Elephant in the room

I saw an interesting article – recommended by one of my best friends, author Martin W. Angler – on the German magazine GEO (03/2023)

The gist I think:

Five nutrients are crucial for us: proteins, carbohydrates, fats (macronutrients), sodium, and calcium (micronutrients). Our appetite is controlled by the intake of these nutrients, for example, through a craving for savory foods (umami), which means protein. Balanced diets contain all these nutrients, while ready-made meals lack protein and fiber. When consuming processed food, an innate craving for protein drives us to eat until we’ve ingested an appropriate protein dose. With highly processed food, we end up consuming excessive fats and carbohydrates. Therefore, it’s better to cook with fresh ingredients like vegetables, legumes, and grains. These foods are rich in fiber and provide quick satiation. By eating this way, we can always trust our appetite.