What is a WildFit Diet Plan?
A WildFit diet plan is a comprehensive 90-day health methodology developed by entrepreneur Eric Edmeades. It is a Paleo-influenced approach that combines nutritional anthropology with powerful behavioral psychology to rewire a person's relationship with food permanently. Unlike temporary diets that often lead to relapses, WildFit aims for sustainable lifestyle transformation by training the brain to stop craving unhealthy foods and instead desire foods that are truly nourishing. The core philosophy is that every living species has a specific, natural diet, and that human health and longevity are maximized by adhering closely to our evolved nutritional needs.
The program progresses through structured phases, incrementally guiding participants toward making powerful, lasting changes without feeling deprived or going hungry. Instead of strict calorie counting or intense exercise, the focus is on a holistic approach that impacts overall health, metabolism, and mindset. By the end of the 90 days, participants are equipped with the knowledge and psychological tools to make intuitive, healthy food choices for life.
The Foundational Principles of WildFit
The WildFit methodology is built on several key principles that distinguish it from traditional dieting programs:
- The Concept of a Natural Diet: WildFit posits that humans, like all animals, have a natural diet. The closer we stick to this diet, the healthier and more vibrant we become. Modern processed foods, sugars, and additives are considered 'non-foods' that harm the body and should be eliminated or consumed rarely.
- Psychology Over Willpower: A cornerstone of WildFit is its use of behavioral psychology to eliminate unhealthy cravings at their source. The program teaches you to understand and manage the 'six human hungers'—which include water, nutritional, and emotional hungers—so you can interpret your body's signals correctly.
- Seasonal Eating Cycles: The plan incorporates the principle that humans evolved to eat seasonally. The program guides participants through simulated food seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) to help reset metabolism, burn fat, and cleanse the body.
- Food Freedom, Not Food Restriction: The goal of WildFit is to achieve a state of 'food freedom' where healthy eating becomes a natural preference, not a constant battle of willpower. There are no special foods or supplements required, just a focus on high-quality, whole, natural foods found at any local market.
The 90-Day WildFit Journey
The 90-day program is structured to ease participants into significant changes gradually, with phases that build on each other.
- Weeks 1-3: Foundation and Sugar Transition. The initial weeks focus on reintroducing core, natural foods and transitioning away from processed sugars. This helps reduce cravings and sets the stage for deeper changes.
- Weeks 4-10: Embracing Whole Foods and Weight Stabilization. In this phase, participants learn to love whole, unprocessed foods while removing common additives and grains. This leads to natural weight stabilization and increased energy.
- Weeks 11-13: Seasonal Cycling. The final weeks introduce the concept of moving in and out of different food 'seasons' to maintain long-term health. This phase educates participants on how to manage their diet intuitively throughout the year.
WildFit vs. Traditional Diets
WildFit stands in contrast to many conventional diets. Here is a comparison highlighting the differences:
| Feature | WildFit | Traditional Diets (e.g., Calorie-counting) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Philosophy | Addresses root causes of cravings using psychology and nutritional anthropology. | Focuses on willpower and restricting intake based on numbers. |
| Sustainability | Aims for permanent lifestyle changes and food freedom. | Often temporary, with high rates of relapse once the diet ends. |
| Approach | Holistic; focuses on mindset, food choices, and natural cycles. | Often rigid and restrictive, centered on macros, calories, or specific food groups. |
| Food Types | Emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods and eliminates 'non-foods'. | Can include processed 'diet' foods and artificial ingredients. |
| Exercise | No specific exercise is required, though it is encouraged for overall health. | Often relies heavily on exercise to burn calories and achieve weight loss. |
| Mental State | Cultivates a positive, empowered relationship with food. | Can lead to food shame, guilt, and a constant feeling of deprivation. |
The WildFit Food List
WildFit does not have a single restrictive food list but rather categorizes foods based on evolutionary principles into four groups: Essential, Acceptable, Rarely, and Never.
Essential Foods:
- High-quality vegetables: Bitter greens, cruciferous vegetables, and all non-starchy options.
- Lean protein: Fish, lean meats, shellfish, and poultry.
- Water: Abundant, clean water intake is a cornerstone of the plan.
Acceptable Foods:
- Some fruits and starchy vegetables: These are consumed seasonally, particularly in the
WildFit SummerandFallcycles. - Nuts and seeds: In moderation.
Rarely Foods:
- Foods like grains, dairy, and legumes, which are not ideal for the natural human diet.
Never Foods:
- Processed sugars: Soft drinks, candy, and hidden sugars in packaged foods.
- Processed foods: Anything with artificial additives, preservatives, and unnatural ingredients.
- Artificial sweeteners: These are avoided entirely.
Conclusion: A Lifestyle, Not a Diet
Ultimately, a WildFit diet plan is far more than a temporary regimen; it's a journey toward understanding and honoring the body's natural nutritional needs. By combining evolutionary wisdom with modern psychology, it empowers individuals to reclaim their health, eliminate cravings, and build a sustainable, vibrant lifestyle. The 90-day structured program is designed to create permanent shifts in how you perceive food, fostering 'food freedom' where your body naturally desires what is best for it. For those looking for lasting change without the constant struggle of willpower, WildFit offers a compelling alternative to traditional dieting. For further reading on the behavioral psychology aspect, you can explore the work of founder Eric Edmeades.
Frequently Asked Questions about WildFit
What are the main benefits of the WildFit program?
Participants often report a wide range of benefits, including enhanced energy, improved sleep, effective weight loss, clearer skin and hair, and elimination of sugar cravings. The program also aims for improved long-term health and vitality.
Is WildFit similar to the Paleo diet?
WildFit is a Paleo-influenced methodology but is not identical. While both emphasize whole, unprocessed foods, WildFit uniquely incorporates behavioral psychology, seasonal eating cycles, and a structured 90-day program to create lasting change beyond just the food list.
Is exercise required on the WildFit diet plan?
No, WildFit focuses primarily on nutritional changes and mindset. While exercise is always beneficial for overall health, it is not a requirement of the program. The emphasis is on improving health through food choices, not burning off unhealthy calories.
What happens after the 90 days are complete?
After the initial 90-day program, participants are equipped with the knowledge and psychological tools to make informed, intuitive food choices. They learn how to navigate the seasonal cycles and maintain their healthy habits, achieving a state of food freedom that lasts long after the program ends.
Do I have to buy special foods or supplements for WildFit?
No, WildFit emphasizes a return to whole, natural foods that can be found at any local grocery store. The program explicitly avoids requiring expensive, special foods or supplements, focusing instead on accessible, high-quality nutrition.
Is WildFit suitable for everyone?
WildFit is designed for anyone seeking a lasting transformation in their health and relationship with food, regardless of their current weight or fitness level. It works for those looking to release, gain, or maintain weight, as well as athletes seeking peak performance. However, consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary plan is always recommended.
What are the 'six human hungers' taught in WildFit?
WildFit identifies and teaches participants how to interpret six types of hunger: water, nutritional, empty stomach, emotional, low blood sugar, and variety. By understanding these hungers, participants can correctly identify what their body truly needs instead of giving in to unhealthy cravings.
