Diets: Banting

No thanks, I'm Banting.

Our next diet faddist was not American, but his diet made its way across the pond, and we embraced it wholeheartedly.

In 1865, a famous undertaker named William Banting wrote a pamphlet to the general public (or, more specifically, his “fellow sufferers”) to help them successfully lose weight as he did.* This was very different than the Graham diet in terms of animal product consumption and alcohol intake - and it was a weight-focused diet.

"There is a Newtonian principle that to every fad there is an equal and opposite fad" (Crazter, 2006, pg. 199).

Anyway, Banting wrote that he was physically active and had tried many remedies for his ever-increasing weight gain. He was frustrated with his efforts and lack of weight loss until he met with a physician who recommended a high-protein, lower-carbohydrate diet.

With the Banting diet, animal protein was consumed at every meal, while carbohydrates, butter, and milk were discouraged. Wine and other alcoholic beverages (but not beer) were permitted. AND... wine and alcohol were to be consumed several times per day!

Here is a sample Banting meal you can find in his pamphlet online:

Breakfast

4-5 oz beef, mutton, kidneys, broiled fish, bacon (but not pork) or cold meat

1 cup of tea (no milk or sugar)

1 small biscuit, or 1 oz dry toast

Dinner

5-6 oz fish (no salmon), meat (no pork), poultry, and game

1 serving of vegetables (no potatoes)

1 oz dry toast

The fruit from a pudding

2-3 glasses of claret, sherry, or Madeira

Tea

2-3 oz fruit

1-2 small rusks (twice-baked bread)

1 cup of tea (no milk or sugar)

Supper

3-4 oz. meat or fish

1-2 glasses of claret

Nightcap

1 tumbler of grog or 1-2 glasses of claret or sherry

Banting sold over 58,000 copies of his pamphlet/book by the time he died, and he donated the profits to charity. After reading his pamphlet, I disagree with many of his comments (though I think I'd like him personally). Banting appeared to be very honest about his beliefs and intentions, and he was not particularly interested in becoming famous. He was even willing to publish criticisms of his diet.

The development of the Banting diet was a bit more scientifically relevant than Graham’s diet (Graham's science was a little more convoluted) and skewed toward his beliefs. Dr. Harvey, who initially counseled Banting on diet, applied his knowledge of diabetes and low-starch diets and recommended a similar approach for weight loss. Banting ran with it (and we've experienced many iterations of low-carb diets ever since).

The positives: This diet may help manage blood glucose and promote weight loss.

The negatives: This diet may not be appropriate for individuals with liver problems, and there is potential for nutrient deficiencies.

Would I recommend this diet to a client? I would not recommend this particular version of a low-carb diet. I appreciate reducing added sugar, but the lack of fiber and dairy can be problematic. Additionally, this diet exceeds the CDC drinking guidelines.

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*References

1. Banting, W. (1865). A Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public. New York: Mohun & Ebbs.

   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/57545/57545-h/57545-h.htm

2. Roberts, W. C. (2000). Facts and ideas from anywhere. BUMC Proceedings; 13:303-311.

3. Schwartz, Hillel. (1986). Never Satisfied : A Cultural History of Diets, Fantasies, and Fat. New York: Free Press ; London : Collier Macmillan.