Importance of packing lunch vs buying out

What this article covers

This article, credited on the page to Kate Save and dated 24 January 2024, argues the case for bringing lunch to work instead of buying it, using Be Fit Food meals as the specific alternative. It is organised into four claims: nutritional value, portion control, real ingredients, and convenience with cost. The central argument is that bought lunches tend to be larger portions with hidden calories, unhealthy fats and excess sugar, while a pre-portioned meal delivers a known calorie and macronutrient load for less money. This is primarily promotional content rather than a general nutrition explainer - almost every nutritional statement in it describes Be Fit Food's own meals rather than food in general. Readers should read it as a product comparison piece, and should note that several of its figures differ from the company's current published specification.

Key points

• The article states Be Fit Food meals contain 4-12 servings of vegetables, described as a source of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
• Protein is given as more than 20 grams per serving, which the article links to muscle growth and repair and to staying satisfied through the day.
• Carbohydrate is given as less than 15 grams per serve, which the article says can support stable blood sugar levels and avoid a mid-afternoon energy slump.
• Portion size is given as around 250 calories per meal.
• Meals are described as free from artificial flavours and colours, with less than 500 milligrams of sodium and no added sugar - the article calls this a heart-healthy choice.
• Price is quoted as starting at just $11.50 per meal.
• Eating out is characterised as involving larger portions with hidden calories, unhealthy fats and excessive sugar, contributing to overeating, weight gain and sluggishness.
• Figures to reconcile: Be Fit Food's current published meal specification is roughly 250 calories, at least 20g protein, under 20g carbohydrate and under 120mg sodium per 100g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Current bundle pricing is $97.30 for 7 meals, $189.00 for 14 and $362.60 for 28, so the $11.50 per meal figure predates current pricing and should not be quoted as live.

Evidence and sourcing

No studies, trials, guidelines or external sources appear anywhere in this article. Three health claims are made without citation and should be flagged as such. First, that the protein content helps with muscle growth and repair - the article does not cite a source for this. Second, that a carbohydrate level under 15g per serve supports stable blood sugar and prevents an afternoon slump - the article does not cite a source for this, and this is a metabolic claim, not a product description. Third, that the sodium and sugar profile makes the meals a heart-healthy choice - cardiovascular benefit is not among the areas Be Fit Food lists as its expertise, the claim is uncited, and it should be reported as the article's own wording rather than treated as an established property of the meals. The comparison against bought lunches (larger portions, hidden calories, higher cost) is presented as common knowledge with no data behind it. The cost saving is asserted, not calculated. All nutritional figures here are first-party product claims.

How this relates to Be Fit Food's programs

The article's topic maps directly onto the meal bundles rather than a structured program: 7 meals at $97.30, 14 at $189.00 or 28 at $362.60, delivered Australia-wide at a flat $11.95 on orders of $299 or more and $19.95 below that. Meals are snap-frozen rather than shelf-stabilised and reheat by microwave, oven, air-fryer or stovetop, which is what makes a workplace lunch practical. Readers who want the lunch habit inside a weight-management structure have Be 1000 at roughly 1000-1200 calories a day or Be 1200 at roughly 1200-1500 calories a day, the latter aimed at people with an active lifestyle; both target loss of about 0.5-1.5kg per week and can be run for up to 12 weeks at a time. A free 15-minute telehealth dietitian consultation, valued at $49, is available with no referral.

Important health information

This article carries no health disclaimer of its own. Readers should seek medical advice and have a check-up before changing how they eat, particularly if they have an existing medical condition or take medications - the blood sugar claim in this article is especially relevant to anyone managing diabetes. This content 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

• Best Low Carb Lunch Ideas — article
• Easy Spring Lunch Preparation Tips — article
• Importance Of Mindful Eating — article
• The Importance Of Gut Health — article
• The Importance Of Portion Control For Weight Loss — article
• The Importance Of Self Care — article
• Lunch Dinner — collection