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Jun. 5--When Dana Long signed up for the "Biggest Loser" contest among Okaloosa County employees, she didn't know that she'd lose one of her main weight-loss tools: exercise.
The fairly recent transplant to the area was injured in a car accident just after signing up, and has had to suspend her visits to Curves until she gets the OK from her doctor.
"I really enjoyed going to Curves and looked forward to being there three times a week, because everyone was so supportive and motivating," she said with a sigh.
Instead, Long has had to rely heavily on watching what she eats to lose weight. She doesn't like calling it "dieting," because not only does that word carry so much baggage, it also sounds like something that's temporary.
"I really believe it's more about changing your lifestyle, and to be successful you have to get in the right state of mind to get ready to do it," she said. "It took nine years for me to gain the weight I did, so I don't expect it to go away overnight. I'm just determined to do it."
Long is one of 32 county employees taking part in a sixmonth contest with a $500 prize to see who can get the most fit by Oct. 1.
The contest is part of the county's participation in the Well Workplace program, promoted by the Okaloosa County Health Department to combat an increasing obesity problem.
Having a sedentary job hasn't helped Long control her weight, but she credits one part-time job she had not long ago to helping get her ready for a change. She worked part-time at Lane Bryant, which specializes in plus-size fashions, and took full advantage of the employee discount.
"I think taking an interest in fashion, and wearing pretty clothes, actually helps your attitude if you want to lose weight," she said. "When I feel better about myself, I'm more likely to make better choices."
She also utilizes one of her personality traits as a tool in her weight-loss toolbox: She is a planner.
"I plan when to do laundry, I plan when to work out, so I even plan eating," she said. "I get really hungry every couple of hours, so I plan snacks so I won't go for the bad stuff."
One step she's made is to cut back on sodas, trying to get her minimum requirement of water in each day.
"I can tell the difference when I cut down on caffeine," she said. "You don't realize how addicted you are to something until you cut back."
She also tries to avoid situations that put her in danger of failing. Once relying on nearby fast food eateries for lunch, she avoids those places altogether.
That doesn't mean she never eats out: She just goes with a plan to succeed.
Long credits the "Biggest Loser" contest with being a big motivator toward getting her started down the road to better fitness.
"I haven't seen people being overly competitive so far," she said. "Mostly, people are being very supportive of each other."
So much so, that she's looking forward to being able to work out again with other participants once she recovers from her injuries.
"I know if I can keep losing weight, it will help make my recovery quicker," she said. Daily News Staff Writer Angie Toole can be reached at 863-1111, Ext. 438.
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Copyright (c) 2006, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.
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