The Banting System

The diet which Mr. Banting practised upon himself in 1862 with considerable success, and which bears his name, was exceedingly rigid in regard to restricting the quantity of food and in forbidding starches and sugars to the greatest degree possible. The patients were starved to the extent of being allowed only between twenty-one and twenty-seven ounces of dry food in the twenty-four hours, about one-half of which was meat. Only two ounces of bread could be taken, and the balance of the diet was composed of fresh fruits and the lighter forms of green vegetables. The fluid drunk in each twenty-four hours was reduced to thirty-five ounces. It should be remembered that the normal quantity of urine passed by an adult is, on the average, fifty-two ounces in addition to the water lost by perspiration and respiration. In his dietary, which was based on the suggestions of Dr. W. Harvey, the fats and albuminoids are not well balanced, and it may cause constipation and malnutrition.

The Ebstein System

The Ebstein treatment, as originally employed in Germany, has been attended with considerable success. The theory of this system is that animal as well as carbohydrate food is capable of being converted into fat, especially when used in combination with starches and sugars. The latter are believed to furnish force for the body, and by their combustion to spare the complete oxidation of albuminates, which are therefore stored in the tissues in a suboxidised form. It is a part of this theory that fatty food does not give rise to or promote the storage of fat in the body, and hence it may be allowed in the dietary; in fact, Ebstein recommends its use on account of its effect in producing satiety. By sooner diminishing the appetite, there is less craving for other food and drink. In accordance with this belief, he proscribes the use of sugar, potatoes, and all forms of farinaceous food with the exception of three ounces and a half of bread, which is allowed each day. He permits the use of fats, such as fat meat, cream, butter, and fatty soups. Among vegetables he allows asparagus, spinach, cabbage, peas, and beans. A moderate amount of meat of any kind is also included. The quantity of fluids allowed is restricted.

Ebstein allows the patient to take three meals a day.

Breakfast consists of a cup of black tea without sugar or milk and two ounces of buttered toast.

Dinner, which is given at noon, comprises a meat soup or broth, four to six ounces of boiled or roasted fat beef with meat gravy, not thickened, one or two fresh vegetables, in moderation, and for dessert salads and fresh or dried fruits. He allows a little light wine and black tea without milk or sugar.

Supper includes tea as before, a soft-cooked egg and a moderate allowance of fish, ham, or cold fat meat, an ounce of thin buttered bread or toast, and fresh fruit.