The current geopolitical situation is stressful – for body and soul. Nutrition expert Dagmar von Cramm explains why we should currently avoid steak and how cream soups help to strengthen resilience.
With the current news situation, the good old soothing schnapps could experience a revival. But does he keep what he promises, Frau von Cramm?
At that moment it can be relaxing, i.e. when I’m not eating it for breakfast. But of course this is not sustainable and not an option for everyone. There is also the danger that with increasing stress there will eventually be a coupling: I’m stressed, I’m drinking schnapps. That would be bad.
So what you think you urgently need for the well-being of your soul and what your body really needs is by no means always in harmony?
Exactly. And it likes to rock up. You eat what you shouldn’t eat, drink what you shouldn’t drink and you end up in a vicious cycle. Some may go to the candy drawer more often than usual because they feel they need to treat themselves and think that if they eat something, they’ll feel better. But these are short-term escapes. Over the long term, things like chocolate and liquor, when consumed in large quantities, have adverse effects and ultimately even weaken resilience rather than build it.
Is there a trick to distinguish one from the other?
Hunger expresses what the body really needs. It starts slowly and in the stomach. Hunger is never spontaneous. It subsides as soon as one has eaten and does not reappear half an hour or an hour after the meal. But the other thing is the appetite. It comes on suddenly and cannot be alleviated by the piece of chocolate. Because this is a soul hunger that cannot be satisfied with calories. In principle, one needs a relaxation in such moments.
In which form?
I always find breathing exercises to be a good first aid. Or just go outside for a moment, do a lap – just away from the desk. These are small things that can help. Many teas, such as verbena tea, also have a soothing and calming effect and may even take away the craving for sweets. You can consciously pour the tea in demanding moments, thus developing a positive ritual. There are also studies with chewing gum that show that chewing can reduce stress. That’s why I always have a bowl of unseasoned, unshelled almonds on my desk. If things get really bad, I’ll take a small handful.
Has now come the great hour of so-called soul food?
There is something to soul food that can do you good. And if I do it right, it doesn’t have to hurt me and lead to more heartache, which is flab and blood sugar and so on.
Which dishes are suitable as soul food?
Soul food can be many things. Soul food is something that is associated with childhood, with soothing and pampering situations, with something that is good for the soul.
And more precisely?
As a rule, soul food is high in carbohydrates. There are reasons for this: Carbohydrates have a relaxing and calming effect. Proteins, on the other hand, have the opposite effect. And fat, in turn, is harder to digest than other nutrients. Soulfood can also have something to do with consistency. Yesterday we had a polenta at home that was so delicious that it made you feel good while eating. You didn’t have to fight anything, you felt enveloped. Cream soups, puddings and pastries have a similar effect.
In “In Search of Lost Time” by Marcel Proust, the protagonist feels transported to happy childhood moments when the smell of madeleines fills his nostrils. The episode is world famous. Do dishes that we associate with positive emotions help our well-being?
That can definitely help. However, only if you do not eat these dishes under stress, but it is a conscious decision. In any case, it’s good to consciously listen to yourself and take a moment to think about what you would really like to eat and not just grab the first thing that comes along.
What should be eliminated from the diet because it can add to the turmoil in the body?
I would cut out sugar and put all protein drinks in the closet. I would avoid thick steaks for the time being and maybe eat a little more fish and instead of cold cuts a little more veggie spreads or cheese. In short: I would try to eat a little less meat and protein.
And caffeine?
Exactly, nothing stimulating – no dark chocolate, no cola, not too much coffee. Mild things are good. Also, juice fasting could be a bold but possible strategy to counter this current chaos around us. Fasting can be liberating. You don’t have to shop anymore, you don’t have to cook anymore, just shut down completely.
Lent has just begun anyway.
Just. If you can’t imagine fasting at the moment, I have another quick and easy tip for you: creamy vegetable soups. They can also be prepared well for several days. Cabbage and root vegetables are currently all over the place, add some cream or soy cream, puree, done. The soups are delicious and bring soul food feeling. But not only that – they contain many strengthening minerals and vitamins, bioactive substances.