Discussion 1 Geanny Garcia

The Meaning of Food in the German Culture.

There is no doubt that German traditional food and drink is more exciting than most new residents and visitors expect. While there are regional variations in food culture, most German recipes revolve around bread, potatoes, meat, especially pork, and greens like cabbage and kale. In traditional German cuisine, hearty, healthy dishes are served with the utmost care. A number of American foods are derived from traditional German recipes. Despite some positive trends, too many Germans are overweight and at risk of other illnesses like cancer. Traditional German cuisine is heavy on meat, fat, and calories, whether it is pork knuckle, sausage, or schnitzel. The Germans value food and eating. Meals are a time to bond with family and friends and enjoy good company. Fresh, local ingredients are used in homemade dishes.

How might you help Mr. Pfiefer reduce his cholesterol level?

Mr. Pfiefer can lower his cholesterol by eating a low-fat diet. He should consume more fruits and vegetables and less saturated fat. He should also exercise and avoid smoking. Food and eating are given a significant amount of importance in German culture. It is common practice to use meals as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with members of one’s family and social circle while also taking pleasure in the company of others and engaging in stimulating conversation. When preparing homemade cuisine, there is a significant emphasis placed on making use of fresh, regional products.

The cultural significance of food in Germany cannot be overstated. It is common practice to use meals as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with members of one’s family and social circle while also taking pleasure in the company of others and engaging in stimulating conversation. When preparing homemade cuisine, there is a significant emphasis placed on making use of fresh, regional products.

The custom of gathering with family and friends for a meal and taking one’s time to savor the experience is highly valued in German culture. In order to assist Mr. Pfiefer in lowering his cholesterol level, it would be beneficial to provide him with information regarding the advantages of consuming a diet low in fat.

It would be helpful to urge him to eat a greater variety of fruits and vegetables and to reduce the amount of saturated fat he consumes. It is also possible to suggest that he refrain from smoking and engage in consistent physical activity. Mr. Pfiefer has a lot of options available to him when it comes to bringing down the cholesterol level in his body.

It is possible to supply him with information regarding the advantages of consuming a diet low in fat, as well as to urge him to increase the number of fruits and vegetables he consumes and to reduce the number of saturated fats he consumes. It is also possible to suggest that he refrain from smoking and engage in consistent physical activity. By implementing these adjustments in his way of life, Mr. Pfiefer will be able to lower his cholesterol level and enhance his general health.

Reference

Hearty and healthy traditional German food you shouldn’t miss. Tastessence. (2020, July 23). https://tastessence.com/german-cuisine-traditional-foods.

Discussion 2 (Lindsay)

Module 5 Discussion
1. Discuss the meaning of food in the German culture.

In the German culture food is a symbol of unity, love, and social interactions. Foods are consumed on occasions such as vacations, holidays, trips, reunions, and celebrations. In the German culture, individuals consume large amounts of beer, sausages, and bread of different tastes. Germen’s love for food and overeating habits places them at risk of developing health problems such as obesity. For example, the German culture rewards appropriate behavior among their children through the provision of food (Spielvogel et al., 2021). An essential part of German cuisine is sausages made of pork, beef, or veal. Germens also take pride in the long tradition of bread-baking. There are loaves of bread that have different shapes, tastes, names, seeds, and flavors. Most German recipes focus greatly on bread, potatoes, and meat, especially pork. The staple foods of the typical German diet are meat and potatoes, with meat typically being eaten at every meal of the day (Allen, n.d.). German cuisine also has many delicacies including vegan, vegetarian, and traditional foods. This culture eats green leafy vegetables such as cabbage and kale. Another popular element of German cuisine is cake, coffee, and beer.

Germans use high-fat ingredients to make their meals such as gravies, butter, sauces, cream, and fried foods. The German diet is very high in fat, specifically saturated fat, as well as refined sugars, and carbohydrates. High dietary fat increases blood cholesterol levels, placing individuals at higher risk for heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. A high intake of sugars and carbohydrates increases the risk of obesity and similar health problems. Germans use high-fat ingredients to make their meals such as gravies, butter, sauces, cream, and fried foods.

2. Using the predominant health beliefs of people of German ancestry, how might you help Mr. Pfiefer reduce his cholesterol level?

Mr. Pfiefer should first be educated on the importance of reducing his cholesterol level and the health risks associated with having high cholesterol. High cholesterol causes fatty deposits in the walls of your arteries called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis reduces blood flow through the arteries and can cause cardiovascular complications such as hypertension, heart attack, or stroke (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

I would also assist Mr. Pfiefer in reducing his cholesterol levels by encouraging him to avoid meals that are prepared in the traditional way. The traditional way of preparing meals uses ingredients high in fat such as butter, sauces, fried foods, and cream. It is important to encourage the patient to decrease his fat intake. Mr. Pfiefer should also be encouraged to decrease his meal proportion to avoid overeating which may lead to obesity and high cholesterol levels. The patient should be educated on the importance of consuming more fruits and vegetables as well as getting appropriate physical activity.

References

Allen, J. (n.d.). Diet and nutrition in Germany. https://www.livestrong.com/article/359745-diet-nutrition-in-germany/ (Links to an external site.)

Mayo Clinic. (2021). High cholesterol. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800

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