I’m a really big fan of Prof Tim Noakes. That he subscribes to my way of seeing things is a good start. Lately though he’s been exceptionally good for my business! With him getting everyone Banting (the term used to describe a high fat, low carb diet – get a copy of “The Real Meal Revolution”), I am now – dear reader – perceived in my nutritional work as MODERATE, nearly conservative!
Oh joy! Whereas previously I was considered by some as “out there” in my expectations of humankind striving for a diet containing 75% nutritionally “real” food (and 25% let-your-hair-down food), now it’s the Prof being seen as the extreme in his suggestion that we take all carbs but vegetable matter, out of the diet in order to achieve outstanding health.
For those of us with ancestors from the northern hemisphere, consider this... we come (originally) from cold climate countries and so, for most of the year, would have had access to game and fish – both of which would have been relatively high in fat due to the weather conditions. In addition, we would have eaten more of the organ meats than muscles, since organs are high in fat (providing the fuel we needed to live on) and contain dense proteins (necessary for all bodily functions). What carbs would’ve been available? Maybe some roots, the odd wild fruit and other vegetable matter, but certainly not in the quantities, nor in the quality, we now consume them. Certainly not the kinds of carbs we now find when strolling down the supermarket aisle.
Whilst his own concern lies primarily with the insulin-resistant (IR) individuals – people like himself who have diabetes, or who are possibly/probably on their way to developing the disease, everyone can and will benefit from banting. No matter whether your genetic roots are African, European or even Inuit, a lower carb diet is far and away, a healthier option.
To keep it very simple, banting turns the good ‘ole American food pyramid on its head. In other words, the bulk of your calories should come from high quality fats (butter, coconut fat, cold-pressed plant oils, fat on pastured, organically raised meats). In some of my reading, 50-75% fat is recommended. Moderate amounts of protein are essential (these were always recommended in moderation, so this doesn’t really change) and low, to very low amounts of carbohydrates (in vegetable form only) are recommended.
My personal feeling is this: we have a physical body that requires certain essential fuel (like our car) in order to remain in good working order. We also have an emotional body which requires different fuel (whether that be chocolate, fast food or other). It would be ideal to eliminate ALL fast, processed, refined, adulterated foods from our diets, but this just isn’t a realistic option. My aim when working with clients (and for me and my family) is a 75%/25% split, assuming you don’t have any lifestyle diseases (in this case, I’d suggest a 90%/10% split).
How sad life would be without the occasional piece of cheesecake, slap-chips, burger, or bag of crisps! Health is about balance, not about punishment. It should never be ‘banting or bust’. Banting isn’t a ‘diet’ – it’s a lifestyle choice that’ll work best if you keep it real. After all that’s said and done, a healthy body is a happy body.
