Top tips on how to eat right on the Banting diet (LCHF diet)

I don’t know about you, but almost every single get together I go to, the subject of the Banting diet (or Low Carb High Fat diet) comes up.

I have tried this way of eating and it has definitely changed the way I see carbs. I cannot be a full-time ‘Banter’ as if there is a beautiful carb to be had, I shall devour it, with wild and wondrous abandon, but that’s just me. I don’t however, make carbs for dinner anymore and feel better, and lighter for it.

Too much fat

What I have noticed though, is that people are trying it, loving it for a while and then falling short quite quickly. Common complaints are, ‘I can’t eat that much fat, it makes me feel a bit sick’, and ‘I’m eating too much meat, it doesn’t feel right’.

I believe that people are taking only the parts that they like and on hearing they can eat lamb chops, bacon, cream and cheese, go a little short of mad and fill their plates with these more luxurious of ingredients, without seeing the whole picture.

All about balance

I believe that Banting (like eating and drinking) is about balance. One needs to balance one’s intake of meat and fat to the amount of gorgeous fresh vegetables that one can eat. And not every single meal needs loads of fat and protein added to it.

Tessa Purdon, serial banter and co-author of Banting Diaries blog, says, ‘People are quick to cook up some meat because it’s an easy go-to. Vegetables are another story, take a little time to jazz up your veggies and balance your plate so the protein is not always the largest portion of your meal.’

She goes on to say, ‘It is important to listen to your body. If you have a breakfast that is high in fat, enjoy a lovely vegetable salad for lunch and then a balanced meal for supper’.

‘The whole point of Banting is about what works for you.’

Here are a good mix of Banting meals for you to try and remember, keep the balance. Enjoy Banters!

Smoked mackerel with creamy avo

Coconut and pork stir-fry

Aubergine salad with feat and mint dressing

Pork steaks on cauliflower mash

Baby marrow and feta frittata

Pan-fried steak with tomatoes and rosemary

Brinjal and spinach bake with cheese

Seekh lamb kebabs

Banting with bacon

Garlic and herb pork chops and cauliflower mash