Our Story
As strength and conditioning coaches, we had always combined both intense training and long working hours week in and week out. Eventually, and inevitably, our busy lives caught up with us, highlighting our need for a bespoke diet to meet our individual requirements.
We knew that we wanted the best quality, locally sourced food, produced with no added chemicals or preservatives. However, neither of us could find the time to cook these foods and so we employed a renowned, locally sourced, chef. Eating specifically designed meals that had the right calories, protein, carbs and good fats to combat our hectic lifestyles had an immediate positive impact. With greater energy, deeper restful sleep, reduced mood swings and better recovery times, our capacity for training intensity improved dramatically. Although we both have a background in elite sports together with extensive knowledge of sports science and the importance of nutritional input, we had never taken the time to fuel ourselves in the way we had been advising our clients for many years – until now – the May Whit concept was conceived.
As time went on, our clients, teams, friends and family increasingly began to want the same meals that we were taking onto our gyms until we could no longer fulfill the demand. Ebbsfleet United FC had been interested in our innovation, and seen our struggle to sustain it, and they made us an offer we could not refuse. They share our passion of, not only impacting upon the performance of athletes, but also improving the quality of everyday family lives through healthy eating.
May Whit Fit Food is born.
Dan’s story took a different path. He always had an enthusiasm for sports science and wanted to use his skills in working with elite level athletes. After graduating with a 1st class honours BSc in sports science and having a dissertation published focusing on the GB taekwondo teams force profiles and reaction times, he was offered work as a sports scientist with Watford FC 1st team. Dan enjoyed his time at Watford working under high class, experienced and knowledgeable managers including Brendan Rodgers and Sean Dyche. The experience led him to work with the GB shooting team in the 2012 Olympics. An unbelievable experience, something that will stay with him forever.
As strength and conditioning coaches, and in training both our clients, we have always focused on intense training and diet/nutrition. It became apparent that from speaking to clients, due to busy working lives, lack of knowledge, and in some cases “I can’t be bothered” approach, there was a need for easy, quick and nutritional meals. Food that people would benefit massively in their day to day health and fitness training
Who better to embark on this venture. As an idea, from an acorn to an oak tree, Maywhit Food became a brand. We wanted the best quality, locally sourced food, produced with no added chemicals or preservatives. Neither of us are renowned chefs! We needed to employ a professional chef to ensure that our idea became reality. Between Ben, our chef and myself, we designed meals that had the right calories, protein, carbohydrates and good fats to combat both ours and our clients’ hectic lifestyles and to have an immediate positive impact. With greater energy, deeper restful sleep, reduced mood swings and better recovery times, our clients’ capacity for training intensity improved dramatically. Using our extensive knowledge of sports science and the importance of nutritional input, our clients now had the fuel to become healthier and train harder- MayWhit had begun
As a direct result of us eating our own customised meals, we created a demand. Our clients wanted our meals. Our client’s family and friends then wanted our meals. The demand grew and grew and so as a consequence we discussed our venture with several football clubs who all whole heartedly backed us. Throughout this period, clubs have used our story to empower local communities and put procedures in place to tackle obesity head on. We have been advised that we tick all the boxes for that in respect of what the government and local authorities are trying to achieve in terms of healthy diet. That being so, and taking on board the considerable media coverage, we expanded into providing healthy meals for children with the help of an inspirational headteacher in Tim Baker. Together, we are looking at giving a child the best possible start in life and the tools to stay away a lifetime of sugar related illnesses. Those children, who are our future, can look to healthy meals every day. We are trying to combat the overwhelming obesity that this Country is faced with due to the fast foods, poor diet and lack of exercise
A friendship that started as two little boys running around the playground has grown over time and our trust, loyalty and friendship has helped us to develop Maywhit Food
DANNY WHITAKER & BEN MAY
DIRECTORS
1989 – our first year of primary school – we first meet and become inseparable. Who knew then that we had found lifelong best friends and business partners? Our journeys over the past 30 years have been different but one common interest we have always shared is sport and fitness. Clock forward 30 years and here we are, primary school mates and embarking on a business venture with a view of changing the way we eat promoting both health and fitness.
Dan chose to train elite athletes and Ben chose to be an elite athlete, becoming a professional football player. At a young age Ben was awarded his first professional contract by Mark McGhee at Millwall Football Club. After several years at Millwall, Ben signed for Scunthorpe becoming an established league player. During his career Ben played for Brentford, Colchester, Stevenage and Barnet.
It was when Ben moved to Dover Athletic that he completed a diploma in Personal Training. He worked out of a gym in Eltham and gained vast experience in the health and fitness world, whilst always keeping a keen interest in nutrition.
Ben played few more years at semi–professional level and after his playing contract at Bromley FC had finished, he was offered the role of Strength & Conditioning Coach. Ben thrived in his new role. The team had a great season finishing just outside the play offs in the National League. Bromley FC enjoyed a Cup final at Wembley. It was a massive achievement for anybody involved at Bromley FC. For Ben a personal achievement, and an endorsement for his knowledge and skill, with the club being renowned for its high fitness levels and last-minute goals.
