What the whole-food plant-based pattern includes
A whole-food plant-based (WFPB) pattern centers on intact or minimally processed plants: whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs and spices for flavor. The defining feature is not just being vegetarian or vegan but emphasizing whole foods over refined ones, which keeps fiber, intact cell structures, and the food matrix largely intact.
Why oil and refined foods are typically excluded
Strict WFPB versions exclude added oils and refined products (white flour, added sugar, isolated starches) because these are energy-dense and stripped of fiber. Proponents argue this lowers calorie density and improves satiety; the exclusion of oil specifically is a stricter stance than mainstream dietary guidance, which permits unsaturated oils in moderation, so the evidence on oil restriction itself is weaker than the broad evidence for eating more whole plants.
This is general educational information, not a prescription. People with high needs (athletes, those who are pregnant, or anyone underweight) should ensure adequate energy and nutrients and consult a qualified professional before sharply restricting fats.