Brett has over 20 year's experience in Therapeutic Massage, Personal Training and Boxing. He has also survived bowel cancer which he was diagnosed with six years ago.

We recently chatted to positive and proud Boomers advocate Brett Burden.

Here he shares some insights into his mentality, diet, health tips and just his general passion for living.

Why is staying healthy so important to you?

Staying healthy is so important to me as it ensures me a better quality of life. 


What does your ideal day consist of?

I start work at 6am. I’m a Personal Trainer and Massage Therapist so my days are mainly 
morning training my clients and afternoons, massaging patients.

Tell us about your ideal day on a plate…

I start the day with a coffee protein drink which I make with 2 scoops of protein powder, 1 heaped teaspoon of coffee, water, ice and a splash of milk, this gets me started for the day. Breakfast is porridge and yoghurt. My lunch may vary from sushi to toasted tuna sandwiches. The afternoon 4pm munchies are curbed by a protein drink made with frozen banana or mango or both!

My evening meal is with my children which is mainly protein and 3 vegetables, with the emphasis on portion control for me. I end the day with one teaspoon of Creatine mixed with water to assist recovery to do it all again tomorrow!!!

What are 5 essentials for your pantry?

Oats, cashews, Vegemite, protein powder and cans of tuna are always in my pantry

How and when did you first become interested in protein as part of your health and fitness - what was your journey?

I have been in the health industry for over 40 years.
 Apart from my profession, I have played Australian rules football. dabbled in boxing, running, cricket and even mixed netball!!, I have trained in power lifting and currently olympic lifting.

I believe as we age we need to keep our muscle mass and to do this we need to take in extra protein to repair, retain and build our muscular system which will in turn keep our metabolism going and not slowing down.

What’s your favourite exercise?

My favourite exercise at the moment is the Olympic Snatch, it is technically challenging and takes a lifetime to master. Although, I have always loved training on my indoor rower most days as it provides me with a high intense cardio, strength and a great endorphin rush on completion.

What are the benefits of adding protein to your diet for you?

Protein repairs, rebuilds and retains muscle mass, it also gives me a sense of fullness which curbs hunger pangs throughout the day.

What are some everyday ways you add protein to your diet?

I add protein powder to my porridge, soups, any other snack or meal that are flour-based, I always supplement some of it with protein powder.

What are your tips and advice for those thinking of taking Boomers Protein?

The great thing about Boomers is it has no flavouring which means you are in control of taste!!

I get very bored after the 10th shake of Dutch Chocolate, French vanilla or imitation strawberry. I love to discover new combos to add to my frozen berries, banana, coffee or mango shakes, Boomers protein powder makes it easy.

I have introduced Boomers to junior sporting clubs, teenagers and older people as I believe our fast food, high sugar, processed diets are making us unhealthy, unfit and overweight, so by educating the young and old on the benefits of higher protein diets will allow them to pursue a better quality of life over the long term.

What are your goals/fitness goals for this year?

My goals this year are to perfect my Snatch and Clean and Jerk lifts, indoor row 5km in under 20min and to continue my weekly Yin yoga session.

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice about protein what would it be?

Your body can only feel satisfied when you have had enough protein, you can eat simple carbs all day and still be hungry or never satisfied.

What keeps you motivated?

Motivation is stimulated by interest or fear. I love my job so I have never worked a day in 25 years! My interest in discovering new ways to give me a better quality of life as I get older never stops, my fear of not paying my bills never stops!

What is your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement is 4 beautiful daughters, 4 beautiful grandsons and the way I have approached and conquered the many hurdles in my journey so far.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learnt along the way?

I have to live in the moment, I cannot guarantee what life will throw at me tomorrow, next week, next year.

What do you feel is the biggest nutrition blunders you’ve experienced?

Some of my blunders mostly came from lack of knowledge thinking ‘low fat’ was to eat as much as you want, thinking I could ‘run it off' when consuming too many calories etc.

What are your tips for staying fit and healthy on the go?

Getting fit takes commitment, staying fit takes effort, staying healthy takes mind-set.

Can you share your favourite Boomers product with us?

I use Boomers Protein Concentrate as a staple as I have 2 shakes a day, the control on taste is in my hands and how I feel. The Creatine is great as a product for my weight lifting training.

Thank you to Brett for taking the time to share his health journey and tips with us. You can catch up with Brett by checking out his website, Therapeutic Massage and Training.

Check out when we also caught up with avid Boomers fan Abigail Brown and Wellness Coach Jessica Lowe, here.

Photo Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian