Isn’t a “Healthy-Eating Cruise” an Oxymoron?

11/3/11

In what has to be one of the oddest partnerships I’ve heard of so far, Rodale, publisher of the best-selling book “Eat This, Not That!” has partnered with Celebrity Cruises to offer a new series of interactive onboard activities themed around healthy eating choices.  These include an interactive trivia game, cooking and mixology demonstrations, and enrichment talks by experts. (Irwin, 2011)

Supposedly consumers have been clamoring for fitness-theme cruises because they are very health-conscious.  Really?  I thought cruises were all about gluttony, with 24-hour all you can eat options abounding. 

Does this sound like an idea that can work, or is this just an attempt to shed unhealthy perceptions of cruising?  Would you go on a healthy-eating cruise?  Would anyone you know?

Irwin, T. (2011, October 25).  Celebrity Cruises, Rodale Join for Wellness.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved November 2, 2011, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/161025/celebrity-cruises-rodale-join-for-wellness.html?edition=39555

Will redefining rice as a main meal element increase sales for Uncle Ben’s?

4/13/11

Back in the early ‘80’s when I worked on Uncle Ben’s I had to convince the client that the competitive set for Uncle Ben’s rice was not just other rice, but rather the broader category of starch side dishes. It was a tough sell.

Now comes word that Uncle Ben’s is repositioning its products as the foundation for a healthy meal. The recently launched “Begin With Ben” campaign points out that rice offers variety and flavor, and combines well with vegetables and other healthy ingredients. (Lukovitz, 2011)

It’s an interesting approach; particularly since so many ethnic cuisines use rice in this manner. What do you think? Will the 53% of people who say they would make healthier meals if they just had the time be motivated to eat more rice?


Lukovitz, K. (2011, April 8) Uncle Ben’s Stresses Rice as Healthy Foundation. mediapost.com. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=148287&nid=125597