From the moment I have first arrived in Liechtenstein, I was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly the locals’ eating culture is intertwined with their active lifestyle and focus on overall well-being. It quickly became clear that maintaining a healthy and balanced way of life is a priority here as it obviously should.
Compared to the Czech Republic, where I come from, the difference in food choices is striking. In Liechtenstein, people tend to make healthier decisions, and it is reflected in their overall lifestyle. Back home, fried dishes like schnitzels and fried cheese are standard, but here in Liechtenstein I hardly ever see such heavy meals, even in restaurants. From what I have experienced, fried food is not a common offering. One thing that stands out to me is that meals almost always include a fresh salad or crispy vegetables, even alongside heavier dishes. It is a simple yet impactful change that I have grown to appreciate, as it brings a balance to every meal.
One of the things that really stood out to me in Liechtenstein is the emphasis on balanced meals. Every dish here seems to be prepared with a focus on nutrition, always including a source of protein whether it is meat, fish, or plant-based options. This not only keeps you feeling full but also ensures your body gets the nutrients it needs. It is a big contrast to some of the heavier Czech meals I grew up with, where proteins are often replaced by carbohydrates like dumplings. I also noticed that instead of frying, they prefer boiling or baking, which cuts down on unhealthy fats and makes the meals feel lighter but still satisfying.
Something else I have found really refreshing is how much time people here dedicate to eating. Meal times are not rushed. Iin fact, lunch breaks usually last around an hour. People genuinely take their time, savoring both the food and the social experience, trying to connect with others by the table. Meals here often have a social element to them, with plenty of chatting and laughter around the table. Which is just something rarely observed in Czech Republic, where only 30 minutes for meals are scheduled.
As I see it as a Finance student, healthy lifestyle choices conclude to the fact that the inhabitants experience a higher standard of health. This resolves in a lower existence of a lifestyle related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues. As a result there might be a significantly reduced need for extensive health care services. It means that the public funds including taxes and contribution to health insurance can be smaller or allocated somewhere else like in education, infrastructure or sustainable development. By focusing on preventive health through a lifestyle, Lichtenstein creates a more effective use of financial resources benefiting the whole community. When the citizens are fit, they is also a reduced need for early retirement or disability benefits. Moreover a lower demand for healthcare services can hep keep the prices for insurance more affordable.
With such an approach to the eating culture and habits, it is no surprise that the people in Lichtenstein are generally very fit and lean, a healthy lifestyle is seen as something what goes hand in hand with caring of the mental health in general. It is not just about what the locals eat-it is more the way they live. A diet rich in nutrients, combined with sport outdoor activities allow locals to stay active. If the relaced way of living added, we can get a perfect harmony between body and soul needs. I would love to see the same lifestyle choices in Czech Republic one day.