Mary Gardiner is a Northlands College nursing student from Canoe Narrows. (submitted photo/Colin Ratushniak)

By Derek Cornet

weight loss

Biggest Loser Challenge winner wants to be a better role model

Jun 19, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The top five winners of the Biggest Loser Challenge collectively lost a total of 148 pounds.

The weight-loss competition hosted by the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre began Jan. 29 and ran until June 11. The overall winner was Mary Gardiner, who lost 37.8 pounds and received $300 and a free three-month membership to the fitness centre. Followed closely in second was Tania Colbert who lost 37.4 pounds, third was Natalie Aldridge with 26, Bianca Halkett with 23.6 and Penny Sanderson with 23.2.

“The difference between first and second was 0.4 pounds, so I think people who are competitive that spurred them on even more,” said Fitness Coordinator Colin Ratushniak. “Even more important I think what people have done is they we’re able to look at their life, change different things in their diet and their eating habits.”

Prizes were also awarded for most individual body fat percentage lost and the top teams of two who lost the most weight. For body fat percentage, Daniel Plante came in first with a loss of -9.2 per cent to win $300 and a free three-month gym membership. Second was Colbert with -9.1 per cent and Gardiner with -7.6.

For teams of two, Colbert and Amy Laliberte placed first, followed by Daniel and Kim Plante in second, and Brad and Mary Gardiner in third.

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“We definitely want to make it into an annual challenge,” Ratushniak said. “We’re already looking towards doing it in the fall or winter once the summer months have passed, and people are looking at getting back inside and not enjoying the outside temperate anymore.”

Out of 182 registered participants, only 22 people showed up on the final weigh-in date. Ratushniak believes COVID-19 likely contributed to such a drastic loss of competitors.

Gardiner, who won a total of $600, joined the challenge because she wanted to improve her health and needed motivation. She lost nearly 40 pounds by lowering her carbs intake, eating more protein, as well as healthy fats. Gardiner also did some working out and exercising, but noted the most important factor with weight loss is healthy eating.

“Another reason I wanted to get healthier was because I want to be a better role model for my people once I’m a nurse,” said the Northlands College student originally from Canoe Narrows. “I’m in my third year right now.”

Since she began classes in September, Gardiner said she’s lost 67 pounds and her doctor has taken her off two medications. She added she no longer feels sick as much and also has more energy.

“I can move around and get around faster, I’ve dropped a couple of size and it’s easier to shop,” Gardiner said. “I still have a lot to lose, but I feel so much healthier.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno