That Stupid Paula Deen Is Making Me Fat!

71

By Angela Blair

Fat Food Monger In The Kitchen?

Chef Paula Deen -- Queen of Southern Cooking
Chef Paula Deen -- Queen of Southern Cooking
Source: Food Network, file

The devil made me eat rich foods?

Is there a word for “beyond ignorant?” How does ignorant go beyond ignorant? Well, just look at the news releases on Chef Paula Deen announcing she’s a victim of Type II Diabetes. Everything one reads seems to leave the impression that this lady’s cooking and recipes have been forced on them and because of her, and her alone, they have become victims of pounds and pounds of unwanted fat.

First of all, whatever Paula Deen’s health problems may be they’re her own personal business and she doesn’t have to share them with anyone – much less the press – unless and until she chooses. Seems she’s had diabetes for three years and just not made her condition public. If one studies a bit on Type II Diabetes they’ll find that this malady is caused by a plethora of reasons. Food, no matter how it’s prepared, is not the only cause/culprit.

Secondly, her diabetes became public when she endorsed a medication for diabetes which is also her right as a celebrity with huge name recognition. Celebrities make money from being famous – duh? One can’t even suppose she didn’t know what she was doing because when one endorses a product there’s no doubt one’s name is going to be before the public worldwide.

What happened to “choice” in this country? I’ll be the first to admit that Paul Deen advocates very rich and many times not very healthy cooking – BUT – she’s always been the first to admit that right up front. She’s exactly what she claims to be and that’s a “southern cook,” and southern cooks are famous for fattening, unhealthy ingredients and recipes – BUT they’re gooooood!

Being of the southern persuasion I understand how she feels and how she chooses what she cooks. I love to prepare and eat those rich southern foods that rarely even touch on healthy. However, a lot of my southern ancestors lived to ripe, old age and never ate anything else. Why? That’s all they knew existed and they liked what they were eating. Whether old age was in their genetics, their diet or some combination of both is up for grabs.

One thing southern cooks have going for them is they’re the best cooks in the world if one judges on taste alone. Can one person force another to eat what she cooks? Can one person force another to cook with her recipes? Not no, but hell no. It’s kind of like all those folks who sued tobacco companies because they chose to smoke. “It’s everybody’s fault but mine – I just chose to do it,” should be set to music.

Changing gears – but not much -- on the subject of eating and obesity -- there’s other new information available, too. Seems all those candy and soda pop machines that were taken out of schools are not the cause for childhood obesity. The powers that be – at least as reported by the mainstream press – have declared that the diet children eat at home is responsible for them being fat and not what they imbibe while at school.

Seems Michelle Obama needs to find another cause or rename the one she’s got going. Maybe she could call it “Eat What You’ve Got When You Can” or something similar as her good eating program for kids is obviously not supported by their parents whether by choice or circumstances. Truth be known, I’ll bet there’s lots of parents that are very limited financially and can’t provide the diet they’d like to feed their children because no one in the family can find work.

Now, there’s a consideration for you when choosing causes, Michelle. Either discuss this with Barry and get him straightened out about what’s going on or turn your interests (and causes) to things the unemployed can afford. Now there’s a thought, huh? Foods that go a long way and feed hungry families tend to lean toward the more starchy, filling foods rather than fresh fruits and vegetables.

I’d like to suggest that the little darlins’ also sit flat of their blubbery butts in front of television or a computer screen all day – from the cradle – and get no exercise. We don’t live in the day of a majority of kids doing much truly physical work around home or anywhere else and that’s a sure fire way to get fat and have no muscle strength at all. There was a time parents nearly had to hogtie kids to get them into the house for meals but that’s way in the past – may not even be politically correct anymore.

I’ve been thinking about all these problems and seems to me it’s that damned Paula Deen’s cooking all those fatty, unhealthy foods that’s making Americans obese, ruining Michelle Obama’s eating program for kids and making everyone in America lazy. Might be a good idea for parents to be on high alert as their kids might “catch” diabetes from her too – but then most don’t have to worry about that. They set the “how bad is it” meter on the television and can control what kids watch – it’s Paula Deen and the eating thingy that’s the real trouble.




Comments

2besure profile image

2besure Level 5 Commenter 4 months ago

Many chefs, fall prey to their own delicious cooking. The type diabetes Paula has can be cured with a healthy diet and exercise. Something us in our 60's don't always do. I wish her the best and would enjoy it if she created some healthy soul food recipes. She is a sweetheart and I want her around for a long while.

Wesman Todd Shaw profile image

Wesman Todd Shaw 4 months ago

hehehehhe.

I'm glad I'd "met" you here. I like your outlook!

I've gotten way into diet issues of late - but definitely not because of any problems I've ever had. I'm one of those that can eat anything they want to and not gain a pound.

I've got lots of friends who've gotten into vegetarian or vegan diets for "moral reasons." Well, I got sucked into that - not those diets, but thinking about them. Turns out that ...in my own not the least bit humble opinion - there's nothing the slightest bit morally superior in not eating meats.

The US FDA is a totally corrupt organization with a Monsanto Lawyer running the show (yeah thanks Obama....) and a eugenicist on the board of commissioners.

Lots of big wigs in the FDA are also heavily invested in grains, and that, my Brothers and Sisters, is why it is that fats and meat are being attacked in the media and news......but being fat and having diabetes can be tied to over consumption of...well, grains and other carbohydrates.

IN other words....the "Paleo diet" thingo....is the best diet; but at the same time, factory farmed meats have some very real health issues.

My Mother just LOVES Paula Deen!

I'm kinda partial to that blond hair dude with the short spiky hair? I guess not too partial, don't even know his name.

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

2besure -- I'm in absolute agreement with you -- I think she's not only a hoot but cooks my kind of food! Unfortunately, I'm a Type II Diabetic (which I control with diet, exercise and herbals) but when I'm going to "fall off the wagon" I lean to Paula Deen and her recipes. Thanks so very much for commenting -- glad to know I'm not alone in my admiration for her. Best, Sis

michiganman567 profile image

michiganman567 Level 4 Commenter 4 months ago

There are plenty of people cooking healthy food. Some of us would like something tasty once in a while. Michelle needs to worry about what she is eating rather than what we are eating.

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Hey Wes -- glad I met you, too and I enjoy your writing very much. I'm a huge Paula Deen fan -- even if the Hub doesn't sound that way and am also a Type II Diabetic who despises the medications prescribed for it so resort to diet, exercise and herbals. Fortunately, I'm still able to eat most of what I like -- in moderation. Being from Texas (unlike Oprah) I certainly don't want to offend beef producers -- or anyone else for that matter -- but thought all the yah-yah about Paula Deen not declaring her Type II Diabetes absolutely ridiculous. She cooks up some pretty good stuff and I'm a huge fan! Thanks so much for commenting -- much appreciated. Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Michiganman567 -- Wow -- do we ever agree! Being from the south "tasty" comes first with me and admittedly Paula Deen rarely deviates from that description. As to Michelle -- yeppers, she does need to worry about what she's eating instead of everybody else. She doesn't look very matronly coming at you but going away...well, I'm not gonna go there as it wouldn't be kind. LOL -- appreciate your comments - thanks - Best, Sis

poetvix profile image

poetvix Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

I love the south and will never leave again. The one time I ventured into Yankeeville for five days I almost starved. The food, if you can call it that, was nasty! I love Paula. I've tried several of her recipes and every one of them turned out yummy.

It's very refreshing to hear someone stop blaming schools for obesity in children! Hello, mandatory PE is the most exercise most of them get in a day. I loved the thoughts on Mrs. O's pathetic attempts to address the fattening of America. Most of my students with unemployed parents live on Ramon noodles. The healthiest meals they get are at school and your right. It's not because their parents are ignorant or don't want to provide better. They just can't right now. This was a very refreshing read! Thank you.

amymarie_5 profile image

amymarie_5 Level 6 Commenter 4 months ago

I think that it's irresponsible for Paula Deen to promote her unhealthy cooking while she's been hiding the fact that she had diabetes this whole time. Now she comes out so she could endorse some medication? Maybe she should endorse healthy eating instead of some more poison from the pharmaceutical companies.

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Hello Poetvix -- glad you're gonna stay in the south as we need all the pretty ladies we can get (we're known for that you know so we try to keep 'em here when we can). --you're right on target about PE, etc. and glad you agree on what some folks are HAVING to serve their kids these days -- I know that for a fact as I have some neighbors in that exact situation. Thanks so much for your excellent comments -- 'preciate you muchly. Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Hello Amymarie_5 -- points well taken but I have to disagree. Deen has always made it clear when her recipes are not considered "healthy" -- and for the record, most of them aren't as they're true southern cooking which by it's very nature could not be considered healthy by today's standards of nutrition. As to her being irresponsible -- well, guess that's all in the eye of the beholder. I have Type II Diabetes and if I were going to fault her for something it would be that she's promoting a medication for that ailment with which I disagree. Most diabetic medications are very hard on the old body although they do control blood sugar. Guess it all boils down to what trips our personal triggers. I appreciate your comments so very much and your points are well taken and stated. Thanks for stopping by - Best, Sis

rjsadowski profile image

rjsadowski Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

I agree with you. No one is forcing Paula Deen's viewers to eat fattening food. I am a type II diabetic and it runs in our family. I also know vegens who are diabetic. Last time I looked, this was still a free country. As rich as her food is it is better for you than most of the fast junk food that people eat.

amymarie_5 profile image

amymarie_5 Level 6 Commenter 4 months ago

Hi Angela,

My comment was simply based on your hub. I've never seen Paula Deen's show. My comment was not meant to offend. As rjsadoqski said, it's a free country ( I guess that was directed at me). I never said fatty foods should be banned. Most foods are okay in moderation.

My father also had diabetes so perhaps watching him stick needles in his arm everyday as a little girl has made me more cautious when it comes to nutrition.

habee profile image

habee Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

I loved this! Paula Deen is my culinary hero - the way she worked her way up from poverty is a real inspiration. I danced on your buttons!

CMerritt profile image

CMerritt Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

I have always told my wife, IF, in the event I was to have an affair, it would without a doubt be with Paula Deen....That womans ability to cook real food, goes beyond the beauty of the likes of Jennifer Lopez ...

I hope she stays healthy but continues to use that butter, sugar and lard to make those dishes that make my mouth water, just to WATCH her make.

My mother-in-law it 89 years old, and has always to this day used butter, lard and sugar for EVERYTHING and eats bacon like it is going out of style.

hey, this is a very good hub and I enjoyed it.

Eiddwen profile image

Eiddwen 4 months ago

Very interesting and another for that up up and away.

Take care and enjoy your day.

Eddy.

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

rjsadowski --amen on your comment. Putting blame on another for our bad choices, whether it be food or something else just doesn't make much sense to me. As previously stated here I actually love Paula Deen as she cooks in the southern tradition and I grew up with that. Your comments are sincerely appreciated! Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

amymarie_5 -- no problem, my dear. I certainly did not take offense at your comments -- your points were well taken and I'm flattered you stated your opinion. We all view any subject through a different lens and I'm always grateful to commenters on my Hubs. Thanks again -- and come back often. Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Hey Habee -- love the "dancing on your hubs" remark -- clever indeed and much appreciated, too! I'm a huge Paula Deen fan -- if she's cooking something I absolutely can't make work in my diabetic diet I just dream about it anyway! Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Cmerritt -- I'm with you all the way -- all the ingredients Paula uses is where flavor begins (healthy or not) and maybe we all need her to be the opposite of the "healthy eating" coin -- just so choices remain! Thanks for your comments! Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Eiddwen -- your comments are appreciated as always -- still reading your Indian Hubs and loving every minute of it -- stay focused on that, my dear -- very interesting. Always enjoy it when you visit my Hubs. Best, Sis

fpherj48 profile image

fpherj48 Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

Angela.....One doesn't need to watch cooking shows to know who Paula Deen is, that's for sure. She's everywhere, her own magazine and cookware!! She and Rachel should make every excellent cook realize the sad fact that although we make fabulous food......why did we not think of MARKETING OURSELVES??

I need to comment to Wes.....All these months of being your devoted fan, just blown to bits in one sentence!! HOW DARE YOU EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT AND NOT GAIN A POUND???!! GRRRRRRRRRRR!!

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

fpherj48 -- Ain't it the truth? However, my cooking is not what I should tout if I should try to market myself -- in fact, need to give that one some thought! Yeah, Wes is absolutely taunting us with his eating/not gaining comment. I do recall when I was very young (like before 40 years) I was just like him -- could eat like a horse and remain skinny as a rail. Ahhhh...those were the days! Thanks so much for your comments -- loved it! Best, Sis

livelonger profile image

livelonger Level 6 Commenter 4 months ago

I think it's a little strange to come down on Paula Deen the way Anthony Bourdain did (not Michelle Obama - she has said nothing; why are you bringing her up?).

Paula has never claimed her stuff is health food, even though her versions of southern food is not exactly traditional (she tends to go over the top, but that's what makes her show so entertaining). And, sadly, diabetes affects millions of people, maybe some who eat a bit too much of the food that Deen prepares on her show. But Deen is not a health authority, so maybe some of her fans can also watch Dr Oz to keep things in balance.

rlldrlld profile image

rlldrlld 4 months ago

I love Paula and her enthusiasm for good eatin'! There is no replacement for real butter, cream, full fat cheese...yum. I was so sorry to hear of her illness, but I believe her zest for life will allow her to pull through just fine. Great article-so fun to read!

WillStarr profile image

WillStarr Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

When I was a kid, everything we ate was loaded with sugar and fat, but all of my friends were fit because we played outside, unless it was raining hard or in the middle of a blizzard. Kids today are fat due to electronics and parents who don't boot them out of the house.

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Hi Livelonger -- the reason I bought up Michelle O. is she's been so involved in school kids eating proper food in school, etc.and it's now been determined school isn't where that happens but in their own homes -- just a silly shot -- she has nothing at all, whatsoever to do with Paula Deen. I love Bourdain but think he got a bit carried away on his remarks about Deen -- but that's his right so who am I to judge? I still enjoy and love Deen and would probably watch if she was making mud pies. Thanks so much for commenting - Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Hi rlldrlld -- I agree with you -- I adore her and her upbeat attitude. Type II Diabetes is controllable now and I'm confident she has the best medical care available. I'm looking forward to a lot more years with Paula and her fattening foods -- after all, we can choose what we eat (and I really choose the kind of food she cooks but have to use a bit of common sense there!) Thanks so much for your comments! Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Hey Will -- I think you hit it right on the head! My Granny used to have to practically drag me in the house to eat and sleep -- sure not as much kid interest in the outdoors these days. I was grown before I knew one didn't add a lot of grease, etc. when cooking food -- Granny was a southern cook and that's how I learned. She also had some sort of sweets cooked all the time. I'm always amused at folks who take drugs by the handfull for everything from ingrown toenails to whatever else is the "in" thing at the moment and yet fear food like it's a cobra. I'm definitely showing my age these days with my outdated ideas (and the first to admit it) LOL -- Best, Sis

Lady Wordsmith profile image

Lady Wordsmith 4 months ago

I have a tendency to cook rich food. I love it, because it tastes so very good. If something tastes better with half a pint of double cream, then I'll put it in! I'm lucky because I can just about manage to feed my kids a reasonable amount of fresh fruit and vegetables - but there's nothing wrong with allowing them to enjoy their food as well. They burn off all the bad stuff when I throw them outside to play in our garden, or take them out for long walks in the hills. I've always been brought up know that 'everything in moderation' will be fine - and so I cook with salt, butter, cream, cheese, and all bad things, because they're yum!

Really interesting and entertaining hub. You made me hungry, and I now would like to go and find out more about southern cooking...

Linda.

livelonger profile image

livelonger Level 6 Commenter 4 months ago

Angela - I like her charm, too, and when it comes to culinary travesties, I'd probably point to Sandra Lee instead (although her show is amusing in a totally different way).

As for Michelle Obama: I see absolutely nothing wrong with improving the quality of school lunches, or encouraging kids to understand where their food comes from. I see the junk kids eat today in schools, and am really floored. :)

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Lady Wordsmith -- thanks for your delightful comments -- and congrats to you for seeing that your kids get exercise. I know it's bound to be difficult today with so many games, internet, etc. but seems to me you're on the right track in that exercise is as important as what's eaten! Now I'm hungry, too -- later! Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Livelonger -- I was totally surprised when I read that kids eat worse at home than they do at school and that the "experts" are now saying it's home food rather than junk food at school that's causing the childhood obesity problem. My reference to Michelle O. was meant as a joke -- she's not one of my favorite people but she's done a lot of good work where diet for kids is concerned. Glad you came back by -- appreciate it! Best, Sis

mpoche4 profile image

mpoche4 Level 3 Commenter 4 months ago

I couldn't agree more with your rantings. No one forces food into your mouth except for you. Make the choice to eat healthy or eat unhealthy- it is your body and you alone will have to deal with the ramifications.

I do think, however, that if your foods are affecting your health, why not just scale back a bit- only eat 2 sticks of butter a week instead of 4!! :) Just kidding, but really why not have etouffe and souffle on the weekends and try to eat healthier during the week? I think there is always a balance.

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

mpoche4 -- couldn't agree with you more -- particularly on the etouffe and souffle on the weekends. Diet is an individual responsibility and obviously moderation is key -- don't think Paula Deen is responsible for all the unhealthy eaters in this country nor is anyone else. Appreciate your commenting (and loving your Hubs)! Best, Sis

breakfastpop profile image

breakfastpop Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

You have way too much comon sense!

dahoglund profile image

dahoglund Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

I have type 2 diabetes but I have never been fat.exercise does help control diabetes but not cure it.It might help prevent it.The government makes all the kids take school buses when they used to walk to school.That couldn't have anything to do with child hood obesity, could it?

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Pop -- that's not the first time I've been told that and I take it as a compliment. I've also been known to color outside the lines occasionally so perhaps that's why I stay so confused? Thanks so much for commenting! Best, Sis

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Dahoglund -- I have Type II also and am not fat. I was, however, heavier than I'd ever been when diagnosed about 10 years ago. I've since lost the weight, depend on diet, exercise and herbals. So far so good -- of course docs don't approve of herbals but mine says "keep on keeping on as it's working" so there you are! Appreciate your comments -- and yes, no exercise is a huge contributor to childhood obesity in my mind. Best, Sis

kelleyward profile image

kelleyward Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

I have type 1 diabetes and I am very concerned about Paul Deen and her misattempt to hide diabetes. I work out never eat fatty or high carb foods because I am a mom of three young boys. Yeah for her that she was given 60 years to eat butter, fat, carbs and not reap the consequences but it is irresponsible of her to suggest that lifestyle as a great way to live. I conceptualize her on the same level as an drug addict. She is a food addict. I feel for her and hope that she decides to make the right decisions for her own health not based on the money she hopes to receive from being the spoke person for a type 2 diabetic drug. Thanks for the hub.

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 4 months ago

Hi Kelleyward -- so sorry to hear about your diabetes -- I'm Type II and keep mine under control with herbals, diet and exercise. I don't know that Deen actually really eats like she cooks -- before or after diabetes --however, if she's cooking something loaded with fat and calories she's always made that clear at the beginning of her shows. Although she cooks "southern" (which is obviously not a health-conscious diet) I don't think she's ever advocated for or condoned poor eating habits or diet. Thanks so much for commenting on this Hub -- I appreciate it very much. Best, Sis

Sharyn's Slant profile image

Sharyn's Slant Level 7 Commenter 3 months ago

Hi Angela,

I began writing a hub on Paula Dean (sitting on it for days now) and I just haven't been able to finish it. I came across what you wrote and I don't think I'll finish mine. I really appreciate what you have to say here. The thought that kept running through my mind for my hub was "we all have choices." And you clearly bring that up. I can't understand why so many people have to be so mean and judge so harshly.

I hope you don't mind me mentioning this but as I have been doing research, everything is quite negative about Paula Deen right now. Because of your title, I thought it was going to be another knock against her. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. But the title made me think otherwise. Well, I'm off to write on another subject - thanks for this great article.

Sharyn

Angela Blair profile image

Angela Blair Hub Author 3 months ago

Hey Sharyn -- first of all love the way you spell your name -- unusual and soooo classy! Yeah, the press is trying to beat Poor Paula to death and I feel it's so unfair. Adults have choices -- and should make them is the way I see it -- but then I'm oldern' dirt! Paula needs all the defense she can get -- oughta go ahead and publish your Hub -- and we can both defend her! Thanks so much for commenting and it's great to meet you! Best, Sis

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