When we move to a different country as an adult, there are millions of things to take care of. But often we forget about one of the most important changes in our lives- food. And I am not talking about just the change in culinary norms, but I am talking about the difference in food production culture.
How food is produced is as important as how food is prepared. Of course, we all know the importance of organic food and we are slowly moving towards healthier produces, but when you move from a country like Nepal, where almost everything is organic, and come to a country like the Netherlands, where almost everything is mass produced, then our body can suffer in many ways. Case in point, me.
I moved to the Netherlands in January 2016. Along with everything else in my life, the food that consumed also changed drastically. We eat rice, lentils and vegetables everyday, twice a day in Nepal (sometimes three times a day). In my family, my mum grows her own vegetables and also the local shop that we use sells mostly locally produced food. We get lots of greens and variety of vegetables that is produced by local farmers using animal dung and compost. On top of that, we use spices such as turmeric, cardamom, cloves, ginger, garlic etc while preparing our food. Meat is considered to be a special dish, so most of the families do not consume it everyday.
Now, if I look at the Netherlands, it is mostly a bread country. People consume sandwiches and bread for breakfast and lunch. And of course with the busy lives that we have here, it is the most easy food to take along to work. The meals here typically comprises of of meat, carbs (potatoes or pasta or rice) and a little bit of vegetable. So meat is an integral part of the normal food culture. Also, the spices here are limited to salt and pepper. So there is a huge gap in terms of the food culture. But also in the way food is produced here is different. Due to the climate, most of the food is grown in greenhouses and produced with chemicals.
So when I moved here, my body reacted to this difference drastically. My thyroid started functioning very slowly and I gained 20 kilos in a year. This was really shocking to me as I have refrained from eating any junk food or overeating. I was extremely tired all the time. Although I do take medications for my thyroid now, the meds can only stop me from goring bigger. I had to identify the main cause of the problem, food.
To address the issue, I have started buying less meat and whatever I buy comes from farmers that believe in letting the animals move around. I buy my fruits and vegetables from the local organic market. Also, I try to grow my own vegetables in pots whenever I can, according to the season. I have to say that I do feel the difference in my body compared to six months ago.
I think that I neglected the food aspect of moving to a new country and my body had to suffer in vain. So if you are moving somewhere else, please add "research about food" in your "to do" list. It might help you a lot.
This is definitely something to think about when moving somewhere. I know when my wife moved here, her family had to quickly adjust to the food available. BTW...
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been there done that. I' ve been moving around Asia - Europe for couple of time, so its kinda familiar to me too.
What do you do to adjust to these changes?
First time was horrible. I tried to adjust but it was really hard. What make it worse was I didn't know how to cook at that time. Later on I start to search for Asian market. Or ask someone to send some for me - which was seriously expensive. From time to time I reduce food I usually eat and change the habit into more European - I would say. By the time, you will be more European than what you're expected
Learning to cook is so important. But I completely understand. I have been so active on youtube lately, trying to find recipes for stuff that I never used in Nepal. Celery for instance would never have entered my kitchen. But now I have found a perfect balance. I try to cook Nepali food at least twice a week. But you are right, I am becoming accustomed to European food more than I would like to accept.
I hope you enjoy your time in Europe. Netherland is one of beautiful country, been there couple of time.. every part of the country is beautiful in its own way :)
I am falling in love with the Netherlands. Specially because I live in the southern side of the country, people are really nice and warm.
yes, less meat please / love the spices, interested in Nepal / new follower here (-: peace, found you on OCD
Hey welcome to my list of steemit family. I will be posting a lot more about Nepal and Nepali food, so stay tuned. If you have any specific queried about Nepal, would be more than happy to shed my knowledge ;)