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Recession diets
From CopperWiki
Significant changes in consumer buying patterns were observed in the late 1970s, when runaway inflation prompted Americans to “switch from red meat to pork to poultry to pasta — then to peanut butter and jelly". During The Great Depression of 1929, historical records show that people initially limited the quantity, quality, and variety of food consumed and purchased. The price of bread dropped between these years from an advertised nine cents per loaf to three loaves for eight cents in West Chester in US. The price of cheese also dropped sharply from an average twenty-nine cents per pound to sixteen cents per pound recession.[1]
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[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
- The global economy is in recession with wages being cut, jobs being lost thereby spawning a culture of dietary thrift.
- For those in food business, it is important to decode the tastes of a suddenly thrifty public.
- The shifts in food habit may have an adverse impact on health.
- There is a way to tighten the belt as well as take care of ones health.
[edit] All about recession diets
A recession is "a period of slow or negative economic growth, accompanied by unemployment". The present recession which started in late 2008 is witnessing a slide in home prices, stagnant wages, job losses and a drop in growth rates and consumer spending. This has initiated a culture of thrift which has spilled into grocery bills.
- According to Nielsen research firm has deemed carbonated beverages, eggs, cups and plates and tobacco are most likely to be trimmed from household budgets, while dry pasta, candy, beer and pasta sauces are considered "recession-proof."
- A 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that foods high in calories and low in nutrients were cheaper than fruits and vegetables, throwing health concerns in with financial ones.
- The rapidly growing organic food industry could feel the pinch from tighter household budgets, despite years of double-digit sales growth. Organic foods tend to be higher priced than their conventionally produced counterparts, and organic fruits and vegetables can be two to three times as expensive. The Organic Trade Association said in August that sales for 2008 were projected to be $24 billion, and average annual growth of 18 percent should increase through this year and next. But a survey by market researcher The Hartman Group found that the use of organics began leveling off in 2006, a trend it expects to continue this year, and an Information Resources survey of 1,000 consumers in May found that 52 percent were buying less organics because of cost concerns.
- People are having more pasta and less red meat.
- Consumers are favouring less expensive store brands.
- A stronger-than-usual sales of peanut butter and spaghetti has been observed.
- Restaurants like Domino’s Pizza and Ruby Tuesday have suffered a falloff in orders, while those like McDonalds' have withstood the recession.
- While some people are sticking to low-cost home-cooked meals, others are opting for cheaper fast food alternatives as compared to healthy takeouts.
- Sales of premium crackers, cookies and beer have slipped. Sale of inexpensive domestic beers are up
- Some people are skipping drinks altogether while ordering at restaurants.
- People are going to give up really expensive functional foods and vitamin drinks.
[edit] Recession diets and health
Nutrition experts are genuinely concerned about the link between bad economy and bad health. Studies show that there is a connection between income and diet/obesity. In one such study of California’s population, he found that a 10% increase in poverty correlated with a 6% rise in adult obesity rates. In a 2004 essay for Nutrition Today, Drewnowski and Anne Barratt-Fornell of the University of Michigan confirmed that processed “energy dense” foods cost less calorie-for-calorie than their more nutrient-rich counterparts.[2]
[edit] Recession diets and environment
Recession diets might make the market for organic food smaller, thereby having an indirectly adverse impact on environment. However, less consumption translates into less waste in the landfill. Less waste is good for the environment.
[edit] What can I do?
- Prioritize where your money goes. Do not cut on health, natural and organic food in favour of inexpensive junk food and processed food.
- Substitute red meat with white meat.
- Go for home cooked food.
[edit] References
- A healthy food trend for 2009
- Recession Diet Just One Way to Tighten Belt The New York Times
- Saving Money Is In! The Recession Diet and The Shift To Frugal Living
- Americans may eat healthier during recession Los Angeles Times
- The Recession Diet
- Diets in West Chester during the Great Depression
