Nutrition

Eat well to live well

Nutrition guide tailored to Moroccan cuisine · Mediterranean, weight loss, diabetes, pregnancy, sport.

Nutrition goals

The food pyramid

Recommended frequencies per food group.

1

Every meal

Vegetables (500g/day)Fruits (2-3/day)Whole grainsWater 1.5-2 L
2

1-2 times/day

Dairy productsLegumesNuts (30g)
3

1-2 times/week

Fatty fish (salmon, sardine)Eggs (3-5/week)White meat
4

Occasional

Red meat (<500g/week)Processed meatsSweetsAlcohol

Mediterranean diet — 8 golden rules

The diet with the strongest scientific evidence for longevity.

  1. 1Extra-virgin olive oil at every meal (2-3 spoons/day)
  2. 25 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, seasonal if possible
  3. 3Fatty fish 2-3 times/week (omega-3)
  4. 4Legumes 3+ times/week (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
  5. 5Whole grains rather than refined
  6. 6Nuts and almonds (30 g/day) as a snack
  7. 7Limited red meat (<500 g/week)
  8. 8Spices and fresh herbs at will (turmeric, cumin, mint)

Frequently asked questions

How many calories per day?+

Varies by age, sex, weight and activity. Sedentary woman: 1,800-2,000 kcal, active: 2,200-2,400. Sedentary man: 2,200-2,500, active: 2,600-3,000. Adolescent, child, pregnant/breastfeeding woman: specific needs. Calculate precisely with our /tools/calories tool.

Is the Mediterranean diet suitable for Moroccans?+

Perfectly. Our traditional cuisine is already rich in olive oil, legumes (lentils, chickpeas), vegetables, fish (coast) and spices. Just avoid excesses: sweet pastries, very sweet tea, frequent red meat. Favour vegetable couscous, vegetable tagines, homemade harira.

Does intermittent fasting work?+

Effective for moderate weight loss and glycaemic control. 16/8 schedule: eat over 8h, fast 16h. Contraindications: pregnancy, type 1 diabetes, eating disorders, children, frail seniors. Consult a doctor/nutritionist first. Ramadan is one suitable form of intermittent fasting.

Should I take dietary supplements?+

Generally no with a balanced diet. Exceptions: vitamin D (frequent deficit in Morocco), B12 in vegetarians, iron in menstruating/pregnant women, folates before and during pregnancy. Get a blood panel before supplementing. Beware of unvalidated supplements (weight loss, 'detox').

Cane sugar, honey, agave syrup — which to choose?+

None is meaningfully better than white sugar calorie-wise (≈400 kcal/100 g). Honey and cane sugar provide tiny minerals. Agave syrup has a lower glycaemic index but is rich in fructose (bad for the liver in excess). Rule: cut added sugars in all forms, don't replace them.

How to manage Ramadan with diabetes?+

See an endocrinologist 1 month before. Adjust treatment (insulin/pill dose and timing). Break the fast with dates + water. Substantial suhour (complex carbs, protein). Heavy hydration after iftar. Monitor blood sugar. Some uncontrolled diabetics should not fast — religious consultation possible for dispensation.