Supermarkets use clever tricks to tempt consumers into buying more — and more expensive — products. Here’s a list of some of the most common tactics: Hungry people buy more, which is why freshly baked bread is often sold in-store. If no bread is baked, an artificial bread scent may be used.Free samples also trigger…
In almost all countries, people eat a warm meal around midday, but in the Netherlands, we typically have a sandwich with cheese. Is that healthier? Eating a warm lunch used to be very normal in the Netherlands. In most households, a hot meal was served at home around noon. In the evening, people would eat…
Eierkoeken are a typical treat from the three southern provinces of the Netherlands, though in Groningen they’re also known as pleverkouk. Their popularity skyrocketed—sales increased tenfold—after Sonja Bakker recommended them as a low-fat, low-calorie snack. Unfortunately, that’s not entirely true: even though they look light and airy, one eierkoek contains more calories than two apples.…
Not all Dutch people spend their vacations lounging on the beach. It’s estimated that 15% of trips abroad and 25% of domestic trips are active holidays — such as cycling tours or hiking trips. But which is healthier: an active holiday or a lazy one? Holidays are healthy for four main reasons: First, they offer…
“Slow living” is a phrase that’s being heard more and more. Slow coffee, slow food, and much more. But what’s the idea behind it? By working hard, you can achieve a lot. So the reasoning seems logical: If I work even harder, I can make my life even better. But that’s not true. Working even…
What’s important to know when foraging, and which plants are easy for beginners? Wild plants usually have a stronger flavor than supermarket vegetables and can be a fun and unique addition to the kitchen. In principle, foraging requires permission from the landowner. Picking large quantities is prohibited and can result in a fine. Make sure…
Rösti is a national dish of Switzerland, mainly eaten by the German-speaking population. It consists of grated potato and can be mixed with many other ingredients. You can also make a sweet potato rösti. In this recipe, rösti is used as a base for a tray bake, giving it a unique texture and flavor. Ingredients…
Among people with a low household income, nearly half (44.1%) never exercise. For people with a higher household income, the picture is quite different: only 7 percent never exercise. Sports that are more commonly practiced by people with a low income include darts and mini golf. Golf, winter sports, mountain biking, and outdoor fitness (like…
Stress plays a major role in our society. Everyone experiences it from time to time, but few people truly understand how stress works. Six steps can be identified: Step 1: A stressor from the outside appears or comes closer — for example, a tiger or a deadline.Step 2: The body determines that there is danger…
Tempeh, tofu, and tahoe – there are many soy-based products on the market as meat substitutes. What are the differences, and how are they made? Tempeh is made by fermenting soybeans for about two days with a fungal culture. In tempeh, the individual soybeans are still visible, and it has a nutty flavor. Tempeh is…
Ube is a purple root vegetable from Asia and the Americas that is not yet very well known in the Netherlands. Ube is also called purple sweet potato. The flavor is mildly sweet and slightly savory, but according to experts, it lies somewhere between pistachio, white chocolate, vanilla, and coconut. In this sweet recipe, its…
Walking on the beach feels much more intense than walking on grass. What effects do soft surfaces have on your workout? Asphalt is a stiff and unyielding surface. Concrete is even stiffer and harder. Grass, soft trails, or sand, on the other hand, are very yielding. As a result, the amount of time your foot…
