More and more women are working full-time and therefore have less time for cooking - does this affect our eating habits? And can we speak of a general trend here? The 2017 nutrition report Germany as it eats, commissioned by Federal Minister of Food Christian Schmidt, speaks for itself.
Around one thousand German citizens aged 14 and over were surveyed. The report reveals a lot. For example, that more than one in two people want one thing above all else: simple and quick preparation of food. This is particularly true for the under-30s. So is home cooking really out?
More sugar is consumed with ready meals
Something else is also striking: Fewer and fewer people are wielding a wooden spoon every day. This only applies to 39 percent. In comparison: in 2015, it was still 41 percent. Twelve percent no longer cook at all. Is it any wonder that the consumption of ready-made pizza and ready meals is on the rise? But this encourages increased sugar and fat consumption. This is the conclusion reached by US scientists following a study. Those who prepare everything fresh, on the other hand, consume less of it - and consequently save more calories. The survey also revealed something else: meat dishes are at the top of the Germans' wish list. This is also consistent with the observations of the Max Rubner Institute (MRI). This institute researches issues relating to food and nutrition.
The desire for pork is unbroken
The institute found the following: 74 percent of men and 45 percent of women eat more meat than recommended by the German Nutrition Society (DGE). That is a maximum of 300 to 600 grams of meat and sausage per week. White poultry meat is more advisable than red beef and pork. But pork is particularly popular. Red meat is suspected of increasing the risk of certain cancers, such as bowel cancer.
Interestingly, a meat-free diet is also becoming increasingly popular. Vegans are even cutting out animal products completely. However, the German Nutrition Society warns that this favors a nutrient deficiency. Vitamin B12, for example, is found almost exclusively in animal foods. It therefore makes sense to take extra of this vital nutrient. The experts advise: Those on a vegan diet are best advised to consult a nutritionist. Flexitarians, on the other hand, do not need this. They eat less meat, but do not give it up completely. This is why they are often referred to as part-time or occasional vegetarians. If you are a soup fan, then you are in for a treat! Hearty soups are the very latest nutritional trend. It comes from the USA. In a nutshell: they are not only a treat for the palate, but also provide the body with many valuable ingredients. So: Grandma's invigorating beef broth is a real insider tip!