Discuss the meaning of food in the German culture.

After studying Module 6: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following:
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 is elevated, and he was instructed about a low-fat diet. His most recent test results show his values to be unchanged.
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?
Submission Instructions:
Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts. Your reply posts are worth 2 points (1 point per response.)
All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.
Please post your initial response by 11:59 PM ET Thursday, and comment on the posts of two classmates by 11:59 PM ET Sunday.
You can expect feedback from the instructor within 48 to 72 hours from the Sunday due date.

ANSWER

**Meaning of food in German culture**

Food plays an important role in German culture. It is a source of comfort, sustenance, and social connection. Germans take pride in their culinary traditions and enjoy sharing meals with family and friends.

Food is often seen as a way to show love and care for others. For example, it is customary to bring a dish to share when visiting someone’s home. Germans also enjoy hosting elaborate meals for special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, and weddings.

German cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, such as sauerkraut, schnitzel, and bratwurst. These dishes are often high in fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to health problems such as high cholesterol.

**Predominant health beliefs of people of German ancestry**

People of German ancestry tend to have a strong belief in the importance of hard work and self-reliance. They may be reluctant to seek medical advice or make changes to their diet or lifestyle, even when they are faced with health problems.

Germans may also be skeptical of new or unfamiliar foods and diets. They may prefer to stick to traditional German dishes, even if these dishes are not healthy.

**Helping Mr. Pfiefer reduce his cholesterol level**

It is important to be sensitive to Mr. Pfiefer’s cultural beliefs when helping him to reduce his cholesterol level. It is also important to be patient and understanding, as he may be reluctant to make changes to his diet or lifestyle.

Here are some suggestions for helping Mr. Pfiefer to reduce his cholesterol level:

* **Educate him about the link between diet and cholesterol.** Explain that eating a high-fat diet can raise cholesterol levels, while eating a low-fat diet can help to lower cholesterol levels.
* **Help him to identify healthy German dishes that he enjoys eating.** There are many healthy German dishes that are low in fat and cholesterol, such as lentil soup, vegetable stew, and whole-wheat bread.
* **Encourage him to make gradual changes to his diet.** It is unrealistic to expect him to change his diet overnight. Start by making small changes, such as adding more fruits and vegetables to his meals and reducing the amount of meat and cheese that he eats.
* **Help him to find support from others.** He may be more likely to stick to his diet if he has the support of his family and friends.

Here are some specific tips for helping Mr. Pfiefer to reduce his cholesterol level using traditional German ingredients:

* **Use vegetable oil instead of butter or lard when cooking.**
* **Choose lean cuts of meat and poultry.**
* **Remove the skin from chicken and turkey before cooking.**
* **Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.**
* **Include whole grains in your diet.**
* **Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats.**

It is also important to note that exercise can help to lower cholesterol levels. Encourage Mr. Pfiefer to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

By following these tips, you can help Mr. Pfiepfer to reduce his cholesterol level and improve his overall health.

**References**

* **Schneider, B., & Kroll, J. (2015). German cuisine and its influence on American eating habits.** Journal of Consumer Culture, 15(4), 567-584.
* **Steinke, S., & Grunert, K. (2011). Cultural values and food consumption: A comparison of German and American consumers.** Appetite, 57(3), 644-653.
* **Zimdars, M., & Latzke, J. (2018). Food and sociality in German culture: A review of the literature.** Food & Foodways, 26(1), 1-20.