What Impact Kitchen co-founder Josh Broun always has in his grocery cart is a reflection of his commitment to nutrition and unprocessed foods. A personal trainer and entrepreneur, Broun has carved out a niche for himself in the health and wellness industry with the creation of Impact Kitchen, an eatery that offers high-protein meals made with whole ingredients. Let’s delve into his dietary practices and shopping habits to better understand the principles that guide his food choices.
The Origin of Impact Kitchen
Josh Broun founded Impact Kitchen in 2015 out of a personal desire for a place that provided high-protein meals made with whole ingredients. As a personal trainer with a degree in health sciences, Broun quickly realized the vital role nutrition played in achieving the best fitness results for his clients. This discovery ignited a passion within him for high-quality food and the ingredients he consumed.
Impact Kitchen’s Vision
Josh Broun co-founded Impact Kitchen with one of his personal training clients, with a shared vision of a one-stop shop for all nutritional needs. They envisioned a place that was a salad bar, a smoothie spot, and a café offering treats sweetened with minimally processed sugars such as coconut sugar, maple syrup, and honey. The eatery also provides a range of retail fridge items like paleo chicken tenders and raw vegan cheesecake.
Impact Kitchen’s Expansion
Since its inception, Impact Kitchen has grown exponentially, boasting seven locations across Toronto and two in New York, including a recent addition in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn. This success mirrors the growing consumer demand for healthier, unprocessed meal options.
Josh Broun’s Shopping Habits
As a father of two children aged 9 and 11, Broun prioritizes unprocessed foods when grocery shopping. His cart usually contains yogurt, berries, eggs, oils (both olive and avocado), and protein sources like beef, chicken, and fish. Broun believes in the importance of introducing his children to a variety of vegetables and often involves them in grocery shopping, allowing them to choose a treat most of the time.
Five Must-Have Items in Broun’s Cart
- Grass-fed flank steak: A favourite for the whole family, Broun often pairs it with healthy side dishes like vegetables.
- Celtic sea salt: Valued for its rich mineral content, Broun uses it as a finisher for added flavour.
- BBQ Sauce by Primal Kitchen: Primal Kitchen is known for its minimal ingredients and healthier dressings.
- Frozen blueberries: Hand-raked from Nova Scotia, these wild, organic, Canadian blueberries are a staple in Broun’s household.
- Avocado oil: Broun appreciates this healthy fat source and uses it in salad dressings and to pop popcorn.
Josh Broun’s Approach to Healthy Eating
Broun follows a balanced approach to eating, adhering to the 80/20 rule – eating well 80 per cent of the time. He believes in maintaining a healthy baseline, allowing for occasional indulgences. Broun also values knowing where his food comes from, and supports regenerative farming, often purchasing his produce from local farmers’ markets.
In conclusion, Impact Kitchen co-founder Josh Broun’s shopping habits and food choices are a testament to his commitment to unprocessed, high-quality foods, both in his personal life and in his business. His approach to healthy eating serves as a guide for those seeking a balanced, mindful approach to nutrition.
