BANTING MYTHS VS FACTS
Banting Myths vs Facts: What I’ve Learned on My Low-Carb Journey
When I first started my Banting lifestyle, I quickly
realised something important: everyone has an opinion. Friends, family,
colleagues, even strangers at social gatherings suddenly felt very comfortable
telling me what Banting “really” is, what I should or shouldn’t be eating, and
why it would never work long term. Some advice was well-meaning, some was
confusing, and some was completely incorrect.
At the beginning, I found myself questioning my choices more than once. Was this just another diet fad? Was I being too strict? Was I doing something unhealthy without realising it? Over time, through personal experience, reading, trial and error, and listening to my own body, I learned to separate the myths from the facts. Today, I want to share what I’ve learned — not as an expert, but as someone who has lived this lifestyle and found what truly works.
Myth 1: “Banting Is Just Another Extreme Diet”
This was one of the first myths I encountered, and honestly,
I almost believed it myself. Cutting back on carbs sounded drastic at first,
and the word “low-carb” can make it feel like deprivation is guaranteed. I
assumed I would constantly feel restricted or hungry.
The reality was very different. Banting isn’t about starving
yourself or following impossible rules. It’s a lifestyle built around real,
whole, nourishing foods. In the early days, I remember being genuinely
surprised at how satisfied I felt after meals. I wasn’t counting calories or
obsessing over portion sizes — I was simply eating until I felt full.
One mantra that stuck with me from the very beginning, and
still guides me today, is: “Eat only when hungry and stop when full.”
That simple idea changed my entire relationship with food.
Fact:
Banting encourages nutrient-dense foods that support long-term wellness. It’s
not extreme — it’s actually a return to eating in a more natural, balanced way.
For me, the biggest shift came when I stopped obsessing over the scale. I
eventually got rid of it altogether and started trusting how my clothes fit and
how my body felt. That was far more empowering than any number.
Myth 2: “You Can Eat As Much Fat As You Want”
This is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of
Banting. As soon as people hear “high fat,” they imagine plates swimming in
butter or glasses of cream with every meal. I’ve had more than a few jokes made
at my expense because of this myth.
In reality, Banting taught me that fat is meant to be
supportive, not excessive. It plays a role in satiety, flavour, and energy —
but it’s not a free-for-all.
Fact:
Banting focuses on healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds,
butter, and full-fat dairy, while avoiding processed seed oils and trans fats.
These fats help keep me fuller for longer and prevent energy crashes. That
said, moderation still matters. Over time, I learned to listen to my body and
adjust rather than assume “more fat” is always better.
Myth 3: “Banting Means Cutting Out All Carbs”
When I told my family I was Banting, the first reaction was
almost always the same: “So… you’ll never eat carbs again?” That couldn’t be
further from the truth.
I still eat carbs every single day — just not the refined,
sugar-laden ones that caused blood sugar spikes and constant cravings before.
Fact:
Banting is low-carb, not no-carb. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli,
cauliflower, cabbage, and leafy greens are staples in my meals. I’ve simply
replaced white bread, pasta, rice, and sugary snacks with nutrient-rich
alternatives that support stable energy levels.
One important practical tip I’ve learned along the way is
with carrots. While they’re allowed in moderation, they should always be
blanched before cooking or grilling. That small step helps reduce their impact
on blood sugar and makes them easier to incorporate sensibly.
Myth 4: “You’ll Always Feel Hungry on Banting”
This myth always makes me smile because my experience was
the complete opposite. Before Banting, I felt hungry every two hours. I was
constantly snacking, thinking about food, and planning my next meal.
Once I switched to a balanced low-carb lifestyle, my
appetite naturally regulated itself. In the beginning, I often ate two meals a
day — breakfast and an early dinner. Later on, my routine shifted without any
conscious effort. Mornings became coffee with cream (no sugar, usually two
cups), followed by a proper lunch. Many days, I could easily skip dinner
without feeling deprived.
It was only later that I realised I had unintentionally
combined Banting with intermittent fasting — without ever planning to.
Fact:
Healthy fats and adequate protein keep you full for much longer. One of the
biggest surprises for me was how effortlessly I began eating less often.
Cravings reduced, mood swings stabilised, and my energy became consistent
throughout the day. Banting isn’t about deprivation — it’s freedom from
constant hunger.
Myth 5: “Banting Is Too Complicated and Hard to Maintain”
At first, I worried that Banting would mean complicated
recipes, hours in the kitchen, and expensive ingredients. I assumed it would be
impossible to maintain in the long term.
But after a few weeks, I found my rhythm. Once you
understand the basics, everything becomes much simpler.
Fact:
Banting can be both simple and budget-friendly. I rely heavily on everyday
foods like eggs, chicken, leafy vegetables, butter, and cauliflower. Meal
prepping makes life easier, and once you understand your green, orange, and red
lists, grocery shopping becomes second nature. There’s no need for fancy
ingredients or elaborate meals.
Myth 6: “Banting Is Only for Weight Loss”
Weight loss is often what draws people to Banting initially,
and yes, it can be a positive outcome. But for me, it ended up being just one
small part of the journey.
The biggest changes I noticed were in my energy levels,
mental clarity, and overall sense of well-being.
Fact:
People follow Banting for many reasons — improved digestion, stable blood
sugar, reduced inflammation, better focus, and a healthier relationship with
food. Personally, I love how light and energised I feel most days. That alone
makes the lifestyle worthwhile for me
Final Thoughts: Banting Is a Personal Journey
What Banting has taught me is that there is no
one-size-fits-all approach. It’s not about strict rules, perfection, or guilt.
It’s about learning what works for your body, choosing whole foods, and
paying attention to how you feel.
Separating myths from facts helped me stay confident in my choices and avoid unnecessary self-doubt. If you’re thinking about starting Banting — or if you’re simply curious — I hope my experience helps clear up some of the confusion. The journey becomes much easier when you’re working with the right information, not fighting against it
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