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Balanced Nutrition: 10 Rules for Everyday Life

A balanced diet is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. If you eat healthily, you can usually get by without any dietary supplements or strict diets.

A balanced diet is often mentioned when it comes to a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. But what does that actually mean? With its 10-point plan, the German Society for Nutrition e.V. (DEG) provides a practical guide to a balanced diet. You can follow these ten rules to ensure you eat a balanced diet.

With mindfulness to a balanced diet

Before considering what you eat, consider how you eat.

When you take your time with your meals and eat slowly and mindfully, you can enjoy food more.
You also prevent yourself from overeating. Because: The feeling of satiety only sets in ten to 15 minutes after the start of the meal.
Make sure you chew enough. It’s best to chew each bite 30 to 40 times.
In order for this to succeed, you should avoid disturbing external influences during the meal: the television or mobile phone are now in radio silence.
Careful handling of food also includes not wasting food. We give you 10 simple tips that will make it easy for you to do this.

A balanced diet is varied

A healthy diet uses the entire range of foods, because no single food contains all the necessary nutrients. It should be colorful and varied.

Vegetables, fruit, grains, legumes, oils, seeds and kernels – make sure you have a balanced mix of all food groups.
And you should also vary as much as possible within the groups – for example by eating the wide range of different types of vegetables.
By orienting yourself on the seasonal calendar, this variety is almost guaranteed, because the regional offer changes constantly over the months. The seasonal, regional diet is not only good for you and your health, but also particularly sustainable.

Five a day: plenty of fruit and vegetables

The “five a day” rule is another guide. It says: You should eat three servings of vegetables (400 grams) and two servings of fruit (250 grams) per day. In terms of quantity, fresh fruit and vegetables should make up the largest part of a balanced diet.

Fruit and vegetables provide you with plenty of nutrients and minerals, fiber, vitamins and secondary plant substances. They also bring variety in taste and appearance to the plate.

You should try to include some fruit or vegetables in every meal – for example by slicing fresh apples or bananas into muesli, eating a salad for dinner or enjoying pasta with fresh tomatoes and carrots.

Nuts, oilseeds and dried fruit are also part of the fruit portion. Due to the higher calorie content, the portion size here is around 25 grams. By the way: A smoothie or freshly squeezed juice can occasionally replace a portion of fruit – but not too often, because these usually contain a lot of hidden sugar in the form of fructose.

Minimize sugar and salt

Sugar is a calorie bomb and increases the risk of tooth decay. Increased sugar consumption is also said to be indirectly related to an increased risk of diabetes.

The problem is rarely the deliberately added sugars in tea or food, but the hidden sugars in processed foods and beverages.
Sugar traps include, for example, fruit yoghurt, fruit nectar or muesli. And even in ketchup, dressings and ready meals like pizza, surprising amounts of sugar are often added.
It is therefore worth checking the list of ingredients and the nutrient table. Better yet, avoid processed foods altogether and you’ll have full control over how much sugar goes into your food.
Excessive salt intake is also dangerous for the body: too much salt can increase blood pressure and thus the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Guide value: It should not be more than six grams of salt per day.
Again, we often ingest far more salt through processed foods than we realize.
Fast food, meat products and cheese in particular are often particularly salty. But there is also a lot of salt in bread and most ready-made products.
Even in your own kitchen, there is often more salt in the food than necessary. Tip: Flavor your food with herbs and other spices before adding salt.
Reduce the salt content in your food step by step. At first, foods with less salt may taste a bit boring. But over time, your taste buds will adjust and become more sensitive again. Then you will even benefit in the end with a richer taste experience.

Healthy fats from vegetable oils

For a while, fats were generally considered unhealthy. We now know that fat is not just fat and has very different nutritional significance depending on its type and origin.

In order to obtain the essential unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, we should fall back on valuable, healthy sources of fat. In addition to vegetable oils, this also includes nuts and oilseeds.
Rapeseed oil is highlighted by the DGE as a particularly recommended oil. It has the lowest proportion of saturated fatty acids, but is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
In addition, walnut, flaxseed, soybean and olive oil also have a good fatty acid profile. Virgin olive oil in particular also contains many secondary plant substances.
On the other hand, saturated fatty acids should only be consumed in small amounts, as they are said to have a negative effect on blood values ​​in particular. Coconut oil, palm oil and animal lard are particularly rich in these saturated fatty acids. You should also avoid palm oil for the sake of the environment.
The trans fatty acids in hydrogenated fats are particularly problematic. These are considered to be one of the causes of cardiovascular diseases and have a negative effect on cholesterol levels. As a result, the risk of a stroke or heart attack increases.
These trans fatty acids are mainly found in industrially processed foods, especially in fried foods such as french fries, donuts or chips. Popcorn, margarine, sausage, croissants, biscuits, dairy products and many convenience products often contain these harmful fats.

Whole grain products are part of a balanced diet

Whenever you reach for grain products, whole grain is the better choice for a balanced diet: Whether pasta, bread, rice or flour – whole grain foods contain more fiber, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases and Reduce dyslipidemia. In addition, high-fiber foods make you feel full for longer and thus prevent binge eating.

Wholegrain products also contain more nutrients than alternatives made from refined flour. They provide valuable long-chain carbohydrates as well as vitamins and minerals and are therefore an important part of a wholesome diet.

Animal products: meat, fish, milk and co.

The DGE recommends milk and milk products to ensure the supply of protein, vitamin B2 and calcium. Fish is also recommended once or twice a week. Oily fish in particular are good suppliers of omega-3 fatty acids, while meat provides iron, selenium and zinc.

On the other hand, the DGE warns of the unhealthy ingredients in meat and sausage: More than 300 grams to 600 grams per week should not be exceeded. Red meat (beef, pork, sheep, goat), which increases the risk of colon cancer, is particularly dangerous.

In general, the DGE therefore advises eating fewer animal products. This is not only better for your health, but also for the environment and climate. After all, milk and meat have the greatest impact on the planet.

In addition, the animals in industrial animal husbandry suffer enormously. You should therefore only buy animal products in organic quality, preferably with a stricter organic seal from Naturland, demeter or Bioland. Here not only an environmentally friendly, but also a species-appropriate animal husbandry is ensured.

It is also possible to cover the nutritional requirements with a vegetarian or vegan diet. There are enough vegetable protein sources such as nuts, seeds and legumes. For vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron, plant-based products are often the better option anyway. Only the much-discussed vitamin B12 is often neglected in a vegan diet. It is therefore recommended to substitute this accordingly.

Drink enough water

Sufficient fluid intake is essential for all bodily functions. According to the DGE, it should be at least 1.5 liters per day, and up to 2.5 liters on a hot day or with a lot of physical activity.

It is not just how much that is important, but what: Ideal thirst quenchers are water and unsweetened herbal and fruit teas. Tap water is usually the best choice: It is the cheapest and also does not require any packaging or transport routes – and is of the best quality in most areas of Germany.

Lemonades, cola, fruit juice drinks, nectars, iced tea or mixed milk drinks such as iced coffee are not recommended. They usually contain a lot of sugar. Because of the numerous health risks and the risk of addiction, alcohol should only be consumed rarely and in small quantities.

Cook food and meals gently

The ultimate nutrient content of food is highly dependent on how it is prepared: the longer food is exposed to heat and water, the more nutrients are lost. Therefore, the following applies: Cook food as long as necessary, but as short as possible.

Steam cooking and blanching are particularly gentle methods of preparation. But raw food is often a good option too: there are some vegetables that are healthier raw than cooked.

In any case, you should avoid overheating and burning food. Carcinogenic substances develop in the process, which is why you should definitely not eat burned areas.

Balanced lifestyle with enough sport

In addition to a wholesome, healthy diet, sufficient exercise is also part of a balanced lifestyle.

Regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, colon and breast cancer, and depression. Circulation and metabolism are stimulated and well-being increased. Physical activity also helps to regulate weight in a healthy way.

Neither overweight nor underweight are healthy. That’s why it can be worth keeping an eye on your body weight. However, if you take all of the tips mentioned and eat a balanced diet, do enough sport and lead a healthy lifestyle, you will automatically level off at your ideal body weight.

You can also easily incorporate physical activity into everyday life – for example by taking the stairs instead of the lift or by cycling to work or school. This is also better for the environment in the long term.

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5 Rules for the Perfect Gingerbread

Whether from a tin, cut out, or dressed on baking wafers, gingerbread is an indispensable part of the Advent and Christmas season. What makes it special is the wonderfully fragrant mixture of spices and the fine honey taste.

Making gingerbread yourself is very easy if you follow a few rules and can be varied with Aranzini or orange peel, for example, or decorated with chocolate or sugar icing and topped with cherries, almonds, or the like.

If you want to be really creative, you can also dare to make a cute, beautifully designed gingerbread house or a mini gingerbread house for the rim of a cup with the help of our video instructions. Lovingly decorated gingerbread also makes a good impression as a Christmas tree decoration.

We have put together the 5 most important tips for making gingerbread a perfect success this year.

5 rules for the perfect gingerbread

1. Gingerbread needs rest

Gingerbread gets its unmistakable, dark color and unique taste not only from the rye flour but also from the right storage. It is best to leave the dough (storage dough) in the fridge at least overnight and only then knead it with spices and egg.

2. It all depends on the seasoning

Gingerbread spice can be bought ready-made or mixed together yourself. The traditional spice for gingerbread consists of cloves, cinnamon, allspice, coriander seeds, nutmeg, and anise. Finely grind the spices together and store them in an airtight container. Beautifully packaged homemade gingerbread spices are also ideal as a special handmade Christmas gift.

3. So that the gingerbread does not stick to the tray

Dust the parchment paper or tray with a little flour before baking the gingerbread on it. So it doesn’t stick.

4. Potash and staghorn salt

The traditional leavening agents that belong in a gingerbread dough are staghorn salt and potash. These should be dissolved separately and added to the dough separately, otherwise, their raising effect will be lost.

5. This is how the gingerbread becomes soft

Gingerbread is best stored in an airtight tin can. To make it nice and soft, you can add a slice of apple to the can. Stored cool and dry, gingerbread can last for several months and should be left to soak for several weeks before consumption, which is why it is usually one of the first Christmas baked goods.

Do you feel like baking cookies now? With our tips for baking biscuits from a professional, it’s guaranteed to succeed. We have also put together a large selection of gingerbread recipes and other Christmas cookie recipes for you. If you were too eager and ended up with cookies, here are the best ways to freeze cookies.

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5 Rules for Making the Perfect Burger

You will definitely need these rules to make the perfect burger at home!

  1. The alpha and omega of a good burger is minced meat. Ready, of course, we do not buy under any circumstances. We choose moderately lean beef on the market (you can add pork and lamb to it) and ask the seller to scroll (or we do it ourselves). And – the main secret – add a little pork or lamb fat to the minced meat – also, of course, ground. Fat or lard should be 20% of the total. If you want to add cheese or bacon to your burger, reduce the percentage of fat to 10-15%.
  2. What can be mixed into minced meat? Try adding bacon, raw sausage, smoked meats, or basturma; good are pine and walnuts (especially in minced lamb), pieces of cheese, fruits, and dried fruits (they must be wrapped in the center of the minced meat, otherwise they will burn when frying). Spices, herbs, onions, and garlic – no questions asked.
  3. Rule number one – never press the patties while frying! Let the bad actors do it in cheap films about the American hinterland. By pressing the cutlet into the skillet, you squeeze the juices out of it, making the burger dry and lifeless. Rule number two – don’t flip the cutlet too quickly, let the crust fully form.
  4. There are two options: either urgently buy a country house and install a stationary grill there, or get a good cast-iron frying pan with a thick bottom and a non-stick coating. It is tempting to use a regular grill pan, but, alas, in the case of burgers, it is not very suitable: the cutlet will not cook evenly. But on a cast-iron skillet (which, of course, needs to be warmed up properly), the cutlet will be exactly as it should – with a crust on the outside and soft inside.
  5. Do not forget to lightly fry the roll on the cut so that the crust does not allow the roll to get wet from cutlet juices. With fillings, you need to balance between two fires. On the one hand, it’s silly to make a clone of a restaurant burger at home with a standard cheese and cucumber set. Try adjika instead of ketchup, jam instead of mayonnaise, pickled tomatoes instead of fresh ones, and lightly salted cucumbers instead of salted ones. On the other hand, you shouldn’t turn a burger into a multi-story structure with everything in the refrigerator. You will regret the guests, and leave something for your breakfast.
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7 Simple Rules for a Perfect Steak

To make a delicious and juicy steak, you need to choose the right piece of meat. For meat, as for all products, quality is a decisive factor. Let’s figure out how to choose the right meat.

  1. Look at each steak carefully and thoroughly. If you want the steak to remain juicy and tender when grilled, there should be a lot of white or yellow grease in the meat part. It is such meat that is called marbled.
  2. Do not trim this desired fat from the steak. The fat helps keep the steak juicy and maintain its shape during cooking. It also improves the taste of meat. If you still want to trim excess fat, do so before serving.
  3. Correct meat flavor. The meat should smell like meat, and the aroma should be light and almost subtle. The stronger the smell, the less fresh the meat.
  4. The steak must be of the correct thickness for proper browning. A good steak should be at least 2.5 cm thick.
  5. Choose steaks based on their marbling. The lower the degree, the tougher the beef. Prime is the highest grade, most tender meat. The choice is medium and the selection is minimum and the toughest meat.
  6. Want a perfectly cooked steak – buy a meat and steak thermometer. There is nothing better than using a digital thermometer to instantly and easily know that the steak is ready. And no guesswork is needed.
  7. According to butchers, the best steak is Ribeye steak. From the point of view of tenderness, maximum juiciness, as well as rich aroma, this steak is ideal.

I hope now it will be easier for you to choose and prepare the most delicious steaks!

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5 Golden Rules for Pizza Filling

Whatever one may say, but the most delicious in pizza is the filling. We have collected 5 life hacks for you that will make her simply divine.

  1. Rule of thumb: no more than four ingredients in one pizza. Then their tastes will not mix into something indistinct but will complement and emphasize each other. The thickness of the filling is no more than 1 cm.
  2. Don’t use raw mushrooms and onions. During cooking, moisture will begin to be released from them, which will soak the pizza dough. Pre-fry them lightly in a pan to release the juice.
  3. The same goes for tomatoes: regular tomatoes produce a lot of juice. Instead, it’s better to take cherry.
  4. Be careful when buying mozzarella. In large supermarkets, you can find a special one, marked “for pizza”. This is what you need: regular mozzarella is stored in brine and contains a lot of moisture. Special – drier, it will melt and stretch beautifully.
  5. Some foods are best added after baking. For example, arugula and basil retain their flavor only while they are fresh. Ham and prosciutto lose their delicate taste when baked. Decorate the finished pizza with them – and the dish will look beautiful as if a food stylist has worked on it.
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10 Rules for Pegan Diet

Pegan = Paleo and vegan? No, not quite: Although the pegan diet combines the cornerstones of both diets, eating meat is allowed. We have compiled the ten basic rules of the pegan diet for you.

The spiritual father of the pegan diet is Mark Hyman, an American physician. Paleo and vegan diets do not differ in their principles, according to the doctor: Both eat as natural, unprocessed foods as possible and thus combine in pegan!

The 10 rules of the pegan diet

1. Eat foods with a low glycemic index (GLYX)

Avoid foods with sugar and refined carbohydrates. Eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts instead.

2. Vegetables are the main part of the diet

Although meat is permitted in the pegan diet, 50 to 70 percent of your diet should consist of vegetables. The darker the vegetables, the better. Because a strong color is an indication of high content of secondary plant substances.

3. It’s all about the fats

Vegetable oils are taboo in the pegan diet. The only exception is olive oil. Fats are ingested from nuts, avocados, coconuts, and, in small amounts, saturated fat from meat.

4. Meat is the accompaniment to vegetables

The Paleo diet is very meat-heavy, vegans completely avoid it. With the pegan diet, the trade-off is this: only about 25 percent of the meal is meat, with the rest being vegetables.

5. Eat free-range meat

The advantage of healthy, natural husbandry is particularly noticeable with cows. Because in cows that are allowed to eat grass regularly, the meat has a higher proportion of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D. When it comes to fish, types that contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, such as sardines or salmon, are also preferable.

6. Avoid dairy products

Dairy products are frowned upon by both paleo and vegan advocates, citing studies such as the China Study which claim to show that dairy products contribute to obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Dairy products are therefore also taboo in Peganism.

7. Avoid gluten, eat little grain

Avoiding gluten is currently en vogue. The pegan diet also dispenses with wheat gluten and thus most cereal products. Since the consumption of (whole grain) cereals increases blood sugar levels and the risk of autoimmune diseases, according to Mark Hyman, caution is generally required.

8. Legumes in moderation

According to Mark Hyman, beans also increase blood sugar levels. So: eat a few legumes.

9. Sugar only in exceptional cases

Refined sugar and sugar substitutes are taboo in the pegan diet. Maple syrup, honey, or coconut blossom sugar are allowed in moderation.

10. Eliminate additives from your diet

According to the maxim of eating as natural and unprocessed food as possible, flavorings, colorings, and preservatives are completely banned from the pegan diet – a clear advantage for health. However, these strict rules make it almost impossible for Pagans to eat out.

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Rules When Driving: These 7 Rules Do Not Apply at All

The rules of driving are complex, but not all “rules” really apply. Seven folk myths are debunked below.

Which 7 “rules” do not apply at all?

1. Riding with flip-flops is prohibited
Driving with flip flops is not prohibited. Bussgeldkatalog.org writes that the legislature does not stipulate which shoes must be worn to drive a car. There is no penalty for a traffic stop.

2. You are not allowed to put on make-up while driving
Many will certainly have refreshed some powder at the wheel or put on their lipstick. You don’t have to feel guilty about this either, because a quick touch-up of make-up is fine when driving, as long as there is no danger to other road users.

3. Overtaking on the right is prohibited
The myth that overtaking is not allowed on the right persists, but it is not true. In heavy traffic on the autobahn, you can overtake on the right. Overtaking on the right-hand side is also permitted in built-up areas if there are several lanes for each direction and the lanes are not marked differently.

4. Winter tires must be fitted from October to Easter
Many people believe it is a duty to drive with winter tires from top to bottom. But this regulation only applies to certain situations, not to the season itself. On a dry and sunny day in December you can also drive with summer tires. It is still questionable whether this makes sense – in the event of an accident, this can lead to considerable problems for you.

5. Whoever rears up is to blame
This myth is not true either, because those driving ahead can also be fully or at least partly to blame. This applies in particular if the rear-end collision was provoked by the vehicle ahead, for example by unnecessarily sharp braking.

6. Flashing your headlights on the highway is illegal
The headlight flasher may be used on the Autobahn if someone is driving too slowly in the left lane. If this does not happen continuously, it can be used to signal that you want to overtake.

7. The police must be called after an accident
In the case of minor accidents, it is often not necessary to call the police. It is important to send an accident report to the insurance company, including photos of the accident site and damage. Then you have to clear the street.

dealing with the rules

All seven points are myths that are not true. However, you should always drive with foresight and restraint, which is why the statements should be qualified. In the event of an accident, partial guilt can be proven if wearing flip-flops led to the accident. The same applies to overtaking on the right-hand side: it is possible, but only if the speed is similar on both lanes.

Even if not all rules are legally written, you should still not take it to extremes, because many of them make sense.

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The 20 Most Important Bathing Rules: You Should Always Observe These When Swimming

Whether it’s a lake, swimming pool, river or sea: summertime is bathing time. But even in autumn and winter you can splash around in the indoor pools and thermal baths as you please. Unfortunately, accidents do happen from time to time. That’s why you should know these rules.

Bavarian water rescue service: Everyone should know these bathing rules

Observe warnings, limitations, barriers and buoys!
Do not dive with a damaged eardrum or a cold!
Never jump into unknown or murky waters!
Avoid weirs and whirlpools!
Never bathe alone. Never swim long distances without a boat escort!
In an emergency, call loudly for help in good time!
Note the special dangers on and in the sea!
Stay away from ships and watercraft!
Pay attention to the water temperature!
Never jump into the water when you are hot. Cool off before that!
Don’t bathe on a full stomach!
Don’t go into the water when you’re tired!
Never swim or dive in the area of ​​diving boards!
Refrain from running at the edge of the pool!
Get out of the water immediately if you get cold! Dry yourself well after bathing!
Never push others into the water!
Leave the water in a storm, spray or thunderstorm!
Do not go into the water under the influence of alcohol, medication or drugs!
As a non-swimmer, never use inflatable floats as a swimming aid!
Avoid aquatic plants!

Swimming in summer: This is how you protect yourself

It also makes sense to regularly apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to your skin to prevent sunburn. You should also drink enough water so that your body does not become dehydrated and your circulation does not become sluggish.

A head covering, an umbrella or the shade of a tree are also beneficial to protect yourself from the high levels of sunlight.

With this valuable knowledge, you are armed against dangers and nothing stands in the way of you spending a relaxed and sunny day by the water. Preferably without sunburn, accidents and injuries, but with lots of fun and a good mood!

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Intermittent Fasting: Tips and Rules – Is Coffee Allowed?

Intermittent fasting is becoming increasingly popular. A study has examined how useful intermittent fasting is to lose weight – and found the answer to the question of whether you can still drink your coffee with milk in the morning.

Doing intermittent fasting correctly: You should pay attention to this

Many people can easily integrate intermittent fasting into their everyday lives. The body is given a break for a certain period of time during which it is not supplied with any calories.

Intermittent fasting is becoming increasingly popular for weight loss or general health and wellness. There are almost no regulations as far as eating is concerned – except that breaks have to be taken in between. Another form of fasting, for example, is therapeutic fasting, which involves fasting for several days or even weeks at a time.

For example, it is possible to eat only eight hours a day and fast for the remaining 16 hours (8:16 method).
Alternatively, one can eat normally five days a week and be largely starved two days a week, that is, consuming no more than about 500 calories (5:2 method).
With alternate-day fasting, you alternate between fasting on one day and eating without restrictions on one day (1:1 method).

Rules for intermittent fasting: is coffee with milk allowed?

For many, coffee in the morning is indispensable. But does the stimulant have to be left out during the fasting phase?

Basically, fasting people can drink coffee, unsweetened tea and water at any time during intermittent fasting. Caffeine even helps you get through “hunger time” by curbing your appetite.

But if you don’t drink your coffee black, you have to say goodbye to it during Lent: Milk and sugar are taboo during this period. Because the body should not be supplied with any calories during the rest phase.

Autophagy: Cell cleaning through intermittent fasting strengthens the immune system

In addition to its function as a diet, intermittent fasting should also strengthen the immune system of the person losing weight. dr Matthias Riedl explains to the NDR how regular breaks in eating can promote so-called autophagy.

Autophagy is the self-cleaning of cells, an intercellular process that breaks down defective or damaged proteins and organelles.

The temporary renunciation gives the body a break in which autophagy is stimulated and stimulated. Degradation can be understood as the body’s own recycling program, which generates energy from cellular waste. The more autophagy that occurs in an organism, the older it gets and the healthier it stays.

Study proves positive health effects

A recent study by researchers at the University of Graz, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, also shows that intermittent fasting has a positive effect on health. Not only did it lead to weight loss after four weeks, but it also regulated cholesterol levels, had a positive effect on blood pressure and abdominal fat, and reduced inflammation.

As part of the study, 60 healthy volunteers were divided into two groups. One fasted intermittently for four weeks, the second maintained the current lifestyle. “The study was supplemented by a further 30 subjects who had been doing alternate day fasting for more than six months,” the study directors explain. “It also gave us a first, unique look at the long-term effects of alternate day fasting.”

The goal of the research team was to study the effects of intermittent fasting on both body weight and molecular mechanisms in healthy volunteers. The strict observance of the fasting days was closely monitored by continuous glucose measurement.

Lost 3.5 kilos of body weight in four weeks

The results of the study paint a clear picture: “Within just four weeks, the study participants reduced their body weight by an average of around 3.5 kilograms, with the average starting weight being 76 kilograms,” reports Thomas Pieber. The researchers not only observed a significant weight reduction in the fasting participants, they also recorded an increase in ketone bodies. “These arise as a by-product of fat burning in the event of a carbohydrate deficiency and are suspected of having age-protective effects. In addition, the fasting cohort showed a reduction in specific amino acid levels, cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, abdominal fat and inflammation parameters .

These effects are associated with positive health consequences, Frank Madeo summarizes the insights into the molecular mechanisms. In addition, the researchers found a mild reduction in the thyroid hormone T3 in the fasting people while the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH increased – a status that has already been linked to longevity in numerous studies.

“Intermittent fasting is a very simple but extremely effective dietary principle,” says Harald Sourij. Building on these results, the researchers will begin their second study in the fall, which will examine intermittent fasting in patients with type II diabetes mellitus who already require insulin therapy.

Intermittent fasting as a therapy for diabetes

In addition, the research team at the German Institute for Human Nutrition (DIfE) discovered a connection between the diet method of intermittent fasting and type 2 diabetes. The positive effect of intermittent fasting could be a promising therapeutic approach against blood sugar in the near future.

In contrast, another study found that there is not much of a difference between intermittent fasting and a regular weight-loss diet. Criticism can also be leveled at the study by the Graz researchers: It is not clear whether the positive effects of intermittent fasting are really due to the meal breaks or solely to the reduction in the number of calories. In addition, the study with almost 100 participants is not representative. This leaves the question open as to whether it is really better to fast or whether it is enough to eat less.

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Tips and Rules for Handling Money for Children

Dealing with money for children is basically an important skill in today’s everyday life in order to get along with society. The child first has to learn that the money doesn’t just come from the ATM.

It is crucial to teach the child how to save or earn money. This is the only way the money can be spent as sensibly as possible. It is important for the parents to explain to the child as early as possible how the connections are made and where the money comes from.

Explain the connections

Children do not yet know that money cannot be spent indefinitely. At first, some questions are relatively easy to answer. The aim is to teach the child how to handle money responsibly. Nevertheless, it is important that the children make their own experiences with money. The child should therefore be given the opportunity to have their own budget. If you consult experts on this topic, pocket money is recommended.

The phenomenon of money

Money is a real phenomenon for a child. The child must first learn and grasp what it means to pay money and the benefits of saving money. The child should of course be allowed to be a child for as long as possible, so it is important not to overwhelm the offspring. Nevertheless, the little ones have to be prepared for growing up later, which should not be missed. Dealing with the money and the associated rules are part of it.

Savings account for the child

The money does not always have to be spent immediately, so it is advisable to open a savings account for the child. In this way, the child can save money and possibly fulfill a bigger wish from time to time. A savings account is therefore ideal in addition to a piggy bank. Bringing money to the bank is particularly exciting for children because it is a real experience. After all, there is even interest in the form of additional money. Depending on the case, certain framework conditions also play a role in the corresponding savings products for children.

Use different investment opportunities

There are free variants for the complex, which are interesting for children. In addition, the bank usually offers a special service for the little ones. It is also an interesting experience for the child to visit a bank branch and see it from the inside. That way it gets a better idea of ​​money. There are classic savings accounts that yield relatively little interest, and there are other options for young teenagers, such as a so-called call money account. As a rule, the child usually always wants to have the chance to dispose of their own saved money. It is therefore not suitable for her to choose a fixed term. With teenagers, however, all banking transactions should always be carried out under the supervision of their parents.

Pocket money for the children

Regular pocket money can also bring the child closer to handling money and introduce it to it. It is the responsibility of the parents how much pocket money it will be and of course, it depends on the parents’ own financial situation, which should be used as a guide. The pocket money is best staggered, depending on the age and maturity of the child. Depending on the needs of the child are to be included accordingly.

Six-year-old children have different wishes than, for example, sixteen-year-old teenagers. Therefore, it is also important to keep an overview of pocket money on a monthly basis. Pocket money should be paid to the child weekly if possible. Youth welfare offices provide guidance in the form of tables, such as:

  • 6 years: 50 cents a week
  • 6-7 years: 1.5-2 euros per week
  • 8-9 years: 2-3 euros per week
  • 10-11 years: 13-16 euros per month
  • 12-13 years: 20-22 euros per month
  • 14 to 15 years: 25-30 euros per month

  • 16-17 years: 35-45 euros per month
  • from 18 years: approx. 70 euros per month

Depending on what expenses the child should have, this is of course also related to the amount of pocket money. This means that the question arises as to how much pocket money has to be or what has to be paid for with this money. After all, the child should know which costs are covered and which are not. Incidentally, pocket money is not intended to be used by the child to pay for sporting activities or their own food or school supplies, because the parents should continue to bear these costs. First and foremost, the pocket money is not there to buy toys or sweets in everyday life.

Pocket money is not leverage

As far as the child’s psyche is concerned in terms of pocket money, the pocket money should never be used by the parents as a means of pressure on the child, because this does not make pedagogical sense. If pocket money is given, it should not be related to the behavior of the child. It is therefore neither an instrument of punishment nor of reward.

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