May 3rd, 2010 - I cannot believe this journey is about to come to an end.  What an incredible journey it has been.  I can not say enough how grateful I am for being given this opportunity.  Saturday was the last official workout with Idella and the posse. We do plan on continuing to get together to exercise. Idella and Forever Fit were generous enough to offer a couple of classes this week to attend or to even come in and do some cardio.  Alicia & I attended Idella’s class this morning and she put us through an awesome workout, knowing exactly how hard to push.  I am going to a gym on my own 3-5 times a week and working with a trainer to develop a routine.  When I applied for the contest, I told them there was a skinny person that enjoyed exercise within me but that I had not found it yet. 

I think I may be discovering this new side of myself.  Our final weigh in will be bittersweet.  I think we all will be glad the pressure to raise money for the kids of Bert’s Big Adventure will be off, yet sad to end the weekly connection to so many wonderful people.  I know the posse will keep in touch and I hope to remain in contact with all the wonderful people I have met at Healthe Trim and Forever Fit.  I still have a long way to go but I don’t think I would be on this incredible track without the opportunity from Q100 and Healthe Trim.  I hope to be close to my goal by Christmas but if not by spring I will be there.  Thanks to everyone for their support and maybe we will run into one another at the gym, in a 5K race or on the tennis court.  Be blessed and listen to The Bert Show Thursday 5/6 to hear the results.  I guarantee there will be NO losers in this contest.



 

April 26th, 2010 - I returned Friday from 5 days in Puerto Rico celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary.  We had an incredible time.  I found myself making much better choices than I would have prior to this challenge.  We played golf 3 times and I swam and spent some time in the fitness center also. 

I felt like I stayed much more active than usual.  I enjoyed the local cuisine, but in much smaller potions and smarter choices as well.  I returned in time for our weekly workout with Idella.  It was great working out with the posse.  The positive energy and the reinforcement is amazing.  I must say, I will hate to see this contest end.  Although I feel as I have made life changing habits, I will miss the weekly companionship of our workouts. 

I know I will see the posse after the contest but realistically I know our lives get busy and it will be tough to coordinate schedules.  The final weigh in is a week and a half away so the full court press is on to lose as much as possible.  I look forward to the reunion of all the contestants on the 6th.  So, stay tuned to The Bert Show on the 6th for the final weigh-in.



 

April 19th, 2010 - Well, another week gone.  We had a great workout Saturday.  It is amazing to see the changes in everyone. 

As this is being posted I am on my way to Puerto Rico for our 25th wedding anniversary.  I am very excited to say that I am down 3 sizes and had to buy all new clothes to go.  I am even going to put a bathing suit on for the first time in several years.  The timing of our trip is not the greatest in that we are in the final weeks of the contest.  I have already checked out the fitness center at the resort we are going to.  I plan on enjoying our meals but exercising a lot to work it off.  Before Healthe Trim I would have said the heck with worrying about diet or exercise during vacation, but my mindset is completely different now and I know I can do both.  We have an extra incentive for the final weeks in that in addition to making more money for Berts Big Adventure, Matthew Dwyer has added a cash incentive to the top three biggest percent losses in the final three weeks.  Talk about motivation to get to the fitness center?  I look forward to reporting in on my successes next week. 


 

April 12th, 2010 - Well, we are getting close to the end of the contest.  The time has gone so fast.  I had an extremely busy week at work with a couple of 14-16 hour days.  I was so busy that I got off track on taking my supplements.  I felt great but did not like being off schedule.  The Healthe Trim Posse walked in the Sickle Cell Anemia 4K walk on Saturday.  Healthe Trim supplied us tee shirts and Idella did the aerobic warm-up before the race.  It was an awesome day.  Everyone did great in the race.  We were all especially proud of Alicia since she had never walked more than 25 minutes at a time.  She completed the race to the cheers of the team and her family.  As my husband claimed that evening, the miracle is not that she finished but that she had the courage to start. 

Healthe Trim and the Healthe Trim Posse has given us all the courage to do things we would never have attempted before.  I have been walking each of my dogs 1-2 miles each day, they love it and so do I.  I am leaving next week to go to Puerto Rico for my 25th anniversary.  I had to buy all new clothes and I even bought a bathing suit.  It was very exciting to be several sizes down.  I am actually looking forward to finding the fitness center at the resort.  I feel like a different person and am so thankful for my new found friends. 

God Bless you all and have a great week!


 

April 5th, 2010 - One more week down and the results keep getting better.  I am exercising more and enjoying it. “ Whodathunkit”  We had a great workout Saturday but due to church obligations it was a smaller group.  Jay and the die hard girls keep the class going.  We really pump each other up. I have made friends for life in this contest and feel very blessed in so many ways as a result of this opportunity.  Idella asked us to participate in a 4K walk for Sickle Cell Anemia next Saturday.  The Healthe Trim Posse is ready, willing and more than able.  I played some tennis and walked my dogs a lot.  They really love the new energized mommy. 

 

I’ve got an extremely busy week so I must keep this short.  Those of you out there that are on the fence with Healthe Trim, it really works!  The lack of cravings and energy are terrific.  I am down 32 pounds and see my goal of 48 pounds in sight.  I really didn’t believe that I could lose that much weight, this quickly and feel this good.  I weigh less now than I ever have and am very much looking forward to putting 200 in my rear view mirror.  Be blessed and have an awesome week!!!!!!!!!!



HALIBUT SANDWICH

4    3 OUNCE HALIBUT FILLETS
2    TEASPOON CAJUN SPICE (OR ANY FLAVOR MRS DASH)
    SALT & PEPPER (IF DESIRED)
½    LIME, CUT IN 4
4    ARNOLD WHOLE WHEAT SANDWICH THINS
    OLIVE OIL COOKING SPRAY
    OPTIONAL (DILL PICKLE SLICES/THINLY SLICED RED ONION)
    OPTIONAL (FAT FREE PLAIN YOGURT AS A SPREAD)

HEAT CAST IRON SKILLET OR HEAVY PAN.  SEASON FISH.  SPRAY PAN WITH COOKING SPRAY.  COOK FISH ON MEDIUM HIGH ABOUT 2 MINUTES PER SIDE.  TOAST BREAD AND GARNISH AS DESIRED.  PLACE ONE FILLET ON EACH SANDWICH BOTTOM, SQUEEZE LIME JUICE ON AND TOP WITH OTHER BREAD.  SERVES 4.




JICAMA & RADISH SALAD

½    JICAMA (VEGETABLE FOUND NEAR ROOT VEGETABLES IN PRODUCE SECTION OR @ A HISPANIC GROCERY) PEELED, SLICED ¼ INCH THEN CUT IN MATCHSTICKS (JULIENNE)
6    RADISHES, JULIENNE
2    TABLESPOON CHOPPED CILANTRO OR PARSLEY IF YOU DON’T LIKE CILANTRO
2    TABLESPOON CHOPPED SCALLIONS
½    LIME, JUICED
1-2     TABLESPOON CANOLA OIL
    SALT & PEPPER

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS.  MARINATE 1-2 HOURS.  SERVE COLD.
SERVES 2- 4 AS A SIDE DISH





 

March 29th, 2010 - Another great week!  I played a lot of tennis.  My partner and I made it to the playoffs for our winter league.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get past the first round, but we were thrilled to even make it.  Before Healthe Trim, that would never have happened.  We were filmed for our 60 day update at Forever Fit.  They did it a little early due to Easter.  I am proud to say that I am down 27 pounds on the official scale.  I couldn’t stay to get together with the posse since we had our annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Governor’s Mansion.  I rushed back after the workout so we could welcome over 300 children and 400 adults.  It was terrific!!!!!!  A couple of the girls in the Healthe Trim posse brought their children as did Matthew.  A great time was had by all.  I was also blessed to have my mom in town for a few days.  She helped with the hunt and we spent the rest of the day together.  I am going to try and join a gym this week so I can continue the weight and targeted muscle work.  I am finally to the point that I really look forward to going to the gym.  I knew there was a fit person hiding in this fat body.  Watch out she wants out really badly now.


FLOUNDER WOODBINE

I MADE THIS LAST NIGHT FROM INGREDIENTS LEFT FROM MY TENNIS MATCH, SO I NAMED IT IN HONOR OF MY AWESOME TEAM

4    4-6 OUNCE FLOUNDER FILLETS
2    TABLESPOONS CREAMY ROASTED PEPPER GOAT CHEESE
    (VERMONT CHEESE COMPANY/AVAILABLE @PUBLIX)
4    TABLESPOONS SUNDRIED TOMATO SPREAD
    OR FINELY DICED SUNDRIED TOMATOES
    SALT AND PEPPER
    OLIVE OIL COOKING SPRAY

PREHEAT OVEN TO 425 DEGREES.  IN A BAKING DISH SPRAYED WITH COOKING SPRAY, PLACE FLOUNDER FILLETS.  SEASON WITH SALT
AND PEPPER.  SPREAD ½ TABLESPOON GOAT CHEESE ON EACH FILLET.
REPEAT SAME PROCEDURE WITH 1 TABLESPOON SUNDRIED TOMATOES.
BAKE 6-10 MINUTES, DEPENDING ON THICKNESS.  FISH SHOULD FLAKE APART WITH A FORK.



COMPANY OATMEAL

1    CUP OLD FASHIONED OATMEAL
2    CUPS WATER
    PINCH SALT
¼    CUP CHOPPED DATES
¼    CUP CHOPPED WALNUTS
½    TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON
1    TEASPOON MAPLE EXTRACT

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS EXCEPT OATMEAL IN A SMALL SAUCEPAN.
BRING WATER TO A BOIL, STIR IN OATMEAL.  LOWER HEAT AND STIR FOR 5 MINUTES.  TURN HEAT OFF, COVER AND LET SIT 5 MINUTES.  SERVE AS IS OR ADD A LITTLE SKIM MILK.

SERVES 2-4



 

March 22, 2010 - I am so thankful for this opportunity.  I feel like a different person.  I can finally see myself as a thin fit person.  I am amazed at the difference in my attitude and outlook on life.  I have always been a positive and upbeat person but now I feel like I am also living that life.  I had 2 tennis matches this week.  They both went 3 sets (about 2 hours).  We won both. Yeah!!!!!  I felt myself getting to more of the shots that before I wouldn’t even have attempted, yet alone return. It feels so good to be competitive. 


We had an awesome workout Saturday with Idella.  Our Healthe Trim posse seems to be dwindling but the enthusiasm of those that do attend, make up for any missing contestants.  Every muscle in my body aches today.  We did some new routines and added more to our workout.  It feels so good to sweat and exert the energy.  I even went home and worked in the yard in the afternoon.  I gave myself the night off Saturday and went out for Greek food with some out of town friends.  I ate a little more than I should have, but not near the amount I would have in the past.  I say in the past because I am trying to reinforce in my own mind that the Holly of pre February 3rd is gone, never to surface againJ 


I have a busy week getting ready for our annual Easter egg hunt.  I have many cookies and cupcakes to bake and 45 dozen eggs to dye.  We have over 300 children plus adults for the event.  I truly look forward to this every year. 


I look forward to the week ahead and seeing less of myself in the mirror.  Matthew, Q100, Idella and Healthe Trim ROCK!


MEDITERRANEAN HALIBUT


4    6 OUNCE HALIBUT FILLETS
1    LARGE LEMON, SLICED THIN
4    SPRIGS FRESH THYME OR ROSEMARY
12    CALAMATA OLIVES
12    STRIPS ROASTED RED PEPPER (ABOUT1/4”X3”)
1    TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL
    SALT & FRESH GROUND PEPPER

PLACE FISH IN OVENPROOF DISH.  SEASON WITH SALT AND PEPPER AND DRIZZLE WITH OLIVE OIL.  REFRIGERATE UNTIL READY TO USE.  WHEN READY TO BAKE, PLACE 1 SPRIG FRESH HERB ON EACH PIECE.  PLACE 3 SLICES LEMON ON TOP OF HERB.  PLACE ROASTED PEPPER & OLIVES ON TOP OF FISH.  IF THE OLIVES ROLL OFF, YOU CAN PLACE THEM BACK ON TOP WHEN YOU SERVE.  BAKE 400 DEGREES ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES DEPENDING ON THICKNESS OF FISH.  FISH SHOULD JUST BARELY FLAKE WHEN FORKED.


VEGETABLE QUINOA PILAF

1     CUP QUINOA
2    CUPS CHICKEN OR VEGETABLE BROTH
½    TEASPOON SALT
¼    TEASPOON PEPPER
8    OUNCE PACKAGE MUSHROOMS, SLICED
2    TEASPOON OLIVE OIL
2    CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
¼    CUP DICED ONION
¼    CUP DICED BELL PEPPER (OR ROASTED PEPPER)
¼    CUP DICED CELERY
1    DICED JALAPENO (OPTIONAL)
1     SPRIG FRESH THYME
2    TABLESPOON CHOPPED PARSLEY (OPTIONAL)

IN A SAUCEPAN, SAUTE THEN COVER WITH LID, THE VEGETABLES.  WHEN THE VEGETABLES ARE WILTED, SEASON WITH SALT AND PEPPER, ADD QUINOA AND MIX TO COMBINE.  ADD BROTH AND BRING TO A BOIL.  ADD HERBS, COVER AND SIMMER 15-20 MINUTES ON LOW.  SERVE WITH FISH OR CHICKEN.  SERVES 4.






 

March 15th, 2010 - WOW!  Another great week on Healthe Trim.  We had an awesome workout with Idella.  She kicks it up a notch each week.  The other contestants are terrific, we have really developed a great bond.  The support that we give each other keeps us all motivated.  We have a Facebook page for contestants and supporters, Berts Big Adventure/ Healthe Trim.  The food choices I make have become second nature.  I don’t have the cravings and am no longer haunted by my old nemesises.  Work has been very busy but great.  My mood and energy level are incredible.  Everyone at work says they want what I am onJ  I have noticed that when I play tennis, I am getting to more shots.  I still may not return them, but I am getting there.  One step at a time.  I am extremely happy with my progress.  Again, I am grateful for this opportunity.




MARINATED SHRIMP

1    POUND LARGE SHRIMP, COOKED,PEELED,DEVEINED, TAIL-ON
1    TABLESPOON DIJON MUSTARD
1    TABLESPOON TAMARI OR SOY SAUCE
1    TEASPOON FRESH GRATED GINGER
      JUICE OF 2 LIMES
2    TABLESPOON CHOPPED CILANTRO OR PARSLEY
1    TABLESPOON CHOPPED SCALLIONS

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS.  MARINATE SHRIMP OVERNIGHT.
SERVES 6 AS AN APPETIZER OR ON A SALAD FOR LUNCH.



WHEATBERRY SALAD

1 ½    CUPS WINTER WHEATBERRIES
½    CUP FRESH SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE
1/3    CUP DRIED CRANBERRIES
1        LARGE FUJI APPLE, DICED, SKIN ON
½    CUP PECAN PIECES, TOASTED
¼    CUP RASPBERRY VINEGAR
¼    CUP OLIVE OIL
        SALT & PEPPER
        OPTIONAL
1        CAN GARBANZO BEANS, DRAINED
¼    CUP THINLY SLICE SCALLIONS
½    CUP SLIVERED DRIED APRICOTS

COOK WHEATBERRIES IN A LOT OF WATER WITH A DASH OF SALT FOR ABOUT 50 MINUTES.  THEY SHOULD BE FIRM BUT CHEWY.  COMBINE REMAINING INGREDIENTS AND CHILL UNTIL READY TO SERVE.  SERVES 8



 

Mar 8th, 2010 - What an awesome week!  It seems to be getting easier to go down to the treadmill after dinner.  I am making good choices in my eating and just feel healthier all around.  We had another great workout with Idella @ Forever Fit.  Only 5 contestants showed up and the workout felt harder.  I don’t know if it was in my head or she worked us harder.  It was great!  We got the You Tube 30 day update of our progress.  They filmed us at our workout last week.  Everyone was really pumped up.  It is great to see everyone doing so well.  We are really going to make a difference in some kids’ lives next year for Berts Big Adventure.  It makes us proud and keeps us motivated.  I am down 19 pounds and can really start to see a difference in how my clothes fit.  I am looking forward to our workout Saturday and catching up with the other contestants.  Healthe Trim is awesome and I thank Matthew and The Bert Show again for this unbelievable opportunity.



EGG WHITE BLT OMELETTE
SERVES 1

4     EGG WHITES OR ½ CUP LIQUID EGG WHITES
1 ½ SLICES TURKEY BACON, COOKED & DICED
¼    CUP ARUGULA OR FRESH SPINACH
2-3  SLICES TOMATO
       COOKING SPRAY

SPRAY SMALL NON STICK SKILLET WITH COOKING SPRAY.  HEAT ON MEDIUM LOW.  ADD EGG WHITES.  COOK UNTIL SET, USE SPATULA TO SLIDE UNDERNEATH AND FLIP.  DON’T WORRY IF IT MESSES UP, JUST SPREAD OUT IN BOTTOM OF PAN.  SPREAD REMAINING INGREDIENTS OVER HALF OF EGGS, FLIP OTHER HALF ON TOP OF FILLING AND SLIDE ONTO PLATE.  IF YOU WANT IT HOTTER IN THE MIDDLE, MICROWAVE FOR 20 SECONDS.  SERVE WITH HOT SAUCE IF DESIRED.   



QUICK TILAPIA FILLETS
SERVES 4

4    5-6 OUNCE TILAPIA FILLETS
1    TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL
1    LEMON, ZESTED & JUICED
2    CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
1    TABLESPOON CHOPPED CHIVES
    (CAN SUBSTITUTE ITALIAN PARSLEY OR SCALLIONS)
    COOKING SPRAY
    SALT & PEPPER
¼    TEASPOON CAYENNE PEPPER(OPTIONAL)

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES.  SPRAY A 9 X 13 PYREX PAN WITH COOKING SPRAY.  LAY FISH FILLETS IN PAN.  COMBINE REMAINING INGREDIENTS IN A SMALL BOWL.  DRIZZLE OVER FISH, SPREADING EVENLY TO COAT.  BAKE 10-15 MINUTES OR UNTIL FISH IS OPAQUE AND FLAKES APART.


 

Mar 1st, 2010 - What a terrific week!  I am down 15 pounds and feel great.  I have walked 2 miles on the treadmill all but 1 day and had a fantastic workout with Idella and the rest of the contestants at Forever Fit.  The bond we are developing is great.  We really encourage one another.  Check out Berts Big Adventure/Healthy Trim on Facebook.  Idella gave us all journals to record our food intake as well as thoughts and feelings.  It is a great tool to track your success and look back to see what you did if you have any obstacles.  She really keeps us fired up and motivated.  She is a true blessing.

I shared a small lighter recipes cookbook I had written with the other contestants and they were truly appreciative.  I am really going to make an effort to include some recipes in my blog each week.

I had an incredibly busy week at work with 2 luncheons/a ladies tea for 100/4 course dinner for 130 and a visiting Governor for dinner and breakfast.  I prepared finger desserts for 100 and did not even lick my fingers. I worked a lot of hours and felt great and upbeat all week.  I haven’t had a day off in 10 days and feel like it is the first day of the week.  I am so grateful for this opportunity.  Thank you Matthew, Idella and the Bert Show!!!!!!


EASY ZUCCHINI & TOMATOES:

2    ZUCCHINI
½    CUP DICED ONION
2    CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
1    CAN STEWED TOMATOES OR TOMATOES WITH GREEN CHILIES

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A SAUCEPAN .  BRING TO A BOIL THEN SIMMER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL ZUCCHINI IS DONE.



LIGHTENED UP WALDORF SALAD:

2    MACINTOSH APPLES,PEELED,CORED & DICED
1    GRANNY SMITH APPLE,PEELED,CORED & DICED
2    TABLESPOONS CHOPPED WALNUTS
2    TABLESPOONS DRIED CHERRIES OR CRANBERRIES
¼    CUP DICED CELERY
½    CUP FATFREE VANILLA YOGURT
1/8    TEASPOON CINNAMON
    DASH SALT & PEPPER

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS.  REFRIGERATE UNTIL READY TO SERVE.  SERVE ON A BED OF SHREDDED ROMAINE LETTUCE



TURKEY FETA MEATLOAF:

1     POUND GROUND TURKEY (DARK MEAT)
2    EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN
½    CUP BREAD CRUMBS
¼    CUP CHOPPED PARSLEY
¼    CUP    CHOPPED SCALLIONS
¼    CUP CHOPPPED SUNDRIED TOMATOES
2    CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
½    CUP CRUMBLED FETA
2    TABLESPOONS 2% MILK
1    TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER (PREFERABLY FRESH GROUND)
½    TEASPOON SALT
½    TEASPOON DRIED OREGANO

PREHEAT OVEN 375 DEGREES.  COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS EXCEPT TURKEY IN A BOWL.  MIX WELL.  ADD TURKEY AND GENTLY MIX IN TRYING NOT TO OVERWORK.  SPRAY A 9 X 5 LOAF PAN WITH COOKING SPRAY AND GENTLY PRESS MEATLOAF MIXTURE IN.  BAKE ABOUT 45 MINUTES OR UNTIL INTERNAL TEMPERATURE IS 165 DEGREES.  LET REST A FEW MINUTES BEFORE SLICING.


 

Feb 22nd, 2010 - What an awesome week.  We worked out with a trainer on Saturday provided by Matthew.  It was great!!!!!!!!  Matt was the only guy that showed up.  Shame on the rest of them.  We all worked really hard and pushed ourselves.  Afterward we went out to breakfast and a question and answer with Matthew.  It was very encouraging.  I think we all have gotten into a routine and look forward to the weight falling off.  I am looking forward to working out again on Saturday with Matthew.  He is so supportive and there for us in any way we need. I am finally starting to feel the energy everyone has been talking about. It’s been great and I am looking forward to the week ahead.

 

Feb 15th, 2010 - We are closing in on the end of week 2.  I had a crazy week at work last week with a lot of double shifts.  I settled into my routine and did really well except for some thigh cramps.  Matthew sent me some protein powder for shakes which seemed to have done the trick.  I am walking 2 miles a day on the treadmill and hope to increase that soon.  It is really easy to follow the plan.  I am really not that hungry and seem to be making smarter choices without thinking about it. 



Here are a couple of recipes of dinners I made for my husband & myself.  I will try and include a couple each week to give people some healthy choices for dinner.