Dietetics have flourished in recent years in the city / Gonzalo Calvelo
A tendency to change towards the “healthy”, prices that are matched with foods that should be “kept at bay” and even recipes that advanced in times of forced confinement due to the pandemic seem to push changes, both in the body and in the supply of local commerce.
The modifications, specialists and merchants told this newspaper, are noticeable in the expansion of new commercial items and also in the modification of other well-known ones, such as bakeries, now with options to take away without guilt.
In 2016, the Healthy Food Basket was on average 27.1% more expensive than the conventional one and last year, the gap fell to 19.3%. The data derived from a study by the Observatory for Provincial Development. In the healthy basket, a 40% reduction in sugar consumption and a 50% reduction in salt was contemplated. Cookies, cold meats, butter, sugary drinks, dressings and concentrated condiments and alcoholic beverages are also eliminated. The incidence of ultra-processed products decreases by 90% and table water is incorporated at the recommended levels.
The graduate in Nutrition and secretary of the Association of Nutritionists of the Laura Chiormi Province, (MP 008), maintained that there are hopeful signs of those who are interested in having a healthier life and are informed, but it is also necessary to ensure that food is your reach. “Unfortunately, the consumption of fruits and vegetables is not increasing and people fall back on the most monotonous ones,” said the professional.
The nutritionist highlighted that during the pandemic there was a change in habits that should continue to be encouraged, “people took care to eat better, to return to elaborate dishes; The labeling law also emerged, but in addition to information, work must be done, for example, in school settings, to think about what can be improved to prevent diseases, ”she added.
Only 6% of the population consume fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet. The professional recommended stocking up with local products. “Nothing that is sold in a grocery store can be questioned; On the other hand, it must be taken into account that some products sold in dietetics can lead to confusion because they have sugars or are fried, as is the case with bananas, ”she said.
The fruit and vegetable producer Héctor Pestrín is the fourth generation in the business and recognizes that there have been important changes in eating habits. “In the first 8 months of the pandemic, it was very noticeable, people prepared their food, and in 2021 it relaxed, but those with better purchasing power know how to buy and consume more fruits and vegetables,” he pointed out.
Pestrín stressed that the change in eating habits is noticeable mainly in young people. “They buy an avocado even if it costs $150 because they know it is nutritious and that with a few more products they can make a good dish,” he added.
Along these lines, the producer stressed that it would be important to strengthen all information channels so that those with fewer resources learn to eat healthier and not just processed flours.
Hugo Natale, from the Association of Bakery Owners, said that a few years ago they began to consume more whole seeds and also bread with grains and whole grains, but the premixes are expensive.
“The seeds or grains have a stability process for later use that is very expensive, but if it is not done, they have an unpleasant taste,” he said.
Natale indicated that with the preparation of bread without salt there is no problem because it is the same as that of ordinary bread.