We've flipped the food pyramid on it's head, ditched processed and refined foods, and are eating the natural way. Banting (or LCHF) is a lifestyle choice for people who have not thrived under mainstream nutritional guidelines.
The Father of Low CarbWhere does the term 'Banting' come from?
'Banting' is a popular nickname for a lifestyle known across the world as LCHF: Low Carb, Healthy Fat. To ‘Bant’ or to follow the ‘Banting‘ diet simply refers to a Low Carb, Healthy Fat, Medium Protein eating plan. Prof Tim Noakes, author of ‘The Real Meal Revolution’ re-introduced the term in reference to a rather portly Victorian undertaker, William Banting, who wrote the first resource for a restricted carbohydrate diet for weight loss, 'Letters on Corpulence'. Victorians referred to followers of the lifestyle as ‘Banters’ who ‘bant’ whilst following the ‘Banting’ diet. We love the flexibility of the term, and use it as a verb 'I feel great now that I'm Banting', or a noun 'As a Banter, I don't choose to eat XYZ'. We also enjoy the banter of the Banters! Intermittent Fasting
Fasting is a healthy and practical way to manage insulin resistance. Not only will you find better weight management results, but you will also notice an increase in energy and clarity of mind. A daily 16 hour fast, followed by 8 hours of eating, has become many Banter's way of life. Others eat 'normally' every other day, and fast on the inbetween days. Or, you may choose to follow a 12:12 fasting pattern - that is 12hrs between meals. |
The Food Pyramid
In a nutshell, the food pyramid was based on the US Department of Agriculture 1946 ‘basic seven’, which had a goal of financial gain. It is not based on evidence-based research. It is upside-down and back to front, and we cannot base our food choices on it, and remain healthy. The Food Groups There are only three food groups, called macronutrients:
We need protein (essential amino acids) and fat (essential fatty acids) for survival. There are no essential sugars. We do not need carbohydrates for survival. MacronutrientsCarbohydrates are made up of glucose and fructose. Glucose is essential for our bodies, and the liver manufactures it from protein and fat. We don’t need to ingest it. Fructose is not only unnecessary; it is highly inflammatory and disturbs our metabolism. All carbohydrates turn into sugar in our bloodstream. Simply, sugar raises insulin, and insulin stimulates fat storage if have become resistant to utilising it.
Proteins are needed for building and repair. We cannot survive without it. About half of the protein we eat is converted to glucose. We need about 80g net protein per day. Fat is the most essential nutrient as it feeds the brain. Omega-6 fats are inflammatory, and we should avoid them. Omega-3 fats are highly beneficial, and those are the fats that we are choosing to support our weight and health correction efforts. "Banting / LCHF is a way of eating that helps you correct your weight and improve or even cure countless health issues by natural appetite control." |
Managing the cause of the problem.Insulin Control
On a Banting Lifestyle, we limit carbs as they elicit an insulin response. Insulin is a hormone that, in excess, not only stores fat, but also causes inflammation. Scientists are now finding that inflammation is the main cause of disease and health issues. With growing obesity in the community, many of us are finding we are insulin resistant. This means you are producing insulin, but not able to utilise it properly. This is called pre-diabetes, or may well have developed into Type 2 Diabetes. (Type 1 diabetics have a different problem - they don't make enough insulin, and need top ups to balance any carbs they are eating.) While insulin is present in your bloodstream, no fat will be released. Fasting between meals helps insulin levels deplete, which in turn creates conditions in which fat burning can take place. The latest research on Cardiovascular Heart Disease suggests that protein and fat are protective, while carbohydrates drive CVD. Sugar Addiction
It’s as simple as this: sugar = carbs and vice versa. Sugar is highly addictive and increases the appetite. Banters limit sugar in all its forms, to help us with appetite control and to reduce cravings. Research has suggested that sugar is even more addictive than cocaine! About Appetite Control
A diet for weight loss can only be effective if it reduces overall energy intake. Appetite control is essential. Many ‘healthy’ diets fail in the long run because the dieter is constantly hungry. Banting / LCHF works because it reduces hunger to such an extent that the total calorific intake for the day is severely restricted. This is done without adding extra protein or excessive fat, but just by reducing daily carb intake. |