Food in The German Culture

Food in The German Culture

In most cultures, food is an enhancer of social cohesion as it is an agent who brings people together. In German culture, food is prepared significantly during celebrations to bring together people from various parts of the country. Germans favor a well-prepared meal that is healthy and served with care. The cooking traditions defer in northern and southern parts of Germany where in the North, they favor corned beef, potatoes, beetroots, herring, and eel soup, while in the south, Spargel et al. is preferred as breakfast delicacies (German culture, 2019). Germans consume significant amounts of meat, with pork, beef, and poultry being popular, which are often pot-roasted and served as sausages (Purnell et al., 2019). Breakfast in German culture is considered an opportunity for the family to come together. Bread, bread rolls, cuisines, and salted deli meats are the major foods served during this time, as well as the liverwurst. Lunch is the most important meal in German culture, which involves the consumption of a full-course family meal that includes cuisines, meat, fresh vegetables, and fried potatoes.

In terms of food preparation, Germans consume significant amounts of fat-containing ingredients rich in butter and cream, which presents a nutritional health risk for most Germans (Purnell et al., 2019). They put a significant value on vegetables, as cabbages, turnips, and beets are served in a butter sauce. In German people’s lives, food is significant in their hearts, which is shown by how food is integrated into every part of their daily lives. For instance, when a child performs well according to social norms, one is rewarded with food. Also, before one goes on a trip or visits a relative, they are presented with food. When an individual becomes sick, they receive Jell-O, egg custards, ginger ale, or tomato soup (not creamed) to settle their stomachs (Purnell et al., 2019). It is worth noting the significance of a healthy appetite among Germans, especially during celebrations.

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

As a health care provider, to help Mr. Pfiefer reduce his cholesterol level, it is important to develop a German cultural awareness and understanding regarding food and health. Being culturally competent is an important aspect for a health care provider to meet the patient’s health care needs. In this case, Mr. Pfiefer consumes German food, which is rich in cholesterol, and fat forms the basic food ingredient responsible for his elevated blood cholesterol levels. He should avoid foods rich in cholesterol, including salted deli meats, saturated fats, and cheese.

Germans have a high regard for healthy living through a healthy diet. This is seen by their preference for fresh vegetables such as cabbages, beets, and turnips. Therefore, Mr. Pfiefer should consider consuming more of these vegetables, which will help reduce cholesterol levels. Calories are important in the performance of activities of daily living, and they can be acquired in various forms. He should consider acquiring calories from foods containing other nutrients rather than calories only. In that regard, he should consume bread, pasta, and cuisines. Finally, he should reduce saturated fats, eliminate Trans fats, eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and increase soluble fiber (Soliman, 2019).

References

Purnell, L. D., Fenkl, E. A., Purnell, L. D., & Fenkl, E. A. (2019). People of German Heritage. Handbook for Culturally Competent Care, 155-162.

Soliman, G. A. (2019). Dietary fiber, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Nutrients, 11(5), 1155.

German culture. (2019, October 22). German food. German Culture. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://germanculture.com.ua/daily/german-food/

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Hyde Pfiefer, a retired 70-year-old German American, has lived in the United States for the last 50 years. A widower of 5 years, Mr. Pfiefer prepares his own meals following his wife’s recipes from the old country. Nine months ago, Mr. Pfiefer was told that his cholesterol was elevated, and he was instructed about a low-fat diet. His most recent test results show his values to be unchanged.

Food in The German Culture

Discuss the meaning of food in the German culture.

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