Moving to Germany do not know what to expect for food!

Auraonfire

I have been doing so well lately in terms of keeping up with my calories and exercise, I'm really worried about this move.

My husband is military and we are about to go to Germany (Bavaria) for 3 years! As exciting as that is, I have no idea what kinda of foods to expect to see...my husband was basically raised there and being 6'3 240lbs he can't wait to eat everything...me I'm a little paranoid because as much as I want to enjoy my new surroundings I do not want to ruin my weight loss that's happened so far.

I'm glad that most of Europe has banned gmo, so that's great that I will not have to worry about that anymore. Germany is well known for it's fattening food.

Anyone have personal experience on what to eat to not tip the scales overseas?

bethanytapp

The one thing you'll have in your favor is that most of Europe is more pedestrian/ bike friendly. The cultural norm will be to walk/ bike places....even daily walks to the grocery store. My advice (and what always works on vacations in Europe for me) is stay active and enjoy the food. Last time I was in Germany I spend 2-3 hours a day walking around the town and the hills around where my friend lives.

GreatDepression

GMO isn't unhealthy.

Traditional German food is very high fat (cheese, meat) and high carb (bread) so that can be a recipe for disaster if you don't control your portions. You'll find that the locals tend to eat small portions of these and restaurant/cafe/bakery portions are all smaller than in the US while costing more. However, like in any developed western nation, you can buy fresh produce and food at the grocery stores to make whatever you want. The average German grocery store is not huge and inclusive like American supermarkets but you can probably find whatever you want except for Mexican seasonings which are I know are popular with many Americans.

Also, every city and town has farmer market areas where you can buy fresh, good-tasting fruit and vegetables. These aren't that cheap compared to Walmart but they taste really good (and also spoil quickly).

JulieMarieLopez07

I am active duty army. I was previously stationed in Germany for 3 years. What I can tell you, European options are MUCH healthier than American options by any means. I mean obviously they just like any couuntry have their not so figure flattering foods, but you can avoid those should you chose to. I throughly enjoyed the couuntry the entire time I was there and also managed to be the smallest I ever was while stationed there. Not to mention, you will still have access to the commisary so if you decide to swear off German food, you'll still have the commisary for grocery shopping. Most importantly, ENJOY yourself, don't be a homebody, you're getting an oppertunity that most never will

Auraonfire

We probably won't have a vehicle for the first month we are there waiting for it to be shipped there so I'll be burning them snitzels off walking around town lol

GreatDepression

Schnitzel is an Austrian specialty.

As someone else pointed out, if you want uniquely American food, you can easily shop at the grocery store on the base.

stephanne13

Where are you going? The only thing I can tell you is that German food is delicious. I lived there from '84-'88 during HS, and yes, I put on some weight! Try everything. Enjoy everything. Just do it in moderation. You are absolutely going to love it there. I am jealous. It was hands down the absolute best time of my life!! (Sorry I couldn't give you any real advice - but I'm excited for you!) Tschuss!! :happy:

Auraonfire

Moving to Vilseck/Grafeonwoher, I'm pretty excited...my husband has family (his opa) lives near Stuttgart in a village by the Black Forest so I'm excited to meet him. My german is so not the best but I'm learning!

I've noticed a lot of Greek restaurants in pics for germany, is the food similar to here in the states at traditional Greek food?

Ang108

Schnitzel is an Austrian specialty.

Wiener Schnitzel is an Austrian specialty and made with veal. Pork Schnitzel is typically German and one of the most popular meals....and the first one I learned in home-economics in my little southern German village where I grew up and a daily staple in the cafeteria in Berlin where I went to university.
If you google " Schnitzel " you will fins that many countries count it as part of their cuisine....but yes, Veal Schnitzel (Kalbschnitzel ) is typically Austrian.

dbmata

you'll be able to get horse there, it's delicious!

photochik71

We were stationed in Mannheim from '93-'96. The food is fabulous! Thinking about jaeger schnitzel and spaetzle makes my mouth water! You can always buy from the commissary, and you will do tons of walking! We lived on the fourth floor with no elevator. I hated that part, but it got me some activity in! Enjoy your time there. Lots of bike paths there also.

Ang108

Moving to Vilseck/Grafeonwoher, I'm pretty excited...my husband has family (his opa) lives near Stuttgart in a village by the Black Forest so I'm excited to meet him. My german is so not the best but I'm learning!

I've noticed a lot of Greek restaurants in pics for germany, is the food similar to here in the states at traditional Greek food?

I am from the Black Forest and just would like to point out that from there to Stuttgart 220kms, which I believe is about 140 miles. Of course on the Autobahn it is a quick 220 kms, but still worthwhile pointing out that Stuttgart and the Black Forest are not close. But either area is nice. Stuttgart is a bit more urban with a good connection to München and Austria as well as to the North. The Black Forest is more quaint, but with lots of skiing in winter, lots of sight seeing in summer and within minutes of the French border and very close to Switzerland. I am from a place called Gengenbach ( worthwhile googling ) and from there it's 15 minutes to Strasbourg and 25 to Basel....:o).

PS: Out of curiosity I just checked, because I know the Stuttgart area and also know that there is a big US military base in Vilseck, but could not connect the two. This is mostly because Vilseck is also 220 kms from Stuttgart, but in a different direction from the Black Forest. Stuttgart and the Black Forest are both in a federal state called Baden-Würtemberg, whileVilseck is in the North of Bavaria and strangely enough it is also 220 kms to München.

Auraonfire

you'll be able to get horse there, it's delicious!

Omg haha, what's it taste like (are you serious?)

Auraonfire

Moving to Vilseck/Grafeonwoher, I'm pretty excited...my husband has family (his opa) lives near Stuttgart in a village by the Black Forest so I'm excited to meet him. My german is so not the best but I'm learning!

I've noticed a lot of Greek restaurants in pics for germany, is the food similar to here in the states at traditional Greek food?

I am from the Black Forest and just would like to point out that from there to Stuttgart 220kms, which I believe is about 140 miles. Of course on the Autobahn it is a quick 220 kms, but still worthwhile pointing out that Stuttgart and the Black Forest are not close. But either area is nice. Stuttgart is a bit more urban with a good connection to München and Austria as well as to the North. The Black Forest is more quaint, but with lots of skiing in winter, lots of sight seeing in summer and within minutes of the French border and very close to Switzerland. I am from a place called Gengenbach ( worthwhile googling ) and from there it's 15 minutes to Strasbourg and 25 to Basel....:o).

Honestly I cannot remember the name of the village! But his mom has all these steins from Stuttgart, and my husband says you can see the Black Forest right outside his Opas house. I obviously have a great deal to learn about where is what in Germany.

GreatDepression

Aura is such a typical American. She thought the Black Forest is right by Stuttgart (it's not).

So peinlich. Äh.

db34fit69

In for later

Ang108

Aura is such a typical American. She thought the Black Forest is right by Stuttgart (it's not).

So peinlich. Äh.

I don't think it's necessarily peinlich, because one cannot know everything about a country, especially a foreign country. I just happen to know because Baden-Württemberg is my home state. I could not make statements about other states, because I don't know them. I just thought it would be interesting to know for the OP that they are not close together.

Ang108

GMO isn't unhealthy.

Traditional German food is very high fat (cheese, meat) and high carb (bread) so that can be a recipe for disaster if you don't control your portions. You'll find that the locals tend to eat small portions of these and restaurant/cafe/bakery portions are all smaller than in the US while costing more. However, like in any developed western nation, you can buy fresh produce and food at the grocery stores to make whatever you want. The average German grocery store is not huge and inclusive like American supermarkets but you can probably find whatever you want except for Mexican seasonings which are I know are popular with many Americans.

Also, every city and town has farmer market areas where you can buy fresh, good-tasting fruit and vegetables. These aren't that cheap compared to Walmart but they taste really good (and also spoil quickly).

The markets in Germany are great and operate year around, but there is also Walmart and Sam's club apart from German super market chains., US army people have the choice of shopping at the commissary, there is Ikea, plus of course Aldi in every town, since it is originally German. I don't think it is difficult at all for someone to eat a mainstream US diet, if that is what they chose to eat. I think for most foreigners it is much more difficult to get used to the fact that stores close at 6 pm and do not open on Sundays. That is more difficult than finding adequate food.

Ang108

Moving to Vilseck/Grafeonwoher, I'm pretty excited...my husband has family (his opa) lives near Stuttgart in a village by the Black Forest so I'm excited to meet him. My german is so not the best but I'm learning!

I've noticed a lot of Greek restaurants in pics for germany, is the food similar to here in the states at traditional Greek food?

I am from the Black Forest and just would like to point out that from there to Stuttgart 220kms, which I believe is about 140 miles. Of course on the Autobahn it is a quick 220 kms, but still worthwhile pointing out that Stuttgart and the Black Forest are not close. But either area is nice. Stuttgart is a bit more urban with a good connection to München and Austria as well as to the North. The Black Forest is more quaint, but with lots of skiing in winter, lots of sight seeing in summer and within minutes of the French border and very close to Switzerland. I am from a place called Gengenbach ( worthwhile googling ) and from there it's 15 minutes to Strasbourg and 25 to Basel....:o).

Honestly I cannot remember the name of the village! But his mom has all these steins from Stuttgart, and my husband says you can see the Black Forest right outside his Opas house. I obviously have a great deal to learn about where is what in Germany.

I don't doubt for a second that one can see the Black Forest from the grandfather's home.....but to do so you have to live within a very few kms. Seeing the Black Forest from Stuttgart would be like seeing Chicago from Madison/Wisconsin......:o).
Yes, you will have to learn a lot of new stuff, but I hope you will enjoy each and every day. Since I left Germany I have lived in 16 different countries and really enjoyed most of it.....the packing and international moves not so much.....:o).
Good Luck .....I am certain that once you adjust a little bit, you will be fine !

melaniecheeks

Will you be doing most of your own cooking, or relying on restaurants?

You'll be able to find lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and fish, and a fantastic range of cheese. The breads and pastries are marvellous, just watch your portion control. You'll find more owner-run restuarants than chains.

CoffeeCtrled

I don't know how Greek restaurants in the states are, but here in Germany there are usually huge amounts of mixed grilled meat along with fries or rice (or even both) and a bit salad decoration. That's not traditionally Greek food, more like people might imagine Greek food

Basically the "Balkan" part of the meal card that many restaurants have with more feta and possibly metaxa sauce.
Of course there's usually also something like moussaka.

I can also tell you, nobody I know only eats traditional German food. What stands for German food outside of Germany, is actually mostly Bavarian. In other regions there's other typical stuff. Unfortunately, that would be "Currywurst" in my region (Ruhr area)^^
I think, we are quite influenced by all the other countries around us and everyday life cooking is often shameless cross cooking. There is much variation. As healthy or unhealthy as one likes.
Bread and bread rolls might be a whole new world though, from what I heard. But that could also just be a stereotype, as I never lived in another country.

sarahchick1

I am currently living in Frankfurt. I'm originally from Canada.

Germany loves beer, meat and potatoes... I, however, do not love any of them. Haha.

I am a vegetarian - and I will say that despite German culture it is quite easy to eat here. I am in Hesse, which is a couple hours from Bavaria, but I think it's safe to say that all of Germany has a great fitness culture. People here love to cycle and run! There are great gyms here too.

Prior to moving here I was in France - and they have a very different fitness culture there. lol. So this part of moving was refreshing when I arrived in Frankfurt! People are outdoorsy and make a lot of events for outdoor activities.

I think also because Germany is relatively modern compared to other countries in Europe it is easier to eat more "modern" food (meaning you don't have to only eat the traditional cuisine - there are all sorts of fresh veggie options.)

Check out the Al Natura brand and chain store... I can find good options there when I can't seem to find it in a regular grocery store.

lovabee

I am from Germany myself and find it easy to eat healthy. It mostly depends on the choices you make when shopping. For packaged/processed food you will always find nutritional value and ingredients somewhere on the back. Also, I believe regulations concerning food origins and labeling are much stricter than in most other countries.
Every shop that I know offers a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Also in most rural regions there are still local farmers that will sell their goods to you. The good thing about that is that you don't have to keep to opening hours of shops. The ones that I know just leave milk/eggs in a fridge outside of their house where you can take whatever you need and leave the money in a nearby box.

3 years is quite some time. I'm sure you'll be fine after you have settled in

HereWeGoAgain7

My husband and I moved from the States to Germany just six months ago. Some of the things I've learned about food in German are:

- Local stores carry the fresh produce, but not always the type you are looking for (ie corn on the cob was amazing but we have yet to see it again)
- Don't be afraid to try new foods from the butcher or the bakery, but use common sense when judging portions
- Typical "American" fast food is available here (ie McDonalds, Burger King, etc) but they have differing menus and taste so much better than the states.
- Restaurants here take longer to get food out, especially with large groups. Relax, enjoy the company of your dinner companions. The food is almost always worth the wait.
- There is an abundance of food places that cater to all tastes in the bigger cities (pizza, doners, oriental style, Bavarian, Italian, etc) but it may be limited in smaller towns

All of my weight loss has been in the German culture (but i've also tripled my exercise not including the pedestrain lifestyle). We have switched from a fast food/restaurant style life to home cooking because the ingrediants here are often fresher and better tasting. Feel free to friend me for more advice on military in the German area, but if your husband grew up here you are miles ahead of me in culture and language lol.

AllieMarie2244

I have been doing so well lately in terms of keeping up with my calories and exercise, I'm really worried about this move.

My husband is military and we are about to go to Germany (Bavaria) for 3 years! As exciting as that is, I have no idea what kinda of foods to expect to see...my husband was basically raised there and being 6'3 240lbs he can't wait to eat everything...me I'm a little paranoid because as much as I want to enjoy my new surroundings I do not want to ruin my weight loss that's happened so far.

I'm glad that most of Europe has banned gmo, so that's great that I will not have to worry about that anymore. Germany is well known for it's fattening food.

Anyone have personal experience on what to eat to not tip the scales overseas?

my aunt moved to Germany for a bit for her husbands job and they loved it
also I remember her telling us her fridge was super small so she had to shop a lot and that means buying a lot of fresh veggies and fruit etc
you'll be fine just buy your veggies and produce and cook every day
also you tend to walk everywhere to travel around and see the sites so you will naturally get more exercise in

good luck!

stevencloser

There's plenty of lean meats and other things here. Lots of veggies and fruits. Also dairy products. Get Magerquark, 60-70 calories per 100 gram and 12 grams of protein in it. Tastes like crap without putting some herbs and salt/pepper in it though. Or put some honey, milk and fruit in it and you got yourself high protein yoghurt. Or plain Schnitzel (not breaded). Or chicken. We got everything. Really good stuff to meet your protein goals. Fats and carbs shouldn't be a problem to meet with the thousands of kinds of cheese and bread and other stuff we've got here.

Michelle_Padgett13

My dad was stationed in Zweibruecken from '85-'90 (that base closed in the 90s). It's been a minute since I've been over there, but here's my take:

1. The base you'll be on is a tiny island of America in a sea of Germany. On this island you will be able to find (almost) everything you found in the States. There will be familiar American food in the commissary and the restaurants on base. Easy to count calories and portion foods. No problem.

2. Off base, you may have a bit more difficulty. Figuring out how many calories are in your Gasthaus meal of wild game and spaetzle will be daunting at first. Take your German/English dictionary and translate any foods you don't recognize. Write down everything, with portion sizes estimated, and enter it later when you get home. Don't let weight loss goals come between you and some amazing German food, but don't go crazy either.

3. As other posters have said, walk and bike everywhere.

4. Do your best to learn the language. In my experience, Germans are extremely helpful and friendly, especially if they see you are trying your best to meet them on their terms.

Have fun! :drinker:

aarnwine2013

I've never been been there so I can't give you any advice but I wanted to say I'm super jealous! My husband is German and I hope to visit one day!

We have a German like village where we live that my husband and I visit often.

I would love to bike back and forth to work and have access to all the things mentioned here!

Good luck and keep us posted. You should start a blog about the move!

Luvbeers

I've been living in Austria for the last decade and I can tell you that yes the food is nice and fattening here, but it is not snack food they are meals and smaller portions generally (unless you eat at a restaurant that caters to tourists with large portions). I will give you some tips to follow:

1) Since hubby is in the military you will have access to the commissary shopping. Avoid this. Take advantage that you are not in the US for now and change your diet. The commissary is full of American snack food, condiments etc. Especially avoid things like butterball turkeys and stuffing around the holidays. You can get a local free range bird and make your own stuffing and gravy from scratch with so much less fat, salt and sugar. Someone mentioned mexican food. God I love mexican food, but you don't need to buy prepacked spices or tortillas you can make everything from scratch and it is so much better for you without the MSG and other additives. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-i/ and http://www.annies-eats.com/2014/05/05/corn-tortillas-from-scratch/ for example.

2) Find your local farmer's market and get an app like http://dict.leo.org/ and start learning the German words for things! Produce is very seasonal in Europe so you need to learn what dishes to make and what times of year. Anyway cook a lot of food from scratch there are no preservatives! And cut back on salt (use sea salt like Maldon instead of table salt it is a bit stronger so you can use less).

3) Get a bike with a basket (some cities have "citybikes" free for an hour from station to station) and a pair of running shoes and try not driving around all the time. There are MANY parties in the expat / military community so make sure you get in a lot exercise so you don't miss out at that BBQ beer bash or ball.

4) A lot of German bread is roggenmehl or black bread so it is easier to skip than big fluffy loaves of white bread everywhere. Try not to eat a lot of bread or pastries for breakfast.

5) Beer is pretty easy to count... Normal lager is about 200 cal per half liter 0,5l about 20 minutes of jogging. Try to fit in an hour of running in your day and you can down 3 beers at night!

6) Amazon.de is your friend but also your worst enemy you can get anything on there including food. Need to find something in English? Try ordering it from Amazon.co.uk

csuhar

The one thing you'll have in your favor is that most of Europe is more pedestrian/ bike friendly. The cultural norm will be to walk/ bike places....even daily walks to the grocery store. My advice (and what always works on vacations in Europe for me) is stay active and enjoy the food. Last time I was in Germany I spend 2-3 hours a day walking around the town and the hills around where my friend lives.

Very true. The food may be different, and when I lived there in the mid 90s, I remember a few meat products being advertised as "at least ___% fat", versus the tendency in the US to advertise how LEAN it is, but it's also a world more condusive to an active lifestyle. Not only is it possible to do more walking day-to-day because a lot of Europe was developed without cars in mind, but there are even activities like the volksmarches (think: organized hikes) that can give you an excuse to keep moving.

In the end, the rules of the game remain the same. Just make sure you're measuring your intake and expenditure and enjoy getting the chance to LIVE in another culture. It's much more fun than only getting to visit it while on vacation.

0somuchbetter0

I don't know Germany very well but I've lived in many different parts of the world and there's no reason you can't eat pretty much like you do at home. European food is labeled with nutritional information -- slightly different than in the U.S., but actually easier to read and measure because everything is metric and done by 100 g. As for restaurants and the local fare, just be reasonable and eat in moderation. It's not like you're moving someplace so very different...you're even going to be on a U.S. military base...that's like not leaving the country at all. LOL