Why We Should be Thankful for this Recession

Published by on August 22, 2008

America is as bloated as ever. With Hummers clogging up the roadways, Big Macs clogging our hearts, and pretty much everything being consumed in excess.

This country is horrible out of shape, and in bad health. Health care costs are well known to be one of the biggest risks facing this nation as Baby Boomers retire and our children continue to get fatter and fatter. What’s the solution? Well it’s not a simple one, but it’s a start: EAT LESS.

We’ve already seen what’s happened to our beloved Hummers, GM has tried unsuccessfully to sell them to an Indian company, but food is still an issue Americans having quite come to cope with.

Food Makers Have a Huge Opportunity

Food manufacturers should take up this cause and take a proactive step. They can setup a massive PR campaign championing healthy living, healthy eating, and then create products that play into this niche. The key element being: less. Food costs are rising on double-digit levels, and manufacturers are trying to figure out how to deliver the same product with increasing costs.

Do we raise prices?

Do we reduce quantities or make the package smaller so the contents appear bigger?

The answer is: you make the packages smaller, the contents less, and tell the consumer about it!

100 calorie snack bags are exploding. I know we can barely keep them stocked in our pantry. They make a great snack to bring to work, to eat on the weekends, and it’s a great way to control your intake and feel like you’re actually eating less (just try not to eat 2 of them).

Less is More

Marketers should look at the growing trend here for health. People are willing to pay more for organic, natural foods. They’re also willing to pay more for foods that are considered, “healthy.” What’s healthier than eating less crap than you used to? Doritos, why don’t you make mini-snack sized pouches of chips? Claim they’re 100-calorie packs or workout snacks or part of the Weight Watchers line.

Thank You, Recession

Thanks to the recession people will be walking more, eating less, and spending more wisely. This country needs to learn to limit itself, and this recession is coming at the perfect time.

Why else are you thankful for the recession?