courtesy of leanfit

Positively pumped

LeanFit strives for quality and value in protein powders

by DAN JONES

Protein-rich foods are an important part of healthy eating, according to Canada’s Food Guide. Protein helps build and repair body tissues and, like carbohydrates and fat, is a source of energy. In addition to eating lean meats, eggs, tofu and beans, using protein powder as a nutritional supplement can be a quick and convenient way to fuel the body.

Fitness and nutrition expert Richard Pierce created LeanFit, a powdered-protein company, in 2002. Offering products that are both full of nutrients and enjoyable is the goal, says LeanFit president Phil LeBeau, and that starts with controlling the manufacturing process. To do that, the company, which is headquartered in Coquitlam, British Columbia, uses a manufacturing plant in Alberta.

“Everything goes through quality control checks and rigorous testing processes,” LeBeau says.

LeanFit products include vegan blends that use organic peas, rice, chia seeds, flaxseed and hemp protein powders to provide a complete range of amino acids; grass-fed, cross-flow micro-filtered whey protein, including a version that has bovine collagen; and a hydration product. The products are gluten-free and do not have artificial colours, flavours or GMOs, LeBeau adds.

The protein powders contain pineapple bromelain, a natural digestive enzyme, to make them easier for the body to absorb.

Powdered products may be mixed with liquids such as water or almond milk, ideally in a shaker cup or blender. They can be the star attraction of a smoothie, and can also be thrown into foods like oatmeal and yogurt.

“We’ve built the brand through high-quality, great-tasting products, and we’ve done that with Costco,” he adds. “We deliver products that fit within members’ lifestyles and try not to overcomplicate products too much. ... I think there’s always a misperception that quality and price are related. Not always. We’ve worked really hard to keep the prices fair and the quality high.”

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