What was the original Banting diet?

In 1863, an undertaker published what is considered the first diet book, detailing his remarkable weight loss. That book described what was the original Banting diet, a pioneering low-carbohydrate eating plan that influenced modern dietary approaches and made 'Banting' a verb synonymous with dieting.

Quick Summary

The original Banting diet was a low-carbohydrate plan published in 1863 by William Banting, who detailed his successful weight loss by avoiding starchy and sugary foods like bread, sugar, and potatoes. This plan emphasized meat, fish, and vegetables, resulting in a diet higher in fat and protein.

Key Points

• Origin: The original Banting diet was created in 1862 by English undertaker William Banting, based on dietary advice from physician Dr. William Harvey.

• Core Principle: The diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat plan that avoids starches and sugars to promote weight loss.

• Menu: Prohibited foods included bread, sugar, milk, and potatoes, while permitted foods consisted of meat, fish, green vegetables, some fruit, and dry wine.

• Publication: Banting documented his personal success and the diet plan in the influential 1863 pamphlet, Letter on Corpulence.

• Impact: The diet was highly popular, making "banting" synonymous with dieting, but also controversial among the medical community of its time.

• Legacy: Banting's work laid the groundwork for modern low-carb diets like Atkins and keto, though subsequent modifications and interpretations altered his original intent.

• Modern Versions: Contemporary versions, such as the Real Meal Revolution, build on Banting's principles with phased approaches and additional strategies like intermittent fasting.

Origins of the Banting Diet

The original Banting diet traces its roots back to the 1860s, a period when obesity was far less common but still a significant health concern for some. William Banting, a portly English undertaker, struggled with his weight for years, experiencing declining health and mobility. After numerous unsuccessful attempts with exercise and traditional remedies, he sought the help of ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. William Harvey in 1862 for a hearing issue, who astutely recognized Banting's obesity as the underlying cause.

Dr. Harvey prescribed a dietary regimen based on lectures he had attended in Paris concerning the relationship between food elements and conditions like diabetes. Banting was advised to eliminate all forms of 'saccharine matter and starch' from his diet, including bread, sugar, beer, milk, and potatoes. Following this advice, Banting experienced significant and rapid weight loss, dropping 46 pounds in under a year and regaining his health.

The Published Plan: Letter on Corpulence

Thrilled with his results, Banting self-published his account in a pamphlet titled Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public in 1863. The booklet became a sensation, cementing his legacy as a dietary pioneer. In it, Banting detailed his daily regimen and the foods he was advised to avoid. His motivation was philanthropic; he initially gave away copies for free, only later selling them to fund a hospital. The pamphlet's success was such that the term "Banting" became a verb used to describe dieting.

The Original Banting Diet's Food List

Based on the account in Letter on Corpulence, the diet was clear about what to avoid and what to prioritize.

• Foods to Avoid:
  • Bread, butter, and biscuits
  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • Beer
  • Potatoes and other starchy vegetables
• Foods to Eat:
  • Meat (beef, mutton, kidneys, bacon, game)
  • Fish (excluding salmon due to high fat content, though this was an incorrect assumption at the time)
  • Green vegetables (spinach, cabbage, other non-starchy varieties)
  • Fruits (in moderation)
  • Dry wine (claret, sherry, or Madeira)
  • Grog (gin, whiskey, or brandy)

The core principle was not counting calories but restricting the type of food. Banting famously claimed he could eat as much as he wanted of the allowed foods, though modern interpretations often focus more on moderation.

Comparison of the Original Banting vs. Modern Low-Carb Diets

Aspect	Original Banting Diet (1860s)	Modern Low-Carbohydrate Diets (e.g., Keto, Atkins)
Core Principle	Avoid starch and sugar ('saccharine matter') to promote weight loss.	Restrict carbohydrate intake to induce a state of ketosis, burning fat for fuel.
Carb Limit	Not specified, but effectively very low carb by avoiding entire food groups.	Often defined by specific daily carbohydrate limits (e.g., <50g for keto).
Fat Intake	Naturally higher due to meat consumption, but not emphasized as a primary goal.	Explicitly encourages high-fat intake to reach and maintain ketosis.
Alcohol	Specific dry wines and spirits were permitted.	Generally restricts alcohol due to carbohydrate content, though some low-carb options exist.
Evolution	A single, non-scientific guide based on personal experience.	Has evolved into a wide range of versions, often with scientific backing and phased approaches.
Restrictions	Eliminated bread, potatoes, sugar, milk, and beer.	Eliminates or severely limits sugar, grains, and starches, while categorizing foods by carb content.

The Diet's Reception and Controversial Legacy

The Banting diet was met with significant backlash from the medical establishment of the day. The professional medical community was suspicious of a layman's success with a diet that seemed to defy conventional wisdom, especially without a solid scientific explanation for its effectiveness. Critics ridiculed Banting and his physician, Dr. Harvey, with the controversy even affecting Dr. Harvey's practice.

Despite the controversy, the diet's popular success was undeniable. It resonated with the public because it seemed effective and less restrictive than starvation diets that were common at the time. The diet's legacy endured, paving the way for future low-carbohydrate regimens. However, later modifications, such as those that misinterpreted Banting's plan as simply a high-protein, low-fat diet, deviated from his original high-fat, low-carb approach. Modern versions, such as the Real Meal Revolution popularized in South Africa by Professor Tim Noakes, have brought the low-carb, high-fat principles back into focus.

What to Know About the Banting Diet Today

While the original Banting diet was based on anecdotal evidence, its foundational principle of restricting refined carbs is now a cornerstone of many modern low-carb and ketogenic diets. While the diet can be effective for short-term weight loss and managing insulin levels, long-term adherence and nutritional completeness are points of contention.

For example, the original plan's restriction of fruits and whole grains is a concern for some nutritionists, as these foods offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. High intake of saturated fat, which is often a component of low-carb, high-fat diets, is another area of debate regarding potential risks for heart disease, though proponents argue the health effects are different when carbohydrate intake is low. Anyone considering a restrictive diet should consult a healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for their needs.

Conclusion

The original Banting diet, detailed in William Banting's 1863 pamphlet, was a revolutionary low-carbohydrate plan that became the blueprint for modern LCHF eating. Its core tenet was the avoidance of starchy and sugary foods, emphasizing instead meat, fish, and greens. Though controversial in its time due to its non-scientific origins and divergence from medical norms, Banting's personal success made the diet immensely popular. The diet's legacy is evident in today's low-carb diets, which share many of its foundational principles, although modern versions incorporate more scientific understanding and often introduce structured phases. It remains a historically significant milestone in the evolution of dietary thought for weight management. For a deeper look into the history of low-carbohydrate dieting, explore the resources available through the National Institutes of Health(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537084/).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary food group the original Banting diet restricted?

The original Banting diet primarily restricted starchy and sugary foods, including bread, potatoes, sugar, beer, and milk.

Who was William Banting?

William Banting was an obese English undertaker in the 19th century who successfully lost weight by following a low-carbohydrate diet prescribed by his doctor, Dr. William Harvey.

Did the original Banting diet allow for high-fat foods?

Yes, while Banting was instructed to avoid butter, his diet included generous portions of meat and fish, which resulted in a naturally high fat intake, though this wasn't its main focus.

Is the modern Banting diet the same as the original?

No, the modern Banting diet, notably popularized by the Real Meal Revolution, is a more refined version with phased approaches and a greater emphasis on low-carb, high-fat principles based on contemporary scientific understanding.

Was the original Banting diet accepted by doctors at the time?

No, the original Banting diet was met with significant skepticism and ridicule from the medical establishment, who questioned its effectiveness and its non-scientific origins.

How did the original Banting diet affect William Banting's health?

Besides significant weight loss, William Banting reported numerous health improvements, including better mobility, restored hearing, and overall increased vitality.

Can the original Banting diet be followed by vegetarians?

The original Banting diet, with its heavy emphasis on meat and fish, would be difficult to follow for vegetarians. Modern, low-carb versions offer more guidance for plant-based eaters, but the restrictions remain challenging.