Low Carbohydrate High Fat (LCHF) diet and what is 'banting'?

Professor Tim Noakes has ignited an eating revolution in this country and truth be told, I am a big fan.

Every single person I’ve talked to, who has tried this low-carb way of eating, has lost weight, feels great and now swears by it. It’s also known as the LCHF (low carbohydrate high fat) diet. Fat is encouraged and yes, you must eat all the fat on that lamb chop!

What I like about Prof. Tim Noakes’ advice is that he hasn’t said he’s right, he says it’s what is right for him, as a carbohydrate resistant (CR) man. The thing is, a lot of people are ‘CR’ and are subsequently shedding kilos and feeling great, using his suggested way of eating.

Please note: This way of eating is not for everyone, so please consult your doctor before making any drastic lifestyle changes, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Common effects of a LCHF eating plan or ‘banting’:

– Cravings for carbohydrates become less and very soon one doesn’t crave them at all.
– Weight loss and increased energy levels.
– Better sleep patterns and mood.
– Hunger dissipates and one needs to eat less often.

Things you can and can’t eat: a basic list

Avoid: All sugar, bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, porridge, breakfast cereals, all confectionery, high carb fruit like bananas and grapes, high carb vegetables like parsnips, carrots, corn and peas, artificial sweeteners, ‘low-fat’ food which actually contains high sugar content. You must read your labels.

Allowed: Eggs, fish, meat – including fat, dairy (butter, cheese and yoghurt) – all full-fat versions. Vegetables – all leafy greens and things like tomato, mushroom, avocado, onion and many more. Fruit – low carb. fruit like berries and apples. Water, tea and coffee with no sugar.

Click here to see all of our LCHF recipes.

Where does ‘banting’ come from?

Prof. Noakes outlines it all in his book, The Real Meal Revolution (watch him in studio chatting about it). It all started way back in 1861 by a Harley Street surgeon in London, Dr William Harvey. He had great success with his beefy client Mr Banting and thus it was called the Harvey/Banting diet. Mr Banting released a small booklet entitled ‘Letter on Corpulence Addressed to the Public’ (published in 1863) which went into many editions.

The term to ‘bant’ was even introduced into the English language. Amazing neh?

My favourite part of the research is Mr Banting’s pre and post diet and how he shed so much weight, improving his mobility, deafness and lack of sight.

Banting’s Diet Prior to 1862

BREAKFAST: Bread and milk, or a pint of tea with plenty of milk and sugar, buttered toast.
DINNER: Meat, beer, much bread (of which he had always been fond) and pastry.
TEA: A meal similar to breakfast.
SUPPER: Generally a fruit tart or bread and milk.

Harvey’s Diet Plan

BREAKFAST: 4-5 ounces beef, mutton, kidneys, broiled fish, bacon or cold meat of any kind except pork,1 large cup of tea (without milk or sugar), a little biscuit or one ounce of dry toast.
DINNER: 5-6 ounces of any fish except salmon, any meat except pork, any vegetable except potato, one ounce of dry toast, fruit of any pudding, 2 any kinds of poultry or game, and 2-3 glasses of good claret, sherry or Madeira (champagne, port, beer were forbidden).
TEA: 2-3 ounces fruit, a rusk or two and a cup of tea without milk or sugar.
SUPPER: 3-4 ounces of meat or fish, similar to dinner, with a glass or two of claret.
NIGHTCAP: Tumbler of grog: gin, whisky or brandy (without sugar) or a glass or two of claret or sherry.

1. Pork was not allowed as it was thought then that it contained starch.
2. Banting was not allowed pastry.

Isn’t that just so interesting? There is so much bread and beer in his first diet. And I love the ‘tumbler of grog’… hysterical!

Here are our top 10 low carb high fat recipes for Banting.

Please read more about this in these articles on Health24 and Weston A. Price Foundation.

Watch this video of Prof. Tim Noakes talking about his experience – it’s mind blowing. (From “>YouTube by The Skinny News)

Low-carb banting recipes

So in the name of ‘banting’ and a healthy, low-carb diet, here are 10 wonderful recipes in line with this style of eating:

Crispy bacon and poached egg salad – With a warm orange dressing, this dish is elegant and completely delicious.
Pork steaks on cauliflower mash – A gorgeous, filling meal. Cauliflower mash is simply amazing.
Chicken with tomato and olives – Serve with some steamed broccoli for a tasty supper. (Make sure the tomato tin has no a sugar in it).
Cheese omelettes with avo and bacon – A zesty salsa goes beautifully with this hearty meal.
Mushroom and spinach salad – Meaty mushrooms with spinach and cheese. Add a protein if you wish.
Rib eye steak with pan-fried tomatoes – With a caper and rosemary butter. This is super simple and quick to make.
Chicken stuffed with spinach and wrapped in bacon – Super tasty bacon wrapped chicken – serve with a lovely fresh salad.
Hollandaise sauce – Yes! You’re allowed this, serve on top of a beautiful fillet of fish or steak with some greens on the side.
Huevos Rancheros – Leave out the tortillas in this recipe, you really don’t need them. Add some slices of creamy avo and you’re set.
Baby marrow and feta frittata – Light but filling, eggs are encouraged in this way of eating.