They are generally low in carbohydrates and rich in nutrients. Many people start with stricter banting (similar to the keto diet) then transition to a more sustainable version in the Preservation phase. These foods will sabotage your progress faster than you can say “just one biscuit.” The diet restricts these high carbohydrate foods completely.
Can you eat corn when Banting?

Fortunately for us today, Banting was quite a remarkable man. It is for this reason alone that we can know today what this miraculous diet was. In May 1863, at his own expense, Banting published the first edition of his now famous Letter on Corpulence in which he tells us of Harvey’s diet plan (see below). This therefore means that some will experience more weight loss and health improvements than others. Take a closer look at your diet; you might uncover hidden carbs or sneaky allergens that are slowing you down. It’s all about getting real with yourself and what’s on your plate.
History of the Banting Diet
- It was first prescribed in 1862 to an obese patient, William Banting, and was popularised by his subsequent weight loss.
- The Banting diet isn’t just another trendy low-carb plan—it’s got legit roots in South African health culture (shoutout to Professor Tim Noakes!).
- Second, low-carb diets tend to be higher in protein and fiber, both of which are satiating nutrients that promote fullness and reduce hunger (13).
- This included avoiding starches and saccharines and eating nutrient-dense foods like beef, organ meats, fruits and vegetables.
- It is not intended to treat or diagnose symptoms and is definitely not intended to be misconstrued for medical advice.
- Besides weight loss and great food, Banting has other benefits.
For instance, cutting out dairy can lead to a lack of calcium and vitamin D, while removing starchy vegetables and legumes can result in insufficient fiber intake, impacting gut health. The Banting diet’s focus on unprocessed and whole foods aligns with its overall goal of reducing carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates are typically found in processed and refined forms, such as bread, sugar, and starchy vegetables. By avoiding these foods, the Banting diet aims to reduce the body’s carbohydrate consumption and promote the use of fat stores as fuel. This approach is based on the theory that carbohydrates are the main cause of weight gain, as they are broken down into sugar by the body and any excess is stored as fat. Foods encouraged on the Banting diet include vegetables (especially leafy greens), meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.
The Banting diet has since gained popularity as a weight loss tool and is customizable to different body types. The second phase, Restoration, typically lasts for about ten weeks, depending on your weight loss goals. During this phase, you aim to restore your gut health and adapt to the Banting diet by following specific food lists. Calorie counting and portion control are not necessary during this phase. It’s finding real food that doesn’t have hidden sugars, grains, and seed oils lurking in the ingredients list. First, when you restrict carbohydrates, your body is forced to burn fat for energy.
Should I eat 3 meals a day on the Banting diet?
Despite the allure of energy drinks, recovery drinks, and protein shakes, H2O is the healthiest option. The Banting Diet food lists are the colours of traffic lights – green, orange and red. For one week, you eat as usual but keep a food diary that speaks about how your body responds to the food in your current diet. The Banting diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet, first prescribed in 1862 to an obese patient named William Banting. The diet promotes the use of fat stores as fuel and encourages the consumption of animal fat and vegetables. Before starting the Banting diet, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor or dietitian.
Low-carb vegetables are allowed
Consulting with a healthcare professional before embarking on this diet is crucial. More recently, the term reemerged due to the work of Tim Noakes, co-author of “Real Meal Revolution.” The RMR Banting approach is based on Banting’s original plan. Both are low-carb, high-fat diets that eliminate all grains, added sugars, vegetable and seed oils, and any foods containing gluten.
Light Red List⁚
And when you do it right, it works for weight loss, blood sugar balance, appetite control, and clean, steady energy. It was first prescribed in 1862 to an obese patient, William Banting, and is considered the first of many low-carb programmes. Secondly, while the Banting diet may lead to initial weight loss, there is a lack of sufficient scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Some studies have unimeal customer service shown potential for weight loss, but others have found no difference between a low-carb, high-fat diet and a low-fat, high-carb diet. The diet’s effectiveness may also depend on individual body types and how the body responds to different foods.
This Is the Main Challenge To Maintaining Your Healthy Eating Plan
Eating too much fruit is pretty much the same as bingeing on sugar which is the cause of many health issues, like diabetes, and weight gain. Since Prof Tim Noakes put this low-carb way of eating back on the map, many have been asking what is the Banting diet will it help with health & weight loss. Foods containing gluten or grains are banned on the Banting diet.
The maintenance phase is similar to phase 3, but you can add in some of the light red and gray foods back into your diet. For the first week, you’re simply supposed to observe and take note of how your body reacts to different foods. There’s no strict list of what you can and can’t eat, but Noakes recommends avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, bread, pastries, rice, pasta, potatoes, fruit, and beer. When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into sugar, which is used for energy with any excess being stored as fat. By avoiding carbohydrates, you can supposedly lose weight without having to calorie count or exercise (2).
What’s the Banting diet?
As a member, you’ll benefit from our expert personal support team, an easy-to-use shopping https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvSkLCRrjyI list generator, meal tracker, and weight goal tools—all designed to help you succeed with Banting. Plus, our thriving private chat room, with thousands of active members, offers firsthand tips and encouragement to help you Bant even better. The banting diet gives you everything you need to eat well today. Stick to small portions and favour berries over higher sugar fruits. These vegetables are packed with nutrients and lower in carbs.
Are “low fat” and “fat free” products allowed?
These, he was told, contained starch and saccharine matter tending to create fat and were to be avoided altogether. When told what he could not eat Banting thought that he had very little left to live on. His kind friend soon showed him that really there was ample and Banting was only too happy to give the plan a fair trial. Within a very few days, he says, he derived immense benefit from it.
High Sugar Drinks and Fruits
The Banting diet isn’t just another trendy low-carb plan—it’s got legit roots in South African health culture (shoutout to Professor Tim Noakes!). It’s like keto’s cool cousin that doesn’t require you to count every single macro like you’re solving algebra. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your specific situation. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of BetterMe content.
You can eat as many of these foods as you like, as long as they are unprocessed. Most non-starchy vegetables are allowed, but starchier vegetables can only be eaten in small amounts during some phases and not at all during others. Adherents of the Banting diet have reported normalized blood pressure as one of its benefits. Reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats can positively impact blood pressure levels, contributing to overall cardiovascular health. The Banting diet is a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) eating plan that was first prescribed in 1862 to an obese patient, William Banting, by a physician, William Harvey. Banting’s success with the diet prompted him to write a pamphlet, now considered the first diet book, detailing his weight loss journey.
