What is the Weston A. Price Foundation Diet?

The Weston A. Price Foundation Diet, often referred to as the WAPF diet, is a dietary approach inspired by the research of Dr. Weston A. Price, a dentist and nutrition pioneer who studied traditional diets of various cultures around the world in the early 20th century. The foundation named in his honor promotes dietary principles that emphasize whole, unprocessed foods and traditional cooking methods.

How does the Weston A. Price Foundation Diet work?

The Weston A. Price Foundation Diet operates on several key principles:

  1. Whole, Unprocessed Foods: The diet prioritizes the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, and sustainably sourced seafood.
  2. Traditional Fats: Healthy fats are encouraged, including saturated fats like butter and coconut oil, as well as animal fats from pastured animals.
  3. Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi are promoted for their probiotic benefits.
  4. Grains and Legumes: Grains and legumes are prepared using traditional methods like soaking, sprouting, or fermenting to reduce antinutrients.
  5. Raw Dairy: Raw, unpasteurized dairy products from grass-fed animals are favored over pasteurized options.
  6. Bone Broths: Homemade bone broths are valued for their nutritional content and healing properties.

What foods can be eaten on the Weston A. Price Foundation Diet?

The Weston A. Price Foundation Diet encourages the consumption of a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including:

  • Pasture-Raised Meats: Grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, and wild-caught fish.
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A wide range of colorful and nutrient-rich options.
  • Fermented Foods: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
  • Healthy Fats: Butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and animal fats from pastured animals.
  • Raw Dairy: Raw milk, cheese, and yogurt from grass-fed cows or goats.
  • Traditional Grains: Prepared using traditional methods to reduce antinutrients.

What foods are restricted on the Weston A. Price Foundation Diet?

While the Weston A. Price Foundation Diet is relatively flexible, it encourages the avoidance of:

  • Highly Processed Foods: Processed snacks, sugary beverages, and foods with artificial additives.
  • Industrial Seed Oils: Oils like soybean, corn, and canola oil, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids.
  • Refined Sugars: White sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are discouraged.
  • Factory-Farmed Meats: Conventionally raised meats from animals raised in confined feedlots.
  • Pasteurized Dairy: Heavily processed dairy products are minimized in favor of raw, unpasteurized options.

Who would try the Weston A. Price Foundation Diet?

The Weston A. Price Foundation Diet may appeal to individuals who:

  • Are interested in traditional dietary practices and whole, unprocessed foods.
  • Value the health benefits associated with fermented foods and homemade preparations.
  • Seek a dietary approach that prioritizes nutrient density and sustainability.

Who would have a difficult time implementing the Weston A. Price Foundation Diet?

The Weston A. Price Foundation Diet may not be suitable for individuals who:

  • Have specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions that require specialized diets.
  • Prefer a more modern, convenience-oriented approach to eating.
  • Are concerned about the potential risks associated with raw dairy consumption, as it may carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination.

Before starting the Weston A. Price Foundation Diet or any dietary plan, consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended, especially if you have specific health goals or medical conditions. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the availability of raw dairy products and adherence to food safety guidelines when incorporating them into your diet.