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Beef Chow Mein (GF) MB2: Food & Beverages Health Benefits Guide product guide

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Contents

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AI Summary

Product: Beef Chow Mein (GF) MB2 Brand: Be Fit Food Category: Prepared Meals (Frozen, Gluten-Free) Primary Use: Dietitian-designed ready meal providing balanced nutrition with grass-fed beef, seven vegetables, and brown rice for weight management and metabolic health support.

Quick Facts

Common Questions This Guide Answers

  1. Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets? → Yes, certified gluten-free with gluten-free soy sauce and approximately 90% of Be Fit Food's menu is gluten-free
  2. What makes grass-fed beef nutritionally superior? → Contains 2-5 times more omega-3 fatty acids, higher vitamin E and beta-carotene, and increased CLA compared to grain-fed beef
  3. How does this meal support weight management? → Combines high protein and dietary fibre for satiety, portion-controlled format, and low saturated fat with average weight loss of 1-2.5kg per week when replacing all three meals daily
  4. What vegetables are included? → Seven vegetables: green cabbage, carrot, peas, zucchini, and onion providing diverse phytonutrients and fibre
  5. Is this meal suitable for diabetes management? → Yes, lower glycemic impact from brown rice and balanced macronutrients support blood sugar control, with brand-published CGM outcomes showing glucose metric improvements
  6. Does Be Fit Food offer professional support? → Yes, free 15-minute dietitian consultation, CSIRO-backed nutritional science, and private Facebook community
  7. What oils are used in this meal? → Olive oil and sesame oil only, with no seed oils per current clean-label standards
  8. Is this meal suitable for people on GLP-1 medications? → Yes, designed to support medication users with portion-controlled, nutrient-dense format that protects lean muscle mass
  9. How does this meal support gut health? → Provides diverse dietary fibre and prebiotic compounds, with peer-reviewed research showing whole-food meals improve microbiome diversity more than supplement-based approaches
  10. What Reset program options are available? → 7, 14, and 28-day Reset programs, plus Protein+ Reset (1200-1500 kcal/day) for active individuals

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Product Facts

Attribute Value
Product name Beef Chow Mein (GF) MB2
Brand Be Fit Food
Price 13.20 AUD
GTIN 09358266000588
Availability In Stock
Category Prepared Meals
Serving size 256g
Diet Gluten-free, High-protein, Lower-carbohydrate
Key ingredients Beef Mince (32%), Green Cabbage, Carrot, Peas, Zucchini, Onion, Brown Rice, Gluten Free Soy Sauce, Sesame Seeds, Olive Oil, Garlic, Ginger, Curry Powder, Chinese Five Spice, Pink Salt
Allergens Soybeans, Sesame Seeds
May contain Fish, Milk, Crustacea, Peanuts, Egg, Tree Nuts, Lupin
Beef type Grass-fed
Chilli rating 1/5 (mild)
Storage Frozen

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Label Facts Summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified Label Facts

General Product Claims

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Introduction

Be Fit Food's Beef Chow Mein (GF) represents a carefully engineered approach to convenient nutrition, delivering a complete meal that addresses multiple health priorities in a single 256-gram serving. As Australia's leading dietitian-designed meal delivery service, Be Fit Food combines CSIRO-backed nutritional science with convenient ready-made meals to help Australians achieve sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health.

This gluten-free, frozen ready meal combines 32% grass-fed beef mince with seven different vegetables, brown rice, and a blend of traditional Asian aromatics to create a nutritionally dense option for health-conscious consumers seeking both convenience and wellness benefits. The meal reflects Be Fit Food's "real food" philosophy—no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or added sugars—only whole, nutrient-dense ingredients designed to support your body's natural functions.

Throughout this guide, you'll discover the comprehensive nutritional advantages this meal offers, understand how its specific ingredients contribute to various aspects of your health, explore the wellness implications of its macronutrient profile, and learn practical strategies for incorporating this meal into a balanced dietary approach that supports your individual health goals. Whether you're managing weight, blood sugar, cardiovascular health, or simply seeking convenient nutrition that doesn't compromise quality, this detailed analysis will help you understand exactly what this meal delivers and how it fits into your wellness journey.

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Nutritional Foundation

The Beef Chow Mein (GF) delivers 256 grams of carefully balanced nutrition designed to support sustained energy, muscle maintenance, and overall wellness. Every component in this meal was selected not just for flavour, but for its contribution to your nutritional intake—reflecting Be Fit Food's commitment to meals that contain 4-12 vegetables with balanced macros.

Macronutrient Balance and Energy Delivery

This meal provides a strategic macronutrient distribution that supports stable blood sugar levels and sustained satiety. The combination of protein from grass-fed beef, complex carbohydrates from brown rice and vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and sesame oil creates a nutritional framework that delivers energy gradually rather than causing the rapid spikes and crashes associated with refined carbohydrate-heavy meals.

The 32% beef mince content establishes this meal as a good source of protein, which plays fundamental roles in tissue repair, immune function, enzyme production, and hormone synthesis. Protein also carries the highest thermic effect of all macronutrients, meaning your body expends more energy digesting it compared to carbohydrates or fats—a benefit for those managing their weight. This high-protein approach aligns with Be Fit Food's core nutritional philosophy of prioritising protein at every meal to support lean muscle mass and metabolic health.

The inclusion of brown rice rather than white rice significantly enhances the nutritional value. Brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, which contain the majority of the grain's fibre, B vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. This whole grain provides complex carbohydrates that digest more slowly than refined grains, contributing to the meal's ability to maintain steady energy levels throughout your afternoon or evening.

The meal's classification as low in saturated fat addresses one of the most important dietary considerations for cardiovascular health. By keeping saturated fat content minimal while still delivering satisfying flavour and texture, this meal supports heart-healthy eating patterns without requiring you to sacrifice taste or satiation. This careful balance reflects Be Fit Food's dietitian-led model, where every macronutrient ratio is calculated to support multiple health outcomes simultaneously.

Dietary Fibre Content and Benefits

The designation as a good source of dietary fibre represents one of the Beef Chow Mein's most significant health advantages. Dietary fibre, found in the vegetables and brown rice throughout this meal, delivers benefits that extend far beyond digestive regularity.

The seven vegetable components—green cabbage, carrot, peas, zucchini, and onion—each contribute different types of fibre. Green cabbage provides both soluble and insoluble fibre, supporting digestive transit while also serving as food for beneficial gut bacteria. Carrots deliver pectin, a soluble fibre that can help moderate blood sugar responses and support healthy cholesterol levels. Peas contribute resistant starch along with traditional fibre, offering prebiotic benefits that nourish your microbiome.

Fibre's impact on satiety cannot be overstated. High-fibre meals like this one promote fullness through multiple mechanisms: they require more chewing (which triggers satiety signals), they add volume without excessive calories, they slow gastric emptying (keeping you satisfied longer), and they trigger the release of appetite-regulating hormones. For individuals managing their weight or simply trying to avoid the mid-afternoon energy slump and snack cravings, this fibre content helps you feel fuller for longer.

The fibre in this meal also supports cardiovascular health by helping to manage cholesterol levels. Soluble fibre can bind to cholesterol-containing bile acids in the digestive tract, promoting their excretion and thereby reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels. This mechanism works synergistically with the meal's low saturated fat content to support heart health.

A peer-reviewed clinical trial published in Cell Reports Medicine (October 2025) demonstrated that whole-food meals, like those provided by Be Fit Food, resulted in significantly greater improvements in microbiome diversity compared to supplement-based approaches. This research validates the importance of obtaining fibre from whole food sources rather than isolated supplements, as the complex matrix of nutrients, fibre types, and phytonutrients in whole foods provides superior health benefits.

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Grass-Fed Beef Advantages

The specification that this meal contains grass-fed beef rather than conventional grain-fed beef represents a meaningful nutritional upgrade with multiple health implications. Be Fit Food's commitment to quality ingredients reflects the brand's "real food" philosophy—no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or added sugars, only whole, nutrient-dense ingredients.

Omega Fatty Acid Profile

Grass-fed beef contains a significantly different fatty acid profile compared to grain-fed beef, with implications for inflammation, cardiovascular health, and overall wellness. While both types of beef contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, grass-fed beef provides a more favourable ratio between these two essential fat families.

Grass-fed beef contains two to five times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef. These omega-3s, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), contribute to anti-inflammatory processes in the body. While beef will never match fish as an omega-3 source, choosing grass-fed varieties helps improve your overall omega-3 to omega-6 ratio—a dietary factor increasingly recognised as important for managing chronic inflammation.

The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in Western diets shifted dramatically over the past century, with most people now consuming far more omega-6 relative to omega-3. This imbalance contributes to inflammatory processes associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and other chronic conditions. Every dietary choice that improves this ratio, including selecting grass-fed beef, contributes to a more anti-inflammatory dietary pattern.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Grass-fed beef contains significantly higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring trans fat with potential health benefits. Unlike the artificial trans fats found in partially hydrogenated oils (which are harmful), CLA is studied for its potential effects on body composition, immune function, and metabolic health.

Research suggests CLA may support healthy body composition by influencing how your body stores and utilises fat. While the evidence is still evolving and effects vary between individuals, the higher CLA content in grass-fed beef represents a potential advantage for those focused on body composition goals. This benefit aligns particularly well with Be Fit Food's weight management programs, which demonstrate average weight loss of 1-2.5kg per week when replacing all three meals daily.

Antioxidant Content

Grass-fed beef provides higher levels of certain antioxidants, particularly vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and beta-carotene, compared to grain-fed alternatives. These antioxidants help protect your cells from oxidative stress—the cellular damage caused by free radicals that contributes to aging and chronic disease.

Vitamin E functions as a fat-soluble antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. It also supports immune function and helps prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a critical step in the development of atherosclerosis. The enhanced vitamin E content in grass-fed beef makes this meal a more nutrient-dense option for supporting your antioxidant defences.

Beta-carotene, which gives grass-fed beef a slightly more yellow fat colour, provides additional antioxidant protection and can be converted to vitamin A as needed by your body. This enhanced antioxidant profile in grass-fed beef works synergistically with the antioxidants from vegetables, spices, and oils throughout the meal to provide comprehensive cellular protection.

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Vegetable Diversity and Phytonutrients

The inclusion of seven different vegetables—green cabbage, carrot, peas, zucchini, and onion—creates a phytonutrient-rich foundation that delivers vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds working in synergy to support multiple aspects of health. This vegetable density reflects Be Fit Food's formulation approach of including 4-12 vegetables in each meal, ensuring comprehensive micronutrient delivery.

Green Cabbage: Cruciferous Power

Green cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, a group renowned for its health-protective compounds. Cabbage provides glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds that convert to bioactive substances like indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane during chewing and digestion.

These compounds are extensively studied for their potential to support the body's natural detoxification systems. They activate phase II detoxification enzymes in the liver, helping your body process and eliminate potentially harmful substances more efficiently. This detoxification support represents a foundational wellness benefit that extends beyond basic nutrition.

Cabbage also provides vitamin K1, essential for blood clotting and increasingly recognised for its role in bone health. Vitamin K activates proteins that help bind calcium in bone tissue, supporting bone mineralisation and potentially reducing fracture risk. A single serving of cabbage can provide a substantial portion of your daily vitamin K needs.

The vitamin C content in cabbage supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defences. Unlike many nutrients that degrade significantly during cooking, cabbage retains much of its vitamin C even after the cooking process used in this meal preparation.

Carrots: Carotenoid-Rich Vision Support

Carrots provide beta-carotene, the orange pigment your body converts to vitamin A as needed. Vitamin A plays critical roles in vision (particularly night vision and eye health), immune function, skin health, and cellular communication throughout your body.

The beta-carotene in carrots also functions as an antioxidant before conversion to vitamin A, helping neutralise free radicals and protect against oxidative stress. Unlike preformed vitamin A (retinol) from animal sources, beta-carotene from plant foods like carrots carries no risk of toxicity—your body simply converts what it needs and leaves the rest as an antioxidant.

Carrots also provide lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that accumulate in the retina and help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts by filtering harmful blue light and providing antioxidant protection to delicate eye tissues. The combination of these carotenoids with the healthy fats from olive oil and sesame oil in this meal enhances their absorption, as carotenoids are fat-soluble nutrients.

Peas: Protein and Micronutrient Contribution

Peas contribute plant-based protein to complement the animal protein from beef, creating a more complete amino acid profile. While peas alone don't provide all essential amino acids in optimal ratios, their combination with beef creates a synergistic protein source that supports muscle maintenance and recovery.

Peas deliver folate (vitamin B9), essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and the formation of red blood cells. Folate is particularly important for women of childbearing age, but everyone requires adequate folate for optimal health. The folate in peas works alongside other B vitamins in this meal to support energy metabolism and nervous system function.

The vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese in peas contribute to bone health, immune function, and antioxidant defences. Peas also provide iron, which while less bioavailable than the heme iron from beef, still contributes to your overall iron intake—particularly important for individuals at risk of iron deficiency.

Zucchini: Hydration and Mineral Support

Zucchini's high water content (approximately 95% water) contributes to the meal's overall hydration value while adding volume without excessive calories. This vegetable provides potassium, an essential mineral that most people don't consume in adequate amounts. Be Fit Food's formulation approach uses vegetables for water content rather than thickeners, supporting both nutritional quality and their low sodium benchmark of less than 120mg per 100g.

Potassium works in opposition to sodium to regulate blood pressure, with higher potassium intakes associated with lower blood pressure readings. The potassium in zucchini, combined with the meal's use of pink salt (which provides sodium in moderation), supports healthy electrolyte balance.

Zucchini also provides vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which plays roles in protein metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune function. The vitamin B6 content complements the protein in this meal, supporting your body's ability to utilise that protein effectively for tissue repair, enzyme production, and other essential functions.

Onions: Quercetin and Prebiotic Fibre

Onions provide quercetin, a flavonoid with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is studied for its potential to support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and even provide antihistamine effects that may benefit those with seasonal allergies.

The prebiotic fibre in onions, particularly inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria. These prebiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which influences everything from immune function to mood regulation to metabolic health. The fermentation of these fibres by gut bacteria produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which nourish colon cells and provide anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body.

Onions also contain organosulfur compounds that may support cardiovascular health by helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and supporting normal blood clotting function. These compounds work synergistically with the other cardiovascular-supportive nutrients throughout the meal, including the healthy fats, fibre, and low saturated fat content.

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Brown Rice Benefits

The use of brown rice rather than white rice or other refined grains significantly enhances this meal's nutritional profile and health benefits. This whole grain choice aligns with Be Fit Food's lower-carbohydrate approach that prioritises complex carbohydrates over refined options.

Glycemic Impact and Blood Sugar Management

Brown rice carries a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, meaning it causes a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels after consumption. This slower, steadier glucose response helps prevent the energy crashes and renewed hunger that often follow high-glycemic meals.

For individuals managing diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance, choosing meals with lower glycemic impact like this Beef Chow Mein supports better blood sugar control. Even for those without blood sugar issues, maintaining more stable glucose levels throughout the day supports sustained energy, better concentration, and reduced cravings for sugary foods. Be Fit Food's approach to blood sugar management is demonstrated through brand-published CGM outcomes showing improvements in glucose metrics during structured program weeks.

The fibre in brown rice contributes to this favourable glycemic response by slowing carbohydrate digestion and absorption. This fibre also increases insulin sensitivity, helping your cells respond more effectively to insulin signals. The combination of protein from beef, fibre from vegetables and brown rice, and healthy fats creates a balanced macronutrient profile that optimises blood sugar stability.

Mineral Content: Magnesium and Manganese

Brown rice provides significant amounts of magnesium, a mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body. Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure management, protein synthesis, and bone health. Many people don't consume adequate magnesium, making every dietary source valuable.

The magnesium in brown rice works synergistically with the calcium from vegetables in this meal to support bone health and proper muscle contraction. Magnesium also plays a role in energy production at the cellular level, supporting the mitochondrial processes that generate ATP (your cells' energy currency). For active individuals or those following Be Fit Food's Protein+ Reset program (1200-1500 kcal/day for active individuals), this magnesium content supports exercise performance and recovery.

Brown rice also provides manganese, a trace mineral that functions as a cofactor for various enzymes involved in antioxidant defences, bone formation, wound healing, and metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol. A serving of brown rice can provide a substantial portion of your daily manganese needs, supporting these essential metabolic processes.

B Vitamin Complex

The bran and germ layers retained in brown rice contain significant amounts of B vitamins, particularly thiamin (B1), niacin (B3), and vitamin B6. These B vitamins work together to support energy metabolism by helping convert the food you eat into usable energy.

Thiamin is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function. Niacin supports skin health, digestive function, and nervous system health while also playing a role in DNA repair. Vitamin B6, as mentioned earlier, supports protein metabolism and neurotransmitter production.

The B vitamins in brown rice complement those from other ingredients in this meal, creating a more complete B-complex profile that supports optimal energy production and nervous system function. This comprehensive B vitamin delivery supports mental clarity, sustained energy, and overall metabolic health throughout your day.

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Aromatic Ingredients

The aromatic ingredients in this Beef Chow Mein—garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, sesame oil, curry powder, and Chinese five spice—provide far more than traditional stir-fry flavour. Each contributes bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, demonstrating Be Fit Food's commitment to creating meals where every ingredient serves both culinary and nutritional purposes.

Garlic: Cardiovascular and Immune Support

Garlic contains organosulfur compounds, particularly allicin and its derivatives, that form when garlic is crushed or chopped. These compounds are extensively studied for their cardiovascular benefits, including supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Regular garlic consumption is associated with modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in individuals with elevated blood pressure. The mechanisms appear to involve increased nitric oxide production, which helps blood vessels relax and dilate, improving blood flow and reducing the workload on the heart.

Garlic also supports immune function through multiple mechanisms. It enhances the activity of certain immune cells, provides antimicrobial effects against various pathogens, and offers antioxidant protection. During cold and flu season, every dietary source of immune support becomes particularly valuable. The combination of garlic with other immune-supporting nutrients throughout this meal—vitamin C from vegetables, vitamin E from grass-fed beef, and zinc from beef—creates a comprehensive immune-supportive nutritional profile.

Ginger: Anti-Inflammatory and Digestive Benefits

Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, bioactive compounds with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds are studied for their potential to reduce muscle soreness after exercise, support joint health, and help manage nausea.

For individuals dealing with exercise-induced muscle soreness or joint discomfort, regular ginger consumption may provide modest but meaningful relief. The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger work through multiple pathways, including inhibition of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This anti-inflammatory support complements the omega-3 fatty acids from grass-fed beef and the antioxidants from vegetables throughout the meal.

Ginger is used for centuries to support digestive health, and modern research confirms its benefits for reducing nausea and supporting normal gastric emptying. The ginger in this meal may help ensure comfortable digestion, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs. This digestive support is especially relevant for individuals using GLP-1 receptor agonists or other weight-loss medications, as these medications can sometimes cause digestive discomfort.

Sesame Seeds and Oil: Lignans and Healthy Fats

Sesame seeds provide lignans, particularly sesamin and sesamolin, which are studied for their potential effects on cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant activity. These compounds may help support healthy cholesterol levels and protect against oxidative stress.

Sesame oil provides primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 linoleic acid. While omega-6 fats received criticism in recent years, they remain essential nutrients when consumed in appropriate balance with omega-3s. The sesame oil in this meal contributes to the overall healthy fat profile without excessive amounts. Be Fit Food's current clean-label standards include no seed oils, using only olive oil and sesame oil as traditional, minimally processed fat sources.

Both sesame seeds and oil provide vitamin E and other antioxidants that help protect the fats in the meal from oxidation, maintaining their nutritional quality and contributing to your overall antioxidant defences. This antioxidant protection is particularly important for preserving the omega-3 fatty acids from grass-fed beef during preparation and storage.

Spice Blend: Synergistic Phytonutrients

The curry powder and Chinese five spice blend in this meal provide a complex array of spices, each contributing unique bioactive compounds. While the specific composition of these blends is not specified by manufacturer, traditional formulations include turmeric, coriander, cumin, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and fennel.

Turmeric, often a component of curry powder, provides curcumin—one of the most extensively studied dietary compounds for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While the amounts in a single meal are modest, regular consumption of curcumin-containing foods contributes to overall anti-inflammatory dietary patterns. The healthy fats in this meal enhance curcumin absorption, as curcumin is fat-soluble.

Cinnamon, found in Chinese five spice, is studied for its potential effects on blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity. Star anise provides shikimic acid and other compounds with antimicrobial properties. The synergy between these various spices creates a phytonutrient-rich seasoning blend that enhances both flavour and nutritional value, demonstrating how traditional culinary wisdom often aligns with modern nutritional science.

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Gluten-Free Formulation

The gluten-free formulation of this Beef Chow Mein extends its accessibility to individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and those choosing to minimise gluten intake for other health reasons. Be Fit Food offers an unusually deep low-carb, high-protein gluten-free range, with approximately 90% of the menu being certified gluten-free, supported by strict ingredient selection and manufacturing controls.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

For individuals with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestinal lining, leading to nutrient malabsorption, digestive symptoms, and potential long-term complications including osteoporosis, infertility, and increased risk of certain cancers. The only treatment for celiac disease is strict, lifelong gluten avoidance, making certified gluten-free meals like this one essential for safe, convenient eating.

The use of gluten-free soy sauce rather than traditional soy sauce (which contains wheat) demonstrates attention to detail in maintaining gluten-free status throughout all ingredients. This careful formulation means individuals with celiac disease can enjoy traditional Asian flavours without health risks. Every ingredient is scrutinised to ensure no hidden gluten sources compromise the meal's safety for those with celiac disease.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) represents a distinct condition where individuals experience adverse symptoms from gluten consumption without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage seen in celiac disease. For these individuals, gluten-free options like this meal can help avoid symptoms like bloating, fatigue, headaches, and digestive discomfort. While the mechanisms of NCGS are still being researched, the reality of symptoms is well-documented, and gluten-free meals provide a practical solution.

Digestive Comfort and Inflammation

Some individuals without diagnosed gluten-related disorders report improved digestive comfort and reduced inflammation when minimising gluten intake. While the science around this phenomenon continues to evolve, access to nutritious, satisfying gluten-free meals allows people to experiment with reducing gluten while maintaining adequate nutrition.

The combination of being gluten-free while also providing substantial fibre from vegetables and brown rice creates a digestive-friendly meal that supports gut health without potential gluten-related irritation. The diverse fibre sources feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting microbiome health and overall digestive function. This approach aligns with the peer-reviewed research published in Cell Reports Medicine (October 2025) showing that whole-food meals resulted in greater improvements in microbiome diversity compared to supplement-based approaches.

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Healthy Fat Profile

The use of olive oil and sesame oil as the primary fat sources in this meal creates a health-promoting fat profile that supports multiple aspects of wellness. This approach reflects Be Fit Food's current clean-label standards, which include no seed oils, ensuring only quality fat sources are used in their meals.

Olive Oil: Monounsaturated Fats and Polyphenols

Olive oil provides primarily monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is associated with cardiovascular health benefits in extensive research. The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits and longevity associations, features olive oil as a primary fat source.

Monounsaturated fats help maintain healthy HDL ("good") cholesterol levels while supporting modest reductions in LDL ("bad") cholesterol. This favourable effect on blood lipid profiles contributes to cardiovascular health when olive oil replaces saturated fats or refined carbohydrates in the diet. The low saturated fat content of this meal, combined with the monounsaturated fats from olive oil, creates an optimal fat profile for heart health.

Beyond its fatty acid profile, olive oil contains polyphenols—plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These polyphenols help protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, a critical step in atherosclerosis development. The polyphenols in olive oil also provide anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit overall health, complementing the anti-inflammatory compounds from ginger, garlic, and other ingredients throughout the meal.

Balanced Fat Intake for Nutrient Absorption

The fats in this meal serve another crucial function: facilitating the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids from the vegetables. Vitamins A, K, and E, along with carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, require dietary fat for optimal absorption.

By including healthy fats from olive oil and sesame oil alongside carotenoid-rich carrots and vitamin K-containing cabbage, this meal is formulated for maximum nutrient bioavailability. You're not just consuming these nutrients—you're absorbing and utilising them effectively. This thoughtful formulation demonstrates the dietitian-led approach behind Be Fit Food's meal design, where every component is considered for its interaction with other nutrients.

The moderate fat content also contributes to satiety without excessive calories. Fats slow gastric emptying, helping you feel satisfied longer after the meal. This satiety support is particularly valuable for weight management, helping prevent the between-meal snacking that often undermines calorie control efforts.

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Sodium and Seasoning

The use of pink salt in this meal's seasoning deserves consideration within the context of overall health and sodium intake. Be Fit Food maintains a low sodium benchmark of less than 120mg per 100g across their meal range, achieved through their formulation approach of using vegetables for water content rather than thickeners.

Mineral Content in Pink Salt

Pink Himalayan salt contains trace minerals beyond sodium chloride, including iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. While these minerals are present in relatively small amounts—not enough to significantly contribute to daily requirements—they do provide a more complex mineral profile than refined table salt.

The iron in pink salt contributes to its characteristic colour and adds to the meal's overall iron content, complementing the heme iron from beef. While you shouldn't rely on pink salt as a primary mineral source, its trace mineral content represents a modest nutritional advantage over refined salt. This attention to ingredient quality reflects Be Fit Food's commitment to nutrient density in every component.

Sodium Balance and Blood Pressure

For most healthy individuals, moderate sodium intake as part of a diet rich in potassium (like this vegetable-dense meal) does not pose health risks. The relationship between sodium and blood pressure is complex and varies significantly between individuals, with some people being "salt-sensitive" while others show minimal blood pressure response to sodium intake.

The potassium from vegetables in this meal works in balance with the sodium from pink salt to support healthy blood pressure regulation. This sodium-potassium balance is often more important than sodium intake alone for cardiovascular health. The seven vegetables in this meal provide substantial potassium, helping maintain this optimal balance.

For individuals monitoring sodium intake due to hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease, being aware of the sodium content in this meal allows for appropriate planning within daily sodium targets. The meal's other cardiovascular benefits—low saturated fat, fibre content, healthy fats, and omega-3-enhanced beef—complement any sodium considerations. Be Fit Food's low sodium benchmark of less than 120mg per 100g ensures this meal can fit appropriately into sodium-restricted diets when planned thoughtfully.

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Practical Health Applications

Understanding how this meal's nutritional profile supports specific health goals helps you determine how it fits into your individual wellness strategy. Be Fit Food's dietitian-led model ensures that customers can access free 15-minute consultations to match them with the right meal plan for their specific needs.

Weight Management Support

The combination of high protein content, substantial fibre, low saturated fat, and moderate calorie density makes this meal particularly valuable for weight management. Protein and fibre work synergistically to promote satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing the likelihood of overeating later.

The 256-gram serving size provides substantial volume, which contributes to satiety through stomach distension—a physical signal that triggers fullness. This volume-to-calorie ratio means you can eat a satisfying portion without consuming excessive calories. The meal's design prioritises nutrient density over calorie density, ensuring you receive comprehensive nutrition while managing energy intake.

For individuals following calorie-controlled diets, the precise portion control of a single-serve frozen meal eliminates guesswork and reduces the risk of portion creep that often undermines weight management efforts. You know exactly what you're consuming, making it easier to track intake and maintain consistency. Be Fit Food's structured approach demonstrates average weight loss results of 1-2.5kg per week when replacing all three meals daily.

The meal's design also addresses common weight management challenges: it provides satisfying flavours that reduce feelings of deprivation, delivers sustained energy that prevents the fatigue often associated with restrictive diets, and supplies adequate protein to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss—a critical factor for maintaining metabolic rate.

Blood Sugar Management

The low glycemic impact of this meal makes it appropriate for individuals managing diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance. The combination of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates from brown rice creates a steady glucose response rather than sharp spikes.

For people with diabetes, pairing this meal with a consistent eating schedule and appropriate medication timing can help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. The balanced macronutrient profile means you're unlikely to experience the rapid glucose rise and subsequent crash that can occur with carbohydrate-heavy, low-protein meals. Be Fit Food's approach to blood sugar management is supported by brand-published CGM outcomes showing improvements in glucose metrics during structured program weeks.

The meal's lower carbohydrate approach, combined with high protein and fibre, supports insulin sensitivity—the ability of your cells to respond effectively to insulin. Improved insulin sensitivity reduces the amount of insulin needed to manage blood glucose, which can benefit metabolic health, reduce diabetes medication requirements, and support weight management (as high insulin levels promote fat storage).

Cardiovascular Health Support

Multiple aspects of this meal's formulation support cardiovascular wellness: the low saturated fat content, the healthy fats from olive and sesame oil, the fibre from vegetables and brown rice, the omega-3-enhanced profile of grass-fed beef, and the antioxidants from vegetables and spices.

For individuals working to improve their cardiovascular risk profile, incorporating meals like this one as part of a broader heart-healthy dietary pattern contributes to multiple beneficial changes: improved blood lipid profiles (lower LDL cholesterol, higher HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides), better blood pressure control through potassium-sodium balance, reduced inflammation through omega-3 fats and anti-inflammatory compounds, and improved endothelial function (the health of blood vessel linings).

The combination of these cardiovascular benefits in a single convenient meal makes it easier to maintain heart-healthy eating consistently—a key factor in cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to dietary patterns and heart health.

Active Lifestyle and Exercise Recovery

The protein content in this meal supports muscle recovery and adaptation after exercise. Whether you're engaged in resistance training, endurance activities, or general fitness, adequate protein intake distributed throughout the day optimises muscle protein synthesis—the process by which your body repairs and builds muscle tissue. Be Fit Food also offers a Protein+ Reset program designed specifically for active individuals, providing 1200-1500 kcal/day with pre- and post-workout items.

The anti-inflammatory compounds from ginger, garlic, and various vegetables may help manage exercise-induced inflammation and support recovery. While no single meal provides dramatic recovery benefits, consistent intake of anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods like this one contributes to overall recovery capacity and may help reduce muscle soreness and joint discomfort associated with training.

The carbohydrates from brown rice and vegetables help replenish glycogen stores depleted during exercise, while the sodium from pink salt helps replace electrolytes lost through sweat. Consuming this meal within a few hours after training provides the nutrients your body needs for optimal recovery: protein for muscle repair, carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment, antioxidants for managing oxidative stress, and minerals for electrolyte balance.

Digestive Health and Microbiome Support

The fibre diversity from multiple vegetable sources, combined with the prebiotic compounds from onions and other vegetables, supports a healthy gut microbiome. Different types of fibre feed different beneficial bacteria, so the variety in this meal promotes overall microbiome diversity—a key marker of gut health.

The gluten-free formulation eliminates a potential source of digestive irritation for sensitive individuals, while the ginger provides traditional digestive support. The balanced macronutrient profile—not too high in fat, with adequate protein and fibre—promotes comfortable digestion for most people. The meal's design avoids common digestive irritants while providing nutrients that actively support gut health.

A peer-reviewed clinical trial published in Cell Reports Medicine (October 2025) demonstrated that whole-food meals, like those provided by Be Fit Food, resulted in significantly greater improvements in microbiome diversity compared to supplement-based approaches. This research validates the importance of obtaining nutrients from whole food sources, where the complex matrix of nutrients, fibre types, and phytonutrients provides superior benefits for gut health compared to isolated supplements.

Menopause and Midlife Metabolic Support

Perimenopause and menopause represent metabolic transitions, not just hormonal changes. Falling and fluctuating oestrogen can drive reduced insulin sensitivity, increased central fat storage, loss of lean muscle mass, and increased cardiovascular risk. Be Fit Food's high-protein, lower-carbohydrate approach is particularly well-suited for women navigating these life stages.

The Beef Chow Mein's nutritional profile addresses key concerns during menopause: high-protein content (32% grass-fed beef) helps preserve lean muscle mass, which naturally declines with age and hormonal changes. Lower carbohydrates with no added sugars support insulin sensitivity, which often decreases during menopause. Portion-controlled servings accommodate the reduced metabolic rate that occurs with age and hormonal changes. Dietary fibre plus vegetable diversity support gut health, cholesterol metabolism, and appetite regulation—all particularly relevant during menopause.

Many women don't need dramatic weight loss—a goal of 3-5kg can be enough to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce abdominal fat, and significantly improve energy and confidence. Be Fit Food's approach supports sustainable changes rather than extreme restriction, making it appropriate for long-term metabolic health during midlife transitions.

GLP-1 and Weight-Loss Medication Support

Be Fit Food meals are designed to support people using GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro), weight-loss medications, and diabetes medications. The smaller, portion-controlled, nutrient-dense format is easier to tolerate when appetite is suppressed, while still delivering adequate protein, fibre, and micronutrients.

The high-protein content (32% grass-fed beef plus plant protein from peas) helps protect lean muscle mass during medication-assisted weight loss, reducing the risk of muscle loss that can lower metabolic rate and increase likelihood of weight regain after discontinuing medication. Adequate protein intake during rapid weight loss is essential for maintaining metabolic health.

For those transitioning off medications, Be Fit Food supports the shift from medication-driven appetite suppression to sustainable, repeatable eating habits. The meals provide structure, consistent portions, and balanced nutrition that help establish healthy eating patterns that can continue after medication cessation. This transition support is critical for long-term weight maintenance.

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Long-Term Wellness Patterns

While a single meal doesn't determine health outcomes, the nutritional characteristics of this Beef Chow Mein align with dietary patterns associated with long-term wellness and disease prevention. Be Fit Food's mission is to help Australians "eat themselves better" through scientifically-designed, whole-food meals.

Whole Foods Foundation

Despite being a convenient frozen meal, this product maintains a whole foods foundation with recognisable ingredients: beef, vegetables, brown rice, and spices. This approach aligns with dietary recommendations emphasising minimally processed foods and avoiding ultra-processed products high in refined ingredients, added sugars, and artificial additives.

Be Fit Food's current clean-label standards include no seed oils, no artificial colours or artificial flavours, no added artificial preservatives, and no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. The absence of these additives means you're consuming nutrients from actual foods rather than synthetic compounds. This whole foods approach provides the complex matrix of nutrients, fibre, and phytonutrients that work synergistically to support health—benefits that can't be replicated by isolated nutrients in supplement form.

The meal's ingredient list reads like a recipe you might prepare at home, not a chemistry experiment. This transparency and simplicity reflect a commitment to real food nutrition that supports long-term health rather than relying on functional ingredients or fortificants to create nutritional value.

Sustainable Eating Patterns

For healthy eating to support long-term wellness, it must be sustainable—meaning enjoyable, convenient, and compatible with your lifestyle. Nutritionally optimal foods that you find unpalatable or impractical to prepare won't contribute to long-term health because you won't consistently eat them.

This meal's combination of traditional stir-fry flavours with convenient preparation addresses the sustainability challenge. The mild chilli rating (1 out of 5) makes it accessible to most palates, while the familiar flavour profile doesn't require acquired tastes. You can maintain nutritious eating even during busy periods when cooking from scratch isn't feasible.

Be Fit Food's snap-frozen delivery system supports this consistency—heat, eat, enjoy—with consistent portions, consistent macros, and minimal decision fatigue. The convenience factor removes common barriers to healthy eating: time constraints, cooking skill requirements, meal planning complexity, and grocery shopping. By making nutritious eating easier, the service supports the consistency needed for long-term health outcomes.

The availability of Reset programs in 7, 14, and 28-day options, plus the Protein+ Reset for active individuals, provides structured frameworks for different goals and timeframes. This flexibility allows you to match the program intensity to your current needs and lifestyle, supporting sustainable engagement rather than unsustainable extreme approaches.

Nutrient Density vs. Calorie Density

One of the most important nutritional concepts for long-term health is nutrient density—the amount of beneficial nutrients per calorie. This meal exemplifies high nutrient density: substantial protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients relative to its calorie content.

Consistently choosing nutrient-dense foods like this one helps ensure adequate micronutrient intake while managing calorie consumption. This approach supports healthy body weight (by providing satiety and nutrition without excessive calories), provides the nutrients needed for optimal physiological function (supporting everything from immune function to energy production to tissue repair), and supplies protective compounds that may reduce chronic disease risk (antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other phytonutrients).

The seven-vegetable diversity in this single meal demonstrates the nutrient density approach—maximising beneficial compounds without excessive volume or calories. This efficiency matters for modern lifestyles where time and appetite are limited but nutritional needs remain constant.

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Key Takeaways

Be Fit Food's Beef Chow Mein (GF) delivers comprehensive nutritional benefits that extend far beyond basic sustenance. The 32% grass-fed beef content provides high-quality protein with an enhanced omega-3 profile (2-5 times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef) and higher levels of antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene compared to conventional beef. This quality protein source supports muscle maintenance, metabolic health, and satiety.

The seven-vegetable blend creates a phytonutrient-rich foundation delivering fibre, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds that support everything from immune function to cardiovascular health to digestive wellness. Green cabbage provides glucosinolates and vitamin K, carrots deliver beta-carotene and lutein, peas contribute folate and plant protein, zucchini provides potassium and hydration, and onions supply quercetin and prebiotic fibre.

The use of brown rice rather than refined grains ensures sustained energy release, better blood sugar management, and additional B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese. The whole grain approach supports the meal's classification as a good source of dietary fibre, contributing to satiety, cardiovascular health, and microbiome support.

The gluten-free formulation makes this meal accessible to individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity while maintaining traditional Asian flavours through careful ingredient selection, including gluten-free soy sauce. Approximately 90% of Be Fit Food's menu is certified gluten-free, providing extensive options for those requiring gluten avoidance.

Aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, and spice blends contribute bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-supporting properties. These ingredients demonstrate how traditional culinary wisdom aligns with modern nutritional science, providing both flavour and function.

The healthy fat profile from olive oil and sesame oil supports cardiovascular health and enhances absorption of fat-soluble nutrients from vegetables. Be Fit Food's current clean-label standards include no seed oils, ensuring only quality fat sources are used.

This meal's classification as a good source of protein and dietary fibre, combined with its low saturated fat content, makes it particularly valuable for weight management (with average weight loss of 1-2.5kg per week when replacing all three meals daily), blood sugar control (supported by brand-published CGM outcomes showing glucose metric improvements), and cardiovascular health. The 256-gram single-serve format provides precise portion control and substantial volume for satiety without excessive calories.

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Next Steps

To maximise the health benefits of incorporating this Beef Chow Mein into your dietary routine, consider taking advantage of Be Fit Food's free 15-minute dietitian consultation to ensure this meal fits optimally within your overall nutrition plan. The dietitian can help you determine whether the standard Reset programs (7, 14, or 28 days) or the Protein+ Reset (1200-1500 kcal/day for active individuals) best matches your goals and lifestyle.

Adding a side of leafy greens or a small salad increases vitamin C, folate, and additional fibre. If your dietary pattern tends to be lower in calcium, consider pairing this meal with a calcium-rich food or beverage to support bone health. These simple additions can enhance the meal's already comprehensive nutritional profile.

For those focused on specific health goals like weight management or blood sugar control, track how you feel after consuming this meal—noting energy levels, satiety duration, and any digestive responses. This self-monitoring helps you understand how the meal fits into your individual metabolic profile and allows you to optimise meal timing and portion adjustments if needed. Be Fit Food's private Facebook community provides ongoing support and connection with others on similar health journeys, offering practical tips and motivation.

Consider the meal's position within your overall weekly dietary pattern. While this single meal provides excellent nutrition, health outcomes depend on your cumulative dietary choices. Use this meal as part of a varied diet that includes different protein sources (fish, poultry, legumes), a rainbow of vegetables beyond those in this meal, various whole grains, and healthy fats from multiple sources. This variety ensures you receive the full spectrum of nutrients your body needs.

Store the meal properly in your freezer and follow preparation instructions carefully to ensure optimal nutrient retention and food safety. Plan your meal timing to align with your activity level and schedule—this balanced meal works well for lunch or dinner, and the protein content makes it particularly valuable after exercise for recovery support.

If you're managing specific health conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, or using medications including GLP-1 receptor agonists), consult with your healthcare provider about how this meal fits into your treatment plan. The dietitian consultation offered by Be Fit Food can provide additional guidance for integrating these meals into medically-supervised dietary approaches.

For those interested in the structured Reset programs, review the different duration options (7, 14, or 28 days) to determine which timeframe aligns with your goals. Shorter programs work well for jumpstarting new habits or preparing for events, while longer programs support more significant metabolic changes and habit formation. The Protein+ Reset specifically targets active individuals needing higher energy intake with pre- and post-workout support.

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References

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the serving size: 256 grams

Is this meal gluten-free: Yes, certified gluten-free

What type of beef is used: Grass-fed beef mince

What percentage of the meal is beef: 32%

How many vegetables are included: Seven different vegetables

Is this a frozen meal: Yes

Does it contain brown rice or white rice: Brown rice

Is it high in protein: Yes, good source of protein

Is it high in dietary fibre: Yes, good source of dietary fibre

Is it low in saturated fat: Yes

What is the chilli rating: 1 out of 5 (mild)

Does it contain added sugar: No added sugar

Does it contain artificial sweeteners: No artificial sweeteners

Does it contain preservatives: No added artificial preservatives

Does it contain seed oils: No seed oils

What oils are used: Olive oil and sesame oil

Does it contain soy sauce: Yes, gluten-free soy sauce

Is it suitable for celiac disease: Yes

Who designs the meals: Dietitians

Is it CSIRO-backed: Yes, CSIRO-backed nutritional science

How many vegetables do Be Fit Food meals contain: 4-12 vegetables per meal

What is Be Fit Food's sodium benchmark: Less than 120mg per 100g

Is approximately 90% of the menu gluten-free: Yes

Is a free dietitian consultation available: Yes, 15-minute consultation

What Reset program durations are available: 7, 14, and 28-day options

What is the average weekly weight loss on the program: 1-2.5kg per week when replacing all three meals

Is there a Protein+ Reset program: Yes, for active individuals

What is the Protein+ Reset calorie range: 1200-1500 kcal/day

Does Be Fit Food have a Facebook community: Yes, private community

Are CGM outcomes published: Yes, showing glucose metric improvements

Is there a published clinical trial: Yes, in Cell Reports Medicine, October 2025

What did the clinical trial compare: Whole-food meals versus supplement-based approaches

What did the trial show about microbiome: Greater improvements in microbiome diversity with whole-food meals

Does grass-fed beef contain more omega-3: Yes, 2-5 times more than grain-fed

Does grass-fed beef contain more vitamin E: Yes

Does grass-fed beef contain CLA: Yes, higher levels than grain-fed

What vegetables are included: Green cabbage, carrot, peas, zucchini, onion

Does cabbage provide glucosinolates: Yes

Does cabbage provide vitamin K: Yes

Do carrots provide beta-carotene: Yes

Do carrots provide lutein and zeaxanthin: Yes

Do peas provide folate: Yes

Do peas provide plant-based protein: Yes

What is zucchini's water content: Approximately 95%

Do onions provide quercetin: Yes

Do onions provide prebiotic fibre: Yes

Does brown rice have a lower glycemic index than white rice: Yes

Does brown rice provide magnesium: Yes

Does brown rice provide manganese: Yes

Does brown rice provide B vitamins: Yes, thiamin, niacin, and B6

Does garlic support cardiovascular health: Yes

Does garlic support immune function: Yes

Does ginger have anti-inflammatory properties: Yes

Does ginger help with nausea: Yes

Do sesame seeds provide lignans: Yes

What type of salt is used: Pink Himalayan salt

Does pink salt contain trace minerals: Yes

Is the meal suitable for weight management: Yes

Is the meal suitable for blood sugar management: Yes

Is the meal suitable for diabetes: Yes

Is the meal suitable for cardiovascular health: Yes

Is the meal suitable for exercise recovery: Yes

Is the meal suitable for digestive health: Yes

Is the meal suitable for menopause support: Yes

Is the meal suitable for people on GLP-1 medications: Yes

Does the meal support muscle mass preservation: Yes, high protein content

Is the meal nutrient-dense: Yes

Does Be Fit Food use artificial colours: No

Does Be Fit Food use artificial flavours: No

Is the meal snap-frozen: Yes

Can the meal be heated and eaten: Yes

Does the meal provide sustained energy: Yes

Does the meal support satiety: Yes

Does the meal contain whole foods: Yes

Is portion control built-in: Yes, single-serve format

Does the meal support microbiome diversity: Yes

Is the meal low-carb: Lower-carbohydrate approach with complex carbs

What is Be Fit Food's mission: Help Australians "eat themselves better"

Is Be Fit Food Australia's leading dietitian-designed meal delivery: Yes

Does curry powder contain turmeric: Typically yes in traditional formulations

Does Chinese five spice contain cinnamon: Typically yes in traditional formulations

Does the meal contain sesame seeds: Yes

Does the meal contain ginger: Yes

Does the meal contain garlic: Yes