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?
Full Answer Section
Health beliefs of people of German ancestry
People of German ancestry are generally very health conscious. They place a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and on living a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the predominant health beliefs of people of German ancestry include:
- Eating a healthy diet is essential for good health.
- Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Getting enough sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being.
- Stress management is important for overall health and well-being.
How to help Mr. Pfiefer reduce his cholesterol level
When helping Mr. Pfiefer reduce his cholesterol level, it is important to consider his cultural background and health beliefs.
Here are some tips:
- Start by talking to Mr. Pfiefer about his diet and lifestyle. Find out what he is currently eating and how much exercise he is getting. This will help you to identify areas where he can make changes.
- Explain the importance of a low-fat diet for reducing cholesterol levels. Be sure to provide him with specific examples of low-fat foods that he can eat.
- Help Mr. Pfiefer to develop a meal plan that is both low-fat and culturally appropriate. This may involve making some modifications to his wife's recipes.
- Encourage Mr. Pfiefer to exercise regularly. Physical activity can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve overall health.
- Be supportive and patient. It takes time to change dietary habits and lifestyles.
Here are some specific examples of low-fat German foods that Mr. Pfiefer can eat:
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and nuts, whole-wheat toast with avocado, yogurt with fruit and granola
- Lunch: Salad with grilled chicken or fish, lentil soup, whole-wheat wrap with hummus and vegetables
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables, chicken stir-fry with brown rice, tofu scramble with whole-wheat toast
It is also important to encourage Mr. Pfiefer to limit his intake of unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils. Trans fats are found in processed foods, such as fried foods, baked goods, and some margarines.
Here are some tips for helping Mr. Pfiefer to limit his intake of unhealthy fats:
- Choose lean meats, such as chicken, fish, and turkey.
- Remove the skin from chicken and fish before cooking.
- Use low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
- Avoid processed foods and fried foods.
- Cook with healthy oils, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
By following these tips, you can help Mr. Pfiefer to reduce his cholesterol level and improve his overall health.
Sample Answer
Food plays an important role in German culture. It is a way to connect with family and friends, to celebrate special occasions, and to simply enjoy a good meal.
German cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut. However, there is also a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and on healthy eating.
Germans typically eat three meals a day, with breakfast being the smallest meal of the day. Lunch is usually a sandwich or light meal, while dinner is the main meal of the day.