Amy Richardson is about to complete a 10-week program that could change her life.

Richardson, an employee of the Center for Academic Support and Achievement, participated in The Biggest Winner, a program that educates people to lose weight correctly. Students, faculty and staff were eligible to join.

Participants were required to attend eight nutrition and physical activity presentations and eight workouts over the 10-week period.

For Richardson, the program came at a good time.

“My doctor had recommended to me, on several occasions, that I should start exercising again for health related reasons,” she said. “I never had the energy or motivation to take my recommendation. I happened to see the ad in the DEN and thought that this would be a perfect way for me to start.”

The participants finished a pre-test, a goals worksheet and a post-test by the end of the program.

They were also required to visit the Assessment Testing and Prescription lab in the Student Recreation Center three times for body composition updates.

Nutrition and physical activity presentations were given every Tuesday. Topics included getting the most out of your workout, nutrition sense and nonsense, fad diets, and how to increase fruit, vegetable and whole grain intake.

“By attending the presentations offered, I have become more knowledgeable about heath related issues; for instance, what foods to eat to help reduce health problems later down the road,” Richardson said. “I’ve learned tips on how I can include more fruits and vegetables into my meals and how to snack healthy.”

Lashawn Harris, senior biological sciences major who also participated in the competition, liked the idea of setting her own weight goals.

“There are no minimum or maximum amount of weight loss,” she said. “You set your own personal goals.”

Throughout the program, participants learn to alter parts of their lifestyle but not change completely.

“I had to give up making unhealthy choices,” Harris said. “The Biggest Winner teaches about moderation. It focus on things the you can continue for the rest of your.”

The program focused on educating participants by teaching them how to know which foods were not nutritious and suggesting healthy alternatives.

“With sweets being my downfall, I have found ways to prepare some of my favorites to make them a little healthier,” Richardson said. “For instance, I use Egg Beaters in place of eggs, applesauce instead of oil and use whole wheat flour instead of enriched white flour. You learn to prepare or cook things in a way that you don’t have to give up any of your favorites.”

Dawn Wilcox, nutrition coordinator at the Health Education Resource Center, oversaw The Biggest Winner.

She said the program is important because it affects the participants’ lives in the future.

“What they learn in this program can impact their health for many years to come and being able to be a part of that is very fulfilling,” Wilcox said “Any way I can work to prevent disease and make a positive impact on health is the best part of being a part of the Biggest Winner.”

Prizes will be awarded to participants who lose the largest percentage of body fat.

“Participants with the largest body fat percentage loss will win two shopping gift certificates to various local businesses,” Wilcox said. “The participant who attended the most nutrition and physical activity presentations will also receive a prize, along with the most workout sessions attended. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.” Richardson said the participants became close with each other.

“You are all there for the same reason, and that is to make a lifestyle change . I felt comfortable with the other participants and knew that we were all there to learn and not judge each other,” she said.

The Biggest Winner finale is at 5 p.m. Thursday in the Martinsville Room of the Martin Luther King Junior University Union.