Low-carb and high-fat diets explained

New low-carb diets explained

Before you join the carb-hating craze, you need to understand what the different types of diets will do to your body and how one type of diet may work better for you than another.

Gert Coetzee, co-owner and one of the pharmacists who developed The Diet Everyone Talks About, an eating programme that has been helping South Africans live healthier and leaner lives for the past 26 years, explains that there are four food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, and vitamins and minerals. All diets consist of variations of the four groups.

When a diet emphasises one or two of the food groups, there needs to be an explanation about the remaining food groups.  A low-carb or a carb-free diet is deficient in one area of the food groups and, for people living a semi-active and balanced lifestyle, it's crucial that they eat a combination of foods from all four food groups.

The Banting diet

William Banting was the first to advocate a limited carbohydrate diet in 1863. This is why this type of diet is often referred to as 'Banting', after he managed to combat his obesity by cutting down his carbohydrate intake.

The Banting diet restricts sugar and carbohydrates. These restrictions are extended to fruit and all vegetables that grow below the ground. Banters are also not supposed to eat any grains or grain products.

The low-carb and high-fat diet

The Tim Noakes' way of eating also advocates low carbs but is also high in fat (LCHF).  However, eating the wrong kinds of fat and too much of it is concerning, as it may result in a number of health issues.

“To consume a very high amount of fat (high energy), you should be a disciplined eater and a very active person,” says Coetzee. He explains that this is because you have to burn and use up all the energy in a high-fat diet. This means smaller portions. “We believe that eating a high amount of fats and oils is not a diet that the average person should be following.”

The diet everyone talks about

Coetzee advises an energy-controlled diet that suits an individual’s lifestyle. “The right amount of oils, fats and amino acids (proteins) for you are crucial in the food that you eat, while carbohydrates are less important,” he explains.

“The Diet Everyone Talks About focuses on a balanced carbohydrate-controlled diet (energy-controlled diet) that is combined with moderate amounts of protein and moderate amounts of oils and fats. This is the best and easiest diet for the hard-working person, whose time is also limited, giving them a nutritional balance across all four of the food groups.” explains Coetzee.

What now? 

Coetzee recommends doing your research before diving into a new diet. As an advocate for a scientific carbohydrate controlled lifestyle programme, he adds that individuals need to learn how much and which carbohydrates to eat and also learn to develop a balanced diet.

He says that it’s important to find a tailor-made eating plan that works for your lifestyle. If you do this, you should be able to lose excess weight and keep it off, while still eating healthy foods from all four food groups.

For more information about The diet everyone talks about, visit www.the-diet.co.za

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