Intermittent fasting is often presented as a way of changing the body’s balance. The Nidam al-Tayyibat, described by the Egyptian physician Diaa Al-Awadi, does not publish a numerical fasting duration. It does, however, classify foods into five frequency zones. The twelve-hour window mentioned in general public content therefore does not constitute a rule of the system.
What does the Nidam al-Tayyibat say about intermittent fasting?
The Nidam al-Tayyibat classifies foods according to their frequency of consumption. This classification is not based on a fasting clock, but on the nature of the foods and their place in the day or week.
According to the system, the five zones are as follows:
- Green zone: everyday foods;
- Yellow zone: everyday foods with a note of caution;
- Orange zone: foods to be consumed every two days to once a week;
- Purple zone: very rare foods;
- Red zone: excluded foods.
According to the system, this distribution is enough to frame the diet. Dr Diaa Al-Awadi does not associate this classification with a number of hours of fasting. Publications that mention twelve hours belong to intermittent fasting in general, not to an instruction from the Nidam al-Tayyibat. For an overview, see Tayebat diet (al tayebat, taibat, tayabat): what it is.
What happens in the body during the hours without eating?
Physiology describes a succession of states after the last meal. Digestion ends, available glucose decreases, then the body mobilises its reserves. These mechanisms vary according to age, state of health and usual diet.
The Nidam al-Tayyibat does not detail these stages and publishes no figures for blood glucose, insulin or autophagy. The explanations circulating about the body’s chemistry during a twelve-hour window belong to conventional nutrition. They must not be attributed to the system.
For the system’s position on autophagy, see Fasting and autophagy: the position of the Nidam al-Tayyibat.
What foods does the system suggest for resuming eating?
After a period without eating, the choice of foods for resuming depends on the zone. According to the system, Green-zone foods can be used every day. The team proposes a simple reference point, without prescriptive value.
- Drink plain water or a hot infusion (Green) without milk.
- Take one or two dates (Green), within the limit of one to six per day according to the system.
- Resume with a dish of white basmati rice (Green) and grilled sea fish (Green).
- Add a spoonful of smen / ghee (Green) to the rice or fish, if the dish lends itself to it.
Green tea (Green) is classified in the Green zone; for its detailed use, see Green tea and Nidam al-Tayyibat: place, zone and use.
The table below summarises some useful foods around fasting.
| Food | Zone | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Green | plain water; sparkling water not documented |
| Dates | Green | one to six per day according to the system |
| Hot infusions (cinnamon, anise, herbal teas) | Green | without milk |
| Green tea | Green | without milk |
| Sea fish (preferably grilled) | Green | preferably grilled; fried without flour |
| Rice (basmati, white) | Green | no particular condition mentioned |
| Smen / ghee (clarified butter) | Green | no particular condition mentioned |
| Natural honey | Green | no particular condition mentioned |
| Almonds | Yellow | in moderation, plain and unsalted |
| Lamb / mutton | Orange | twice a week, portion shared with goat and camel |
Is twelve-hour fasting a rule of the Nidam al-Tayyibat?
No. According to the system, there is no published fasting duration. The twelve-hour window is a frequent expression in articles on intermittent fasting, but it is not an instruction from Dr Diaa Al-Awadi.
The system classifies foods, not meal times. It excludes foods; it does not programme a metabolic clock. Anything presented as a numerical protocol of the Nidam al-Tayyibat must be read with caution.
This point is important so as not to mix a general practice and a precise food classification. The two do not necessarily contradict each other, but they must not be confused with each other.
Why does this subject give rise to confusion?
Intermittent fasting is often discussed with precise durations. Popular articles mention twelve, fourteen or sixteen hours. These figures give the impression of a universal protocol.
The Nidam al-Tayyibat works differently. According to the system, the question is not first “how many hours”, but “which foods and at what frequency”. A Red-zone food remains excluded even if one does not eat for a long period. A Green-zone food does not become harmful because it is eaten at a particular time.
According to the system, classification by zones avoids reducing the diet to a single variable. Fasting duration is not the sole key to balance.
How to organise a day after a window without eating?
The team proposes an example of a day, to be adapted according to habits and needs. This is not a prescription from the Nidam al-Tayyibat.
- On waking: water (Green) and one date (Green), then green tea (Green) without milk.
- At midday: white basmati rice (Green) with sea fish (Green), grilled, seasoned with cumin (Green) and black pepper (Green).
- In the evening: a cooked squash / pumpkin (Green) purée, with a drizzle of olive oil (Green).
- As a snack: a handful of almonds (Yellow), plain and unsalted, in moderation.
This distribution remains indicative. The exact quantities are not published by the system. For other reference points, see Nidam al-Tayyibat recipes: composing meals.
Which foods should be avoided around fasting?
According to the system, certain foods are excluded whatever the time of day. Around resuming eating, the team recommends not using them.
- Sodas and fizzy drinks (Red) are excluded.
- White bread (Red) is excluded.
- Pastries and industrial or bakery cakes (Red) are excluded.
- Energy drinks (Red) are excluded.
Other foods, classified in the Purple zone, remain very rare. For example, mloukhia (jute mallow) (Purple) has no place when resuming eating, according to the system.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Nidam al-Tayyibat recommend fasting twelve hours a day?
No. According to the system, no fasting duration is published. The twelve-hour window comes from general public content on intermittent fasting. The system classifies foods; it does not set a numerical timeline.
Can one drink water during the hours without eating?
According to the system, plain water is in the Green zone. No rule published by the system prohibits drinking water during a fasting period. Sparkling waters are not documented.
Which foods are allowed to break the fast?
The team suggests starting with a date, a hot infusion or a dried fruit. Then, a dish based on rice and grilled sea fish may be suitable. These foods are in the Green zone, according to the system.
Does intermittent fasting make you lose weight?
The Nidam al-Tayyibat does not publish any numerical results on weight loss. The effects of a twelve-hour window are not demonstrated by the system. Any question of weight is a matter for a doctor.
Does the system allow coffee during fasting?
Coffee is classified in the Green zone, provided it is taken without milk or whitener. According to the system, this condition applies at any time. Coffee does not replace water.
Can one fast if following the Nidam al-Tayyibat?
The system does not set a fasting protocol. Any decision to fast, particularly in the case of illness, pregnancy or treatment, must be discussed with a health professional.
Sources
- Source page consulted for the subject: tayibat.org/blog/intermittent-fasting-science.
- Food factsheets and internal articles from the Nidam Tayebat site.
To go further
- Fasting and autophagy: the position of the Nidam al-Tayyibat
- Green tea and Nidam al-Tayyibat: place, zone and use
- Bone broth and feet: benefits according to Nidam al-Tayyibat
- Tayebat diet (al tayebat, taibat, tayabat): what it is
Disclaimer
This article does not replace medical advice.
A doctor must be consulted before changing meal rhythm, in the case of diabetes, chronic illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, eating disorders or medication. The information presented comes from the Nidam al-Tayyibat and its classification; it does not constitute medical advice.