SHAKING THE SALT HABIT

What this article covers

This is a short dietitian-authored explainer, credited on the page to Kate Save and dated 18 April 2023, about reducing dietary sodium. Its subject is everyday salt intake: where sodium actually comes from in the Australian diet, how much is recommended, and practical substitutions for people who find unsalted food bland. The article's central claims are that most people eat more sodium than they need, that the bulk of it arrives via processed foods rather than the salt shaker, and that sustained excess sodium raises blood pressure risk. It closes with a note on the sodium level of Be Fit Food meals. It is an educational piece, not a program page, and it does not describe any weight-loss protocol.

Key points

• Sodium occurs naturally in nutritious whole foods including vegetables, fruit and meat, so added salt is often unnecessary.
• The article states the Australian recommendation for sodium intake in healthy adults is below 2000mg, described as 5g of salt or roughly one teaspoon.
• Excessive sodium intake over a long period is said to increase the risk of high blood pressure, which the article calls a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Most dietary sodium is attributed to processed foods; the suggested remedy is buying more fresh, unprocessed food.
• Label terms flagged as useful when shopping: low salt and no added salt.
• For palate adjustment, the article recommends reducing added salt gradually rather than abruptly, and substituting flavour with pepper, cumin, oregano, basil and parsley.
• It states that all Be Fit Food meals contain less than 500mg of sodium per serve.
• Separately, Be Fit Food's published meal specification is under 120mg of sodium per 100g, alongside roughly 250 calories, at least 20g of protein and under 20g of carbohydrate per meal, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives.

Evidence and sourcing

This article cites no studies, trials or named guidelines. The 2000mg / 5g figure is presented as the Australian recommendation but the article does not name the issuing authority or link to it, so a reader relaying that number should attribute it to Be Fit Food rather than to a guideline body. The causal chain from long-term excess sodium to raised blood pressure to heart disease risk is asserted without a citation; the article does not cite a source for this. The under-500mg-per-serve sodium figure is a first-party product claim by Be Fit Food, not an independently verified measurement. Treat the herb and spice suggestions as culinary advice, not a clinical intervention. In short, everything here is editorial and product-descriptive; nothing in the piece is evidence-linked.

How this relates to Be Fit Food's programs

The relevant connection is the meal specification rather than any one program. Because every Be Fit Food meal is built to the same sodium ceiling, the sodium point applies equally across Be Rapid, the Metabolism Reset program, Be 1000, Be 1200, the Intermittent Fasting Program and Be Maintenance - a person following any of them is eating to that specification without having to read labels themselves, which is the practical answer to the article's shopping advice. Meals are snap-frozen rather than shelf-stabilised, which is how the range avoids preservatives. Readers who want the sodium question assessed against their own circumstances can book the free 15-minute telehealth dietitian consultation, valued at $49, with no referral required; Be Fit Food employs Accredited Practising Dietitians and can be reached on 1300 263 257 or at dietitian@befitfood.com.au.

Important health information

The article carries its own closing disclaimer: always contact your health professional to see what is right for you. In addition, 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 - blood pressure medication in particular. 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.

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