The 2017 Nutrition Report: A Look at the Current Eating Habits of Germans
A few days ago, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture released the 2017 Nutrition Report, which contains valuable statistical insights into the eating habits of Germans. This post summarizes the most important key points of the report and explains why these results pose a major problem for public health.
The Importance of Quick and Easy Food Preparation
According to the Nutrition Report, 55% of Germans find it important that food can be prepared quickly and easily. However, only 41% of respondents cook daily, while 11% do not cook at all. On the other hand, 89% of Germans wish that children would be educated about the basics of healthy eating in schools. Doesn’t this seem contradictory?
Health as the Goal of Nutrition: Prevention through Quality
The numbers in the Nutrition Report show that food is increasingly seen as a chore. Many people view food preparation as a waste of time and prefer quick, easy, and cheap solutions. However, this trend is dangerous from a medical perspective. Eating should not only be a pleasure but also medicine – preventive medicine that ensures our health in the long term. Continuously consuming high-quality food, combined with regular exercise and avoiding alcohol and nicotine, is the key to a long and healthy life.
The Dangers of Poor Nutrition and Its Consequences
An unbalanced diet – often based on highly processed foods – puts us in a chronic deficiency state. This state forces the body to turn every calorie into storage fat, which can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, overweight, lipid metabolism disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions fall under the metabolic syndrome and are among the biggest challenges for public health.
Why the Work Environment Affects Nutrition
It’s not just the availability of healthy food that is a problem. The work environment also often does not align with the needs of the human body. Processed snacks like a quark roll for breakfast or a schnitzel for lunch are not suitable for properly replenishing the body’s energy reserves. Our biochemistry differentiates between deficiency and availability, and our modern, highly processed diet puts the body into a state of hunger, even when we appear to eat enough.
The Impact of Poor Nutrition on Productivity
The effects of poor nutrition are not only physical but also affect productivity and motivation. Poor diet can lead to an afternoon slump and serious motivation problems, negatively impacting work performance. This is a financial issue for employers, as long-term health problems due to poor nutrition can result in sick days.
The Solution: Adjusting Nutrition for Better Health and Performance
The good news is: This problem can be solved. A simple adjustment of daily meals, taking into account the latest scientific findings, can significantly improve health and performance. Small changes, such as replacing gummy bears with nuts, can make a big difference.
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Additional Information:
Nutrition Report 2016 on the BMEL Website
