In the spirit of giving back, getting healthy and a little local competition, back on January 14, 2015 – Andrew Marriott and Brett Beninger sat together to break bread and kicked off their ten week weight loss competition. With both of these Chestermere residents and business owners working long hours and letting their eating habits and work out routines slip, it was decided that they would have a weight loss challenge to see who could lose the most weight in ten weeks.
A date was set and the challenge thrown out – what was on the line? The loser had to donate $500 to the winner’s charity of choice and also work a full day in the winner’s restaurant. With that, the men ate their final ‘pig out’ together on January 14th and the challenge was on.
Fast forward now Friday March 20, 2015 when the two met up at the local Anytime Fitness for the final weigh in. They had weekly weigh in’s at Anytime Fitness here in Chestermere, stayed in close communication (I’m sure with a little friendly banter) and for most of the ten week challenge, the race was very close. But on this final weigh in, it was Beninger who would take the title of weight loss challenge winner. Andrews total weight loss was 29 pounds while Brett’s came in at a total of 34 pounds lost!
When asked what they both had done and changed in their day to day routines to lose the weight, the guys reported that Brett gave up snacks and fatty foods and went to the gym quite a bit while Andrew gave up most high carb foods, ate good shakes for breakfast and didn’t eat any bread products.
Marriott commented, “The team members at Tim Horton’s kept a good eye on me to make sure my hands were kept out of the cookie jar, people don’t realize that working in a donut restaurant is such a temptation in itself!”
Even though the bet was for the loser to donate to the others charity, Andrew is going to donate $500 to both Brett’s charity (Chestermere Community Services) and Andrew’s charity – the Lion’s Club of Chestermere supporting seeing eye dogs. “Both are great charities in Chestermere and I am proud to support both”, said Marriott.
Brett and Andrew still have weight loss goals that will continue past the ten weeks as it’s never good to set a time frame then drop off it. Andrew still wants to lose another ten pounds and Brett has another five he wants to lose. The men say that maintaining the weight in the summer months will be a good focus and it’s likely that texts between the two friends inquiring about their continued goals and accomplishments will happen.
Marriott went on to say, “It will be more challenging for Brett when The Point opens its restaurant doors in Chestermere after Easter and being around food everyday will be just a bit more tempting”.
You’ll be able to see Mr. Marriott paying off the second part of the bet as he will be personally giving away free coffee on April 4th at the United Way Easter Egg Hunt at Lakeside Greens Golf Course and at The Point for Easter brunch.
Win or lose, the generosity of these two business owners and their dedication to our community are commendable. Congratulations Brett and Andrew!
