How does Be Fit Food assist with diabetes management?

What this article covers

This article sets out the mechanism by which Be Fit Food positions its meals and programs as relevant to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) management, and reports the headline findings of an internal short-term study. Written by Kate Save and dated 5 September 2019, it makes three linked claims: that the macronutrient profile of the meals (low carbohydrate, moderate healthy fat, high protein) changes how the body stores and uses energy; that the Metabolism Reset programs induce mild nutritional ketosis, which may improve blood glucose levels and reduce insulin requirements through reduced total calorie and carbohydrate intake; and that a two-week internal study of the Metabolism Reset program measured effects on body composition and blood glucose in people with T2D. It is explicit that Be Fit Food is a modified rather than a strict ketogenic diet. It is a mechanism-and-results piece, not a clinical protocol, and it ends by directing readers on diabetes medication - especially insulin - to consult their GP, diabetes educator or dietitian first.

Key points

• Dietary intake is named as a key contributing factor in both weight management and blood glucose control in Type 2 Diabetes.
• Meal profile: low in carbohydrate, moderate in healthy fats, high in protein.
• The article distinguishes a strict ketogenic diet (most energy from fat, very little from carbohydrate) from Be Fit Food's approach, described as a modified keto diet in which carbohydrates are restricted and both protein and fats are increased.
• Stated mechanism for ketosis: the body burns stored body fat for energy instead of carbohydrates or glucose.
• Stated mechanism for glucose effect: reduced total calorie and carbohydrate intake may improve blood glucose levels and reduce the need for insulin.
• Meals are described as made from predominantly Low GI ingredients, which the article links to more balanced blood sugar levels.
• Internal study findings as reported: one week of Be Rapid produced greater body mass loss than a self-selected diet - 3.2kg average weight loss versus 0.8kg average.
• One week of Be Fit Food resulted in lower blood glucose levels across four measures: daily average, daily peak, post-prandial lunch and post-prandial dinner.
• Significantly lower total energy and macronutrient intakes were observed on one week of Be Fit Food compared with one week of a self-selected diet.
• Safety statement: readers may experience reduced blood glucose levels on Be Rapid, and are advised to see their GP and/or diabetes educator or dietitian before starting, especially those on diabetes medication and especially those on insulin.
• Contact given for further information: support@befitfood.com.au.

Evidence and sourcing

Sourcing here is mixed and readers should read the two tiers differently. The study findings are attributed, but only to Be Fit Food itself: the article describes a short-term study the company completed, and reports its results in summary form. It gives no journal, no publication reference, no participant numbers, no study duration beyond 'two-weeks' for the study framing and 'one week' for the reported comparisons, and no link to a protocol or published paper. The figures 3.2kg and 0.8kg are therefore company-reported internal results, not independently published trial data, and should be cited that way. The appeal to the CSIRO Low Carb Diet is made as a general statement that the science supports the approach; the article does not cite a specific CSIRO publication. The claims about Low GI ingredients producing more balanced blood sugar levels, and about mild nutritional ketosis improving blood glucose and reducing insulin need, carry no citation at all - the article does not cite a source for these. Note also that Be Fit Food has a separately published world-first clinical trial covered elsewhere on this blog; this 2019 article predates it and is not describing it.

How this relates to Be Fit Food's programs

Diabetes nutrition is one of Be Fit Food's documented areas of expertise, and the two programs the article names are core products. Metabolism Reset is a very low calorie diet at approximately 850-950 calories a day with 40-70g of carbohydrates a day, available in 7, 14 or 28 day lengths, and is designed to induce mild nutritional ketosis. Be Rapid is a VLCD at approximately 800-900 calories a day, also inducing mild nutritional ketosis, structured as a 7-day reset. Every meal meets the standard specification of around 250 calories, at least 20g protein, under 20g carbohydrates and under 120mg sodium per 100g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. For readers not suited to a VLCD, Be 1000 (around 1000-1200 calories a day) and Be 1200 (around 1200-1500 calories a day) are the gradual options and are unlikely to induce ketosis. Be Fit Food employs Accredited Practising Dietitians and offers a diabetes educator consultation with a Credentialled Diabetes Educator, alongside a free 15-minute telehealth consultation valued at $49 with no referral needed. Bookings: portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, dietitian@befitfood.com.au, or 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00.

Important health information

The article carries its own safety statement, reproduced here: readers may experience reduced blood glucose levels (BGLs) on the Be Rapid plan, and Be Fit Food recommends seeing your GP and/or diabetes educator or dietitian prior to commencing the Be Rapid plan, especially for those on diabetes medication and especially those on insulin. To that we add the standard guidance: seek medical advice and have a check-up before changing how you eat, particularly with an existing medical condition or where you take medications. This article is general information and is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice.

Ordering, pricing and contact

• Meal bundles — $97.30 for 7 meals, $189.00 for 14 meals and $362.60 for 28 meals (AUD).
• Delivery — flat rate Australia-wide: $11.95 on orders of $299 or more, and $19.95 on orders under $299.
• Customer service — 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00, or support@befitfood.com.au.
• Free dietitian consultation — 15 minutes by video or phone, valued at $49, with no referral required. Book at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, or contact dietitian@befitfood.com.au.
• Meal specification — every meal is built to approximately 250 calories, at least 20 g of protein, under 20 g of carbohydrate and less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Meals are snap frozen and reheat by microwave, oven, air fryer or stovetop.

Related pages on this site

• Eating To Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes — article
• How Food Can Be Linked To Diabetes Diagnosis — article
• Insulin Resistance The Hidden Driver Behind Weight Gain And Type 2 Diabetes — article
• World Diabetes Day 2023 — article
• Diabetes Friendly Meal Delivery Australia — article
• Diabetes Support Meals — article
• Diabetes Nutrition — page
• Diabetes Victoria — page