The Good Foods System (or the Good Foods system of Dr. Diaa Al-Awadi) is a diet that receives significant attention in Morocco and the Arab world.
Contents
The system focuses on “pure good food” which is believed to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and help the body self-heal from chronic diseases like digestive issues, obesity, immune disorders, and diabetes.
The Basic Philosophy of the System
- It categorizes foods into good (pure, easily digestible, satisfying with less waste, “healing” for the body) and bad (causing inflammation, discomfort, and toxins).
- It emphasizes: eating only when genuinely hungry (without complete satiety), drinking water only when thirsty, intermittent fasting, preferring cooked food over raw, and protein every other day.
- The goal: to improve gut health as a key to overall health, away from calorie counting or traditional dieting.
Main Permitted Foods (Good Foods)
- Carbohydrates: Rice, potatoes (cooked/fried/boiled), whole wheat or corn bread.
- Fats: Olive oil, ghee, butter, cream, corn or sunflower oil.
- Cheeses: Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, Flemish, roquefort, cooked cheese.
- Cooked Vegetables: Potatoes, eggplant, peppers, cauliflower, taro.
- Meats: Lamb, pigeon, rabbit, clean red meats, grilled/fried fish.
- Fruits: Apples, pears, mangoes, guavas, pomegranates, strawberries, dates, figs, grapes, bananas (only one type, spaced out).
- Sweets and Sugars: Honey, dates, sugar (in moderation), basbousa, chocolate, jam, halawa tahini.
- Nuts: Most kinds except almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts.
- Beverages: Fruit juices (without seeds), Turkish coffee, green tea, herbs.
Main Prohibited Foods (Bad Foods)
- Grains and Baked Goods: White/whole wheat, oats, pasta, pizza, couscous, biscuits.
- Dairy and Eggs: Milk, yogurt, white/cottage cheese, eggs (all preparations).
- Poultry: Chicken, turkey, duck, etc.
- Legumes: Fava beans, lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas.
- Excessive Vegetables: Lettuce, arugula, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, molokhia, cabbage, avocado, etc. (most leafy and raw vegetables).
- Fruits: Watermelon (completely prohibited), oranges, kiwis, cantaloupe, persimmons, papaya.
- Others: Soft drinks, some seafood like shrimp.
The Controversy Around It
- Supporters: report improvements in weight, thyroid function, colon health, allergies, and energy. They see it as therapeutic for digestive issues.
- Opponents and experts: warn of potential nutritional deficiencies (due to the prohibition of entire groups like eggs, dairy, leafy vegetables) and the lack of sufficient clinical evidence.
- After the death of Dr. Diaa (from a heart attack), the debate over long-term risks such as dehydration or disorders if not implemented cautiously increased. The medical association in Egypt criticized it.
Advice: the system may suit certain conditions (like specific allergies or colon issues), but it is not a substitute for consulting a nutritionist or a specialized doctor. Moderation and medical supervision are important, especially in the long term.
