FOOD and NUTRITION: America vs. Poland | A dietitian's perspective

What is the difference between food and nutrition in Poland and America? Or are there any differences at all? I'm an American living in Poland, but I am also a dietitian and nutrition professional, so I have a lot of thoughts about the food and nutrition scene in both of these countries. From chemicals to the healthcare system, I'm sharing my thoughts on all things nutrition related!
What are your thoughts about food and nutrition in America or Poland? Did any of these surprise you? Let me know in the comments!
SUBSCRIBE and give this video a thumbs up if you enjoyed! I make NEW videos once a week, so I hope you stick around to see more about my life (and travels) in Poland and beyond.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:51 Disclaimer
02:03 Banned chemicals
03:36 Healthcare
07:38 Obesity rates
09:07: Are there any similarities?
11:10: What are your thoughts on food and nutrition?
_________________________
Want to watch more of my Polish content? Check out these videos!
GROCERY HAUL: HOW MUCH I SPEND IN A WEEK | Expat living in Krakow, Poland: • GROCERY HAUL: HOW MUCH...
9 Hardest Words to Say in POLISH (according to an American Expat): • 9 Hardest Words to Say...
HEALTHCARE in POLAND vs. AMERICA: • HEALTHCARE in POLAND v...
Life in POLAND as an AMERICAN EXPAT | Q & A with Your.Polish: • Life in POLAND as an A...
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LIVING IN POLAND VS. AMERICA: • DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LI...
_________________________
Disclaimer: I know every country has it's pros and cons, but overall I would say that I'm much happier here than I was in America!
Follow me on Instagram: sarah.achleithner
#foodandnutrition #nutrition #nutritionfacts #poland
food and nutrition, i love poland, expat life, travel video, poland travel guide, poland vlog, travel vlog, travel vlog poland, travel bloggers, travel, expat in poland, top travel vlogs, top travel bloggers, exploring series, best places to visit in europe, best places to live, best places to visit, what is it like to live in europe, how to make money vlogging, top travel tips, let's explore, poland, poland 2020, visit poland, travel vlogger, vlog, poland travel, krakow poland

[@peterdembinski5205]

You are absolutely correct! Food in Poland is better, taste as well as nutritional aspects. I feel healthier here and my metabolism functions better...if you know what I mean. 😉

[@SarahAchleithner]

Well said!

[@donbabilio8298]

not really. our polish diet is loaded with processed meats full of nitrates. kielbasa szynka of every kind is best consumed once a month

[@margplsr3120]

@@donbabilio8298 I am polish and vegetarian over 30 years alredy - there is tons of options to eat, restaurants, shops etc

[@kajosan79]

Referring to white bread, it seems to me that what in the US is called white bread and what it really is is not the same as what is called bread in Europe. Foiled square bread that can be squeezed to a slice thickness in Poland is called "pieczywo tostowe" (so it is not considered as a bread), it is something that can only be used for toast, where toasts are not so popular in Poland. Bread is used for sandwiches and in this specific Polish style 😂, i.e. open sandwiches, there is only one piece of bread, no other slice of bread on top of it. Such a sanwich must include cheese, ham or sausage, chives, tomato, lettuce, and possibly also cucumber.

[@SarahAchleithner]

American "bread" shouldn't even be called bread! It's a disgrace 😅

[@GdzieJestNemo]

@@SarahAchleithner Jonny Harris made a good vid about why US failed at bread - "How The U.S. Ruined Bread" /watch?v=FovIyqov1uA

[@tymdo]

My uncle who lives in US but is from Poland says that there is no bread in US, its only cotton. From what I know it triggered him so much that he starter baking his own bread

[@jurekprzychodzen6454]

I appreciate Sarah being honest and blunt about possible reasons behind American food containing toxic additives. It’s hard not to draw conclusions which authorities and skeptics dismiss as conspiracy theories.

[@SarahAchleithner]

Happy to talk about uncomfortable nutrition topics that are deemed controversial ;) thanks for watching!

[@mjmoore777]

You are extremely interesting to listen to, I appreciate so much you talking frankly about Poland and the city which you are living in. And as a bonus, knowing that you’re a nutritionist, makes a huge difference. I’ve only been to Poland wants to Warsaw for a stop over on my way to Ukraine, but I liked what I saw even then. My daughter-in-law is Polish, married to my son, and they live in Australia. I am an American, and Australian and I have dual citizenship, but I’m considering moving to Poland. It’s been some time they’re seeing what I like the most about different cities and different places. I’m a retired architect and master builder, and I have been doing missions work and Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries before the war started in Ukraine. On the subject of nutrition in the USA, it’s basically a joke, because it is kind of like big Pharma, big food producers do not care about the health of the people here, it’s all about the money. I’ve studied nutrition as a hobby, all my life And I’m very interested in what you’re saying. Keep up the wonderful work, and God bless you richly. Cheers, Michael

[@SarahAchleithner]

Thanks for watching! Would definitely recommend visiting Poland for a prolonged period of time if you're able to :)

[@piotrnowak3575]

You're great. Your videos are awesome. I'm a Polish doctor (nephrologist) and I'm going to visit my friends in the States this September, first time ever I will go to America, so I'll check it out :)

[@SarahAchleithner]

Thanks!! I hope you have a great time visiting the USA this fall. Be sure to eat a lot of good Mexican food!!!

[@piotrnowak3575]

@@SarahAchleithner Thanks for your advice, I'll do it.

[@KowalskyLeon]

Very interesting and important topic. I apreciate that you talk about it openly, without any political correctness, regardless the interests of the country of your origin, its corporations, especially pharmaceuticals, etc. I really appreciate people who are honest and tell the truth, just like the reality is. Thank you very much for this. I think all Polish people shoud hear your material about the topic to realize how the things work in usa and often in the western world and that not everything in the western world looks and works ideal or better than in Poland. I am above 40 and I have observed the changes in Poland for the last about 35 years and I must tell you, that I am not pleased with many processes in Poland in the last decades. I believe that many aspects of life in Poland, especially in terms of nutrition, have deteriorated under the influence of the so-called western culture. The quality of food in Poland 30-40 years ago was much better than today, despite the propaganda transmitted by today's media about the times of the so-called PRL, "communist Poland". My grandparents had their own farm in the countryside and I was brought up on the so-called homely food. And let me tell you that especially now when I pay more attention to healthy eating, I see a huge difference between the quality of food from my grandparents in the countryside and that offered in supermarket chains, fast food restaurants, etc. For this reason, I cultivate my own allotment garden, which my parents started in 1980. The quality of food from natural cultivation, on manure, without the use of chemicals, plant protection products, insecticides is really much better than those from supermarkets. It's much tastier and healthier for sure! Thank you once again and keep doing the great work of educating people in one of the most important aspects of their lives especially that you are from the country which society has already experienced the all problems connected with bad nutrition and the society in Poland instead of taking a lesson from it repeats the mistakes guided by some stupid and incomprehensible fashion. Best regards from northern Poland. 👍👏

[@SarahAchleithner]

Thanks so much for your insightful comment! I definitely agree with all of this--the Western culture is definitely impacting other countries in a negative way when it comes to nutrition.

[@KowalskyLeon]

@@SarahAchleithner I learned a little bit Chinese kitchen, way of cooking, preparing dishes from original Chinese people, in Germany and in China and I say, in terms of the nutrition culture they are centuries ahead compering with the western world. Their culture, tradition, knowledge in this aspect compering with the western world is like the present-day technology compared to the stone age.

[@tracznuroges7449]

​@@KowalskyLeon Podoba mi się Twój login. 😎

[@KowalskyLeon]

@@tracznuroges7449 Zakładam, że oglądałeś.😎

[@tracznuroges7449]

@@KowalskyLeon Owszem.

[@kon1402]

I enjoy your videos. In Poland, there is obesity, but you rarely see super large sizes. Some people carry a big "beer" belly in front of them but if you look closely at them, they also have considerate lean muscle mass. I am a strong believer in muscle mass, as muscles play a huge role in our metabolism and in how we manage being overweight. Overweight people in PL are exposed to a less stressful environment, they actually might be more physically active (walk more), and also include healthier options in their diet. I used to be obese, and I didn't have to change my diet; I just had to eat less and save cake for Sunday.

[@SarahAchleithner]

Thanks for watching! Absolutely agree that muscle mass plays an important part in health and wellbeing. Good for you for taking control of your health!

[@Beneficiis]

It's just a speculation but, I think obesity rate in Poland has a lot to do with BMI calculation itself. And label "obese". Most people here eat protein rich diet. There is a lot of people technically obese. But not morbidly obese. Usually also with decent amount of lean mass. So they end up classified as obese, with elevated fat % and related health risks but at glance they will not stand out as much. I myself am classified as obese. Not the best choices of lifestyle, too much stress. But if I avoid tight clothes I will look just a about average, belly and sides don't poke out that much (or at all if I go on diet and lose like 40 lbs..) 5'11 at 264 lbs . I think US has more morbidly obese in that number, with high % of fat in that mass, hence making it noticeable.

[@gt7507]

I admire your mind openness and honesty

[@SarahAchleithner]

Thanks so much!

[@bomberbaja111]

I have a question... What is the topic of " fat acceptance" in America really like? Are people rly in denial of medical arguments against obesity, calling random stuff fat phobic and finding dietary stuff emotionally harmfull? I watch Michelle McDaniell (" My thoughts will propably offend you" ) and these people range from comical to outright delusional 😂

[@PI0TYCH]

I think in Poland and the EU in general (actually more the EU than Poland solely) it is also about profit, but seen from another perspective. The majority uses public healthcare which is costfull. The healthier is the society, the more efficient it is, the more it earns, the more taxes they pay, the less we spend in our taxes (public health insurance - which is a tax in fact) on public healthcare. So nutrition matters. And those who want fast profit can invest in other branches of services, like healthy nutrition industry, building bike lanes, open air gyms etc., etc., in general all what helps and promotes to keep the society healthy, but all this infrastructure isn't for free it is built, serviced for money. European cities, and especially Polish are more walkable than American (what you've noticed in your other videos), we use less cars in big cities. All factors combined including a bit healthier food are targeted to keep the society healthier so in a result more capable to work efficiently. And it is a long term benefit to all. Of course it is the idealistic goal, not everything works well. There's a lot of to do, to improve, to invest (and earn on it). And still pharmacy industry gets profits but that's the complex topic for some other time.

[@marekrak86]

My thoughts: 1) Wealth over health approach in America. Money is on the first place 2) Monopolization. America is run by generals: General Fruit, General Motors, General Tobacco, General Dynamics, General ... whatever In Europe, there are more smaller food companies in every country, so more competition. The food industry lobby is more powerful in America than in Europe. 3) Specific preferences, for instance the need for white fluffy bread with long shelf life which is difficult to make without these chemicals. 4) Everybody needs to be dietician these days.

[@SarahAchleithner]

Absolutely agree with wealth > health when it comes to America. So sad...

[@TheFifthHorseman_]

4:15 In Type 2 diabetes insulin treatment is secondary, only really used if the patient cannot stabilize their metabolism with diet or exercise as the root cause of the issue is insulin resistance. In Type 1 it's literal life or death because the patient's pancreas doesn't produce insulin at all. At full price in Poland, a 15 ml supply of insulin is about $40-50 at full price, going down by 2/3rd with a valid prescription.

[@PI0TYCH]

IMO the best diet is a so-called MŻ (mniej żreć)- EL (eat less), combined with "move more", so ELMV.

[@SarahAchleithner]

Haha yes very true!

[@googleman857]

I've heard dr Fauci is retiring. You definitely have political skills and know a lot about healthy living, you should consider applying for his job. You can count on my vote. I disagree though about similarities implied. BigMac in US tastes like ... umm , I'm pretty sure I would have to use an uncensored word here. Never tasted one in Poland but the one we have here in the great white north is 10x better, and the one I had once in Aruba was absolutely out of this world. So similar, yet so different. In my mind the main difference between polish and american cuisines is that for centuries in Poland we developed the natural taste, nothing special, nothing out of ordinary, no additives, no taste enhancers, just the plain goodness of the FOOD. Just today I cooked some beef I picked up on sale. I used only salt and some garlic, result? It could easily be served in 3 Michelin *** restaurant.😉

[@SarahAchleithner]

Thanks for your kind words! It's amazing how chemicals can alter the food taste. And since so many Americans are used to chemicals, they don't realize how much better food tastes without all of the additives. To your point....beef here tastes so different than in the US!

[@Pablo-qz2ih]

Great video! I would like to know more about the typical diet of Polish people. What do you think Americans would struggle getting used to but can learn from Poland? Also, I know more people choose to walk more around the city while in America people use cars even for short distances. Do you know if there is a big “athletic/exercise” culture in Poland?

[@SarahAchleithner]

I think people here are quite active. Everywhere I go, I see people out running, walking, biking, roller bladding, etc. Plus the gyms are always pretty busy! But that's only from my experiences in Krakow; things could be different elsewhere in Poland. I think Americans would struggle getting used to how different the portion sizes are in Europe (and in Poland). The portions here are significantly smaller than in the US, so that would be an adjustment for people who are used to excessive amounts of food served at restaurants.

[@TheFifthHorseman_]

In Poland, cities are not rigidly zoned and typically various stores, offices etc are within walking distance. This likely contributes.

[@krismalecki8278]

I live in Canada but I spend a lot of time in USA due to my work. It seems to me that even though these countries are so similar and many foods are being imported to Canada from USA,still the stuff I buy at home seems to at least taste better.i.e.dairy or meats.

[@SarahAchleithner]

Great observation!

[@margplsr3120]

more about food :D !!!

[@SarahAchleithner]

Glad to hear you enjoy this topic! Will have to add more videos about this to my list :)

[@burakucomments7240]

Obisity in Poland is mainly among kids lately and elderly.

[@dariuszkorona7567]

Edukacja jest podstawą w walce z otyłością, w Polsce jest wprowadzony dodatkowy podatek od ilości cukru zawartego w produktach spożywczych, w szkołach zabroniona jest sprzedaż produktów z dużą zawartością cukru, w szkołach organizowane są konkursy, kto ma lepiej przygotowane przekąski (z reguły prze rodziców) zgodne ze współczesną wiedzą na temat żywienia, takie przekąski zawierają warzywa i owoce, ciemny chleb i napoje o niskiej zawartości cukru. Chleb w Polsce to osobny temat, w każdym mieście są prywatne, lokalne piekarnie gdzie się wyrabia i piecze chleb. Z reguły są dwa rodzaje wypieków, chleb wyrabiany z wykorzystaniem drożdży o fermentacji alkoholowej i chleb na zakwasie (pseudo drożdże) z wykorzystaniem fermentacji mlekowej. Chleb na zakwasie jest co raz popularniejszy, jest to chleb ciemny wyrabiany z mąki żytniej razowej lub z dodatkiem mąki pszennej razowej. Mąka razowa zawiera więcej błonnika i jest korzystniejsza dla organizmu człowieka pobudza perystaltykę jelit. Coraz więcej osób wypieka chleb samodzielnie w domu. W procesie wypieku chleba razowego hamowane jest kiełkowanie przetrwalników szkodliwych bakterii (rozwój lasecznika jest powodem tzw. choroby ziemniaczanej), eliminuje mykotoksyny zawarte w mące. Education is the basis in the fight against obesity, an additional tax on the amount of sugar contained in food products is introduced in Poland, the sale of products with a high sugar content is prohibited in schools, competitions are organized in schools who has better prepared snacks (usually by parents) Consistent with modern nutrition science, such snacks include fruits and vegetables, brown bread and low-sugar drinks. Bread in Poland is a separate topic, in every city there are private, local bakeries where bread is made and baked. There are generally two types of baked goods, bread made with alcoholic fermentation yeast and sourdough bread (pseudo yeast) with lactic fermentation. Sourdough bread is becoming more and more popular, it is a dark bread made from wholemeal rye flour or with the addition of wholemeal wheat flour. Wholemeal flour contains more fiber and is more beneficial for the human body, it stimulates intestinal peristalsis. More and more people bake their own bread at home. In the process of baking wholemeal bread, the germination of harmful bacterial spores is inhibited (the development of larvae is the cause of the so-called potato disease), and it eliminates mycotoxins contained in the flour.

[@michalziobro1984]

I think there are more obease people in the countryside. I would said this are people after 50 that move much less, eat junk food and watch tv. In the country side, probably lik in the suburbs in the US you have nothing to do, and nowhere to walk. So you spend time at home watch tv and eat cookies, chips, etc. I think it concerns mainly older womens that dont work profesionally and maybe just take care for their kids. The second group are childs, and I think it is also mostly related to suburbs and countryside. Such kids most of the tome spend in home watching TV, playing playstation and eating junk food. In Poland i know many people that are so lazy they even dont cook food at home for lunch/dinner (you dont have word for obiad at 1pm?). They eat cookies, chips and later they arent hungry ;) they drink a lot of soda drinks like coca cola. In cities like Krakow there are usually people with higher education and highe concious about what they childs eat. Also there usually are more posiblilites for activities, especially in the fall, winter. In the countryside you doesnt move and eat out of boredom junk food.

[@michalziobro1984]

Also Polish food can be greasy, eat depends what you eat. Also on countryside they eat a lot more of sausgaes and red mead.

[@SarahAchleithner]

These are all great points! Thanks for sharing your thoughts--super insightful!

[@arturdac3663]

You look beautiful in this "Ramoneska" jacket.

[@tombg]

Being obese is a medical term and the conditions in Poland to fulfill it are much more rigorous. You read official stats, but you can't compare those directly. It takes much less of an overweight to be considered as obese in Poland than in USA.

[@TheAkwarium]

it may be be because what Americans consider obese and what Polish people consider obese is different. Someone who's "fat" but can still move and do chores and stuff would be considered obese in Poland

[@paula.Elf_]

They knows that good food is still in Europe and Poland and it works how it can change it, it has almost worked to expand the import of GMOs and other things, the whole pandemic is make money on death a lot of people

[@SarahAchleithner]

yes, so true!

[@BBTeZeT]

Hi. I got a friend in LA, and he eats organic food only. Since that kind of food is available in the US, maybe it's a matter of people's education, so they not eat highly processed food, even if it's more expensive than "regular" food? After all people vote by their choices, so if they would stop eating unhealthy food, the companies that produce it would go bankrupt. But it's just my thinking probably not correct as I have never been in US nad I'm not familiar with the reality there.

[@TheFifthHorseman_]

It's also a matter of accessibility. Read up what "food deserts are"

[@Philip_kazmierski]

It's very interesting....listening to the Polish media, I get the impression that food quality in Poland has declined dramatically in the last few decades. This does not disprove anything you are saying, except maybe that American food could be far worse than thought of, in comparison?

[@SarahAchleithner]

Yeah, the American food is WAY worse. It's packed full of chemicals that are harmful for health, yet many foods are branded as "healthy" and marketed in a certain way that convinces people otherwise.

[@bornesulinowo391]

Europe is focused on safety. US on gain and risk. This is why so many substances are banned. At the end everything what we eat are chemical substances. European bueroctats just fear everything so they ban such things. Difference of life expentancy and health is not so big between Europe and US. Hence this not explain those bans. I don't know if you agree but I think substancial problem is rather that we eat to much and moving littl. Even worse than what we eat.

[@SarahAchleithner]

you are absolutely right!

[@janfelchner1543]

Obesity rate is rising in Poland, especially among young ones :-(

[@SarahAchleithner]

Yes, it's so sad to see!

[@emsdiy6857]

I know why ,the health care system is making money #1 reason

[@SarahAchleithner]

absolutely correct!

[@rafal10]

You talk too fast for me 🤣

[@SarahAchleithner]

sorry mate! What can I say...I just get too excited about nutrition ;)

[@ea6398]

We also more direct when talking to each other! If someone becomes fat we tell him you are so fat so that person do something!

[@SarahAchleithner]

hahah I love this approach 😅