What is a WFPB Diet?

A WFPB diet is a dietary pattern predominantly or exclusively focused on consumption of whole plant foods including fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, wholegrains, nuts, and seeds. A WFPB diet also avoids all animal products including meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs, plus oils and highly processed foods. Minimal use of added salt and sugar is also encouraged.

A WFPB diet can be classified as a healthy version of a vegan diet as all animal products are avoided. However, a vegan diet can also include highly processed foods and oils. These foods are not health promoting and are avoided on a WFPB diet, hence the distinction.

Is a WFPB Diet Healthy?

Research suggests that well-planned healthy vegan diets supply appropriate nutrition with animal products not required for a healthful and nutritionally adequate diet (Davis et al, Chap 2, p 30). Healthy vegans come closer to meeting international and national nutrition recommendations for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, trans-fatty acids, and dietary fibre vs other dietary groups (Davis et al, chap 2, p 35)

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics position statement, 2016 “appropriately planned plant-based diets, including 100% plant-based diets, are healthful and nutritionally adequate during all stages of the lifecycle, including pregnancy, lactation childhood, adolescence and for athletes and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.” (Am dietetic assoc. JADA. 2009;109(7):1266-1282)

Although there is no single dietary label that is best for health, multiple layers of evidence point in the same direction. Most nutrition scientists and professionals agreeing on what constitutes a healthy diet for long-term health i.e., a diet that is high in plant foods including vegetables, fruits, cereals, and legumes, and low in red/processed meat and highly processed foods with added fat, sugar, and salt. (Davis et al, chap 2, p 35)

A WFPB diet complies with the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG). The ADG provides a framework for healthy eating among the general population, giving relevant advice on the amounts and groups of foods to eat for health and wellbeing. They also underpin our public health practices and nutrition policies and influence food choices and behaviors in our communities.

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