived at sea level at home (others joining me were from UK, Scotland and Ireland) so the days we began at 1500 feet (or higher) in 80 degree temperatures, we (well ok some of us, ok maybe it was just me) were huffing and puffing after the first fifteen minutes.

I sent photos and daily reports to my friends and family -- the scenery was absolutely spectacular. The second day, my sister wrote to ask if I was “leading the pack”. Though it was certainly a great compliment, it was not my reality. On the third day, I learned that half of my group had previously climbed Mt Kilamanjaro, so when the tour description said “challenging” they were serious – very serious.

I definitely played mindgames with myself to keep going at times - it was hard! But when I thought of stopping (or quitting!) I always thought of our contestants. They are at much more of a disadvantage than I and they wouldn’t quit – how could I even think of it? Thank you thank you to all of my Biggest Loser friends and cast who inspired me so much on this vacation - just as they inspire me every day!