 The cockroaches came swarming from under the bed, and Paula Deen decided she'd had enough. At 44, the newly minted restaurateur had been through a lot: She'd grown up without a real bathroom, living in the back of her family's souvenir shop and gas station, lost her father when he was only 40 and her mother just four years after that, weathered a difficult marriage to her hard-drinking high school sweetheart and begun to wrest herself from the grip of a crippling panic disorder. But a roiling mass of bugs in her increasingly unkempt home - that, she recounted in her 2007 memoir "It Ain't All About the Cookin'," was her lowest moment yet. Now 65, Paula Deen is one of the best-known, highest paid, and arguably most beloved food personalities in the world. She is also one of the most polarizing. While legions of fans cheer on her homey, hammy, butter-glutted spin on Southern comfort food, an increasingly vocal number are eager to see Deen twist in the wind for what they see as her crimes against health, animal welfare, the environment and possibly even her own employees. She was skewered recently after announcing she was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago and is a paid spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, the company that makes the diabetes drug Victoza. But on air and in her cookbooks, her recipes have never varied from their sugar, salt and fat-laden norm. This week, she and her brother, Earl "Bubba" Hiers, were targets of a lawsuit by a former employee of a restaurant they co-own. Lisa T. Jackson alleges that during the five years she worked there, she witnessed numerous acts of violence, discrimination and racism. The siblings' lawyers issued a statement denying the claims: "We will hold Ms. Jackson [the plaintiff] and her lawyer accountable for these false allegations. We look forward to our day in court." So how did a sweet, spunky, salty little cheerleader from Albany, Georgia, become one of the most controversial figures in the food world? Rags to riches to controversy Deen declined to be interviewed this week, but much of her life story has been laid out in her memoir, co-written by Sherry Suib Cohen, in on-camera conversations with Larry King and Oprah Winfrey, and in earlier interviews with other journalists, including this writer. Paula Hiers grew up pretty, popular and poor, coming of age in a town at the center of the civil rights movement, according to her memoir. While her parents, Earl and Corrie, didn't always have much in the way of material goods, young Paula got three square meals a day and some artful cooking instruction from her maternal grandmother. At Grandmother Paul's side, she learned the fundamentals of cooking that would come to define her: fatback seasoned greens, crunchy fried chicken, peach pies, country steaks, creamed potatoes and, yes, all the butter and sugar she could possibly get her hands on. Good food, young Paula learned, was conducive to love and being loved. As a teenager, she began to explore other appetites. She smoked her first cigarette at 15, she said in a recent interview, and sneaked out of the house with her girlfriends to dance, flirt and otherwise canoodle with boys. At 17, she caught her first glimpse of Jimmy Deen, the most beautiful boy she'd ever seen. At 18, she went out on her first date with him, and by 19, much to her parents' chagrin (they had wanted her to go to school for dental hygiene to ensure herself some financial stability), she became Mrs. Paula Deen. The marriage was tumultuous from the get-go, churned by their mutual immaturity and Jimmy's drinking, but the worst was yet to come. Just a few months after the wedding, Paula's father had a car wreck and died a couple of days later. Paula's world cracked apart. When her mother died from bone cancer just a few years later, Paula, then just 23, crumbled. She wouldn't recover for nearly two decades. This was in the days before Internet message boards and online support groups. So Paula had no idea there was a name for the condition that kept her imprisoned in her own home, afraid of public places: agoraphobia. She just knew that every moment of every day she believed from the bottom of her heart that she or someone she loved would draw their last breath. The world outside was terrifying, so she stopped participating in it and stopped going outside. Broke, panicked, ashamed and shuffled from house to house to house (nearly 20 in 20 years) by a husband who lacked a steady job, Deen sought refuge in the one place she felt safe and in control: the kitchen. With two boys to feed by then, cooking offered some sort of normalcy and nostalgia, nurturing and purpose – that is, if the family could afford groceries. By her own account in her memoir, she also got awfully good at faking perky. For many who suffer with extreme emotional ailments, feelings of depression and anxiety are compounded by fear of someone finding out they're not quite normal. If there was one thing (other than cooking) that the ex-cheerleader could manage, it was a toothy grin and a peppy "Hey, y'all!" Bundle that with tasty casseroles and irresistible sweets, and not a soul on Earth would suspect that anything was amiss, or turn down the top-notch hostess. That is, unless they had been through it themselves. At long last, a neighbor who also suffered from panic attacks caught on to Deen's patterns. Her burden wasn't lifted, but suddenly it was shared, and she began to find it all a little less shameful to talk about. Then one day the neighbor called and crowed: "Turn on Phil Donahue!" The talk show host devoted the hour to people who couldn't face the fears lurking just outside their front doors. Finally, Deen had a name for her darkness. Recalling that moment when she learned she was agoraphobic, Deen said she sat on the bed and cried with relief. "I'm not crazy. I'm not crazy..." Bolstered by a reasonable if unofficial diagnosis (in her only previous attempt at counseling, she says, a minister told her she was being a spoiled brat and that her husband's daily beer drinking did not constitute a problem), she began to push her boundaries in an attempt to become a "functioning agoraphobic." Her self-administered therapy included trekking to the Albany mall and, depending who she was with, venturing farther and farther inside. The effort continued apace, bolstering her to the point that she was able to hold down a job as a bank teller. Then misfortune struck again. The bank was robbed by a masked man with a gun, and she relapsed. Jimmy eventually moved the family to Savannah and at 40, Paula realized: She wasn't dead yet. And when you're not dead, you might as well try to make a living. She was working in billing at a hospital when a friend suggested she sell her delicious sandwiches door to door at local businesses. Armed with a scheme and a cute name, "The Bag Lady," she asked Jimmy for $200 from her tax return. A career was born. Her son Jamie was a reluctant recruit to the business. Deen pressed him into service as a delivery boy. She was driven by the fear that she might not be able to provide for her family, a worry that remains to this day. On a recent "Oprah's Next Chapter," she described a recurring dream of not being able to find two nickels in her pocket. "When you've been on the other side," Deen said, "you never forget." The business thrived, and Deen brought on staff, eventually turning the business into a full-fledged restaurant called "The Lady." After 27 years, she asked her husband for a divorce, she wrote in the memoir, after learning he'd lied about making their son's truck payments. Paula paid off the debt and got the truck back. Though she and Jimmy remain on good terms and she frequently asserts in interviews that he is an excellent father, he'd lost her heart forever. Alone for the first time since age 19, Deen threw herself into her work and the care of new pet birds, neglecting her own well-being and housekeeping until that fateful night when the cockroaches emerged from under the bed. It was time to exterminate the past. Larger than life – and a target In public, Deen is unmistakably a celebrity and larger than life. Her physical presence is almost shocking; the hue of her hair and teeth and those Disney blue eyes seem cranked up just a notch or two beyond the normal human range. She is also bawdy as all get-out, never missing an opportunity to make a side-splitting sexual innuendo. Her fans - the millions who tune in to her Food Network series, line up at her in-person events, use her cookbooks and branded edibles and kitchenware, read her magazines, eat at her restaurants and buy her line of home furnishings - love her for it. Deen reminds them of their sassy Southern aunt, or at least the one they wish they'd had. She's got an entourage that flanks and protects her, perhaps a vestige of the coping strategies she once employed to overcome her agoraphobia. The people surrounding her are often kin by blood or marriage, or have been on Team Paula for a very long time. There's one notable absence now: She and her longtime spokesperson and marketer Nancy Assuncao parted ways earlier this year, telling the New York Daily News she just couldn't support her client's decision to align herself with the diabetes drug Victoza. Criticism of that decision was swift and pointed. Author and "No Reservations" host Anthony Bourdain, who in a previous TV Guide interview referred to Deen as the "worst, most dangerous person in America" for her unhealthy food, tweeted: "Thinking of getting into the leg-breaking business so I can profitably sell crutches later." Southern chef John Currence tweeted: "Dear Paula Deen – A big thank you for making us look dumber again. Please shut the [expletive] up. Love, those of us trying to make a difference." Publications like The Atlantic gleefully tallied up the nutritional damage of some of Deen's most notorious dishes, like the Fat Darrell sandwich, deep-fried lasagna and the Krispy Kreme doughnut-swaddled The Lady's Brunch Burger. SF Gate columnist Paolo Lucchesi bemoaned that, "There was not one modicum of regret or culpability for her entire persona and recipe encyclopedia, which is pretty much a butter-lubed bobsled ride to Diabetesville." The overwhelming sentiment: Take responsibility for your actions, Paula, and don't profit off unhealthy fare. Except for a reported pledge to share some of her Novo Nordisk money with the American Diabetes Association, Deen didn't blink, and for the most part, neither did many of her deeply devoted fans. This is not the first time Deen has been perceived as using an act of charity to balance out a controversial deal. She has been taken to task by critics like New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman who see her as profiting off unethical treatment of animals with her endorsement of Smithfield ham, and Deen has countered with highly publicized public distribution of pork products to food banks. "I have been a fan of Paula Deen for a long time but I never really thought twice about the dangers of her cooking, because I have a choice to cook those recipes or not," said Tamira Williams, a criminal justice student who, like Paula, grew up in the south. "I am a little tired of hearing people blame Paula Deen because they are obese. She didn't make you eat anything, she didn't make you fry it, she didn't make you drown it in gravy and/or butter and she didn't bring a single bag of sugar to your home." Williams continued, "She didn't really have to tell anyone about her personal health condition and, as far as the money she is making, I can assure you that she is not the only one getting kickbacks. She is just the only one who actually spoke out about it." Jennifer Turner, a 36-year-old freelance writer from Manheim, Pennsylvania, remains firm in her fandom as well. "She admits that she's a cook and not a doctor, yet she is a highly visible public figure and a role model for many people. I am glad she agreed to confess her medical condition, but I also think we judge celebrities harshly. I don't harass my family members or friends because they overeat or cook with butter and sugar while being obese. So why should I discontinue being her fan?" Turner and her family also find inspiration in Deen's rags-to-riches story. "Just yesterday, I reminded my children of how Paula sent her sons to peddle sandwiches around town in the beginning of her career. My kids sometimes complain about their household chore assignments or sacrifices. I remind them that families stick together, just like Paula Deen and her boys." The lawsuit Deen faces is a family affair. Named alongside her brother, who came to live with Paula and Jimmy when he was orphaned at 16, Deen was slapped with allegations from a former general manager of Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House, including one saying she had used racial epithets when referring to African-Americans who worked for Paula Deen Enterprises. Her brother has also been accused of openly watching pornography in the restaurant's kitchen. The statement by the siblings' lawyer says all charges were investigated and found to be false. It goes on to cast aspersions on the plaintiff's true motives. "She has made baseless, inflammatory allegations, threatening to go to the press and ruin Paula Deen's reputation and the reputation of her businesses unless we paid her a large sum of money. We refused to bow to that kind of pressure and refused to pay money to address false claims." On Friday, CNN's sister network, HLN, obtained a letter to Deen written by Jackson, the plaintiff, three months before she quit her job at the restaurant. It read, in part, "When I came to work for this company, I felt hopeless. I needed something, some opportunity that could provide me hope as an individual, as a woman, to make it on my own. At 15, homeless, without parents and with a young child, my life was headed in a direction no one could ever assume positive. ... Since then I have become the independent woman I have always wanted to be. I have been given opportunities that I never thought possible, all because of you and Bubba." And as Jackson herself pointed out in the letter, Deen's fan base remains strong, no matter what. "People appreciate you and respect you as a person and the personal struggles and stories you have to tell. People want to KNOW you and what you have had to go through to get where you are." Even if it's a bed full of cockroaches. Previously - Hugh Acheson: Southern food beyond the butter and Paula Deen confirms that she has type 2 diabetes, unveils partnership with drug company |
Trifecta Health and Psychiatrist Dr. Fruitman offers Adult ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Weight Management and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression in New York City.
Actually, a high fat, low carb diet full of healthy animal and saturated fats is about the best diet for good health and preventing diabetes. The fact is fat is good for us and excess carbs ( including grains) are the problem. We have been lied to since the 70's when the government came up with the lipid hypothesis without any science to back it up. Add to that the push to eat copius amounts of whole grains (a political move to benefit the USDA) and the proliferation of HFCS and processed foods and you have our obesity and diabetes epidemic. We are basically eating what amounts to an all day glucose drip and we wonder why we are sick and fat. Time to question your closely held nutritional beliefs..just because it is common knowledge, doesn't mean it is true.
i like trainsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
i need help what are some of paula deens charactristics
For starters, she can spell.
Omg what a bunch of pompous losers. Hiding behind a computer while attacking a person who you don't even know is really going to accomplish a lot. Right. Get over yourselves and go create a Food Network show dedicated to healthful food and healthy lifestyles. Geez, what a bunch of geniuses.
Thank You!
She is one corn fed hag (from my house to yers) and the food at The Lady and Sons is horrible – its a tacky buffet – she just coasts on her celebrity status – The lawsuit allegations – I have no idea on those.That will obviously play out eventually. Bubba probably needs to keep on digging for oysters.
Dang it George. I was with you until you added "liberal losers". If you look back over some of my comments on this, I was talking about taking personal responsibility. I am a liberal. Why did you have to go there when you had such a good comment?
I love it when your worst critics are raging idiots:
[SF Gate columnist Paolo Lucchesi bemoaned that, "There was not one modicum of regret or culpability for her entire persona and recipe encyclopedia, which is pretty much a butter-lubed bobsled ride to Diabetesville."]
Yep...because we alllllllllll know for a 100% FACT that eating the wrong foods will ensure that you get Diabetes...
Mrs. P I’m one of your fans and proud of it! I had the privilege of meeting you last summer in Savannah at one of your book signings. Our conversation only lasted a few minutes, but it was long enough for me to affirm that you are a sincere and wonderful woman as so many others will also vehemently declare!
So continue to hold your head up high. How many restaurants actually have patrons lined up around the block just waiting to get in and sample your restaurant’s delicious fare? Not many! Love you and keep cooking! You’re an inspiration to us all!
Paula'S receipes are taste-tested and very,very good with a variety of differest ingredients. Those other so called TV COOKS have to always have the basic ingredients of onions, tomatoes, and carrots in their cooking. HOW BLAND CAN YOU BE IN LIFE. Go Paula!!!
She's a moneygrubbing pig who has chicklets for teeth, a lard @ss, no cooking talent and makes the south look exactly as they are: a bunch of corpulent, ignorant, loud, uneducated, uncivilized, evangelical, evolution denying Darwin Awards winners. Lol
Very ugly comment. Go ahead and yuck it up... all by yourself.
Coming from a poster called Ben Dover. Too funny.
You must be a very unhappy person.
Good one! Ha!
Hide behind an ugly name Dover and spew hate. What a coward, what a bitter lonely person you are. This is why CNN should allow banning of certain IP addresses.
"She didn't make you eat anything, she didn't make you fry it, she didn't make you drown it in gravy and/or butter and she didn't bring a single bag of sugar to your home."
Actually, she did make many people do it. It's called marketing, and companies (including TV networks) spend billions of dollars a year manipulating people into buying their products.
Wow. If you buy that flimsy excuse, you'll buy into anything. What flavor Kool-aid's on your menu today?
I'll bet you are one of the folks in life who are always looking for an opportunity to sue someone because you didn't want to take responsibility for your own choices. Remember the McDonald's customer who sued for spilling HOT coffee in his lap? I am so tired of people looking for the get rich quick schemes. You don't even have to watch her show you idiot and you don't have to buy the ingredients and you sure don't have to cook it. Either you are stupid or an opportunist. Get a life.
Everything you say is true ... however Paula Dean has a responsibility to her fans to lead by example. When she decided to become a spokesperson for a diabetes drug, that's when she made her biggest mistake. It's not about reaching for a pill, it's about healthy living and she blew it. Her fans listen to what she says and follow what she does. I always admired her for her determination and success, but her poor decision definitely changed my mind about her. We all make mistakes and I hope that she will recognize her mistake and work at turning that around.
"... Paula Dean has a responsibility to her fans to lead by example."
No she doesn't. Anyone who follows the example set by celebrities, then plays the blame game for their shortcomings, is such a fool, they shouldn't be allowed to procreate.
Paula Deen has, on several occaisions, told the world she is chosing to eat moderately and healthier. That does not mean you give up sugar and butter. It means you eat healthier and incorporate more healthy choices along with moderation of the unhealthy choices. People on here just type what ever pops in their head without reading and learning before they type.
Leslie, she has said just that over and over and over. Do some reading.
My question is why people get so worked up over Deen's cooking. If you don't like it, don't eat it. She ain't forcing anyone. If you can't stand her show, don't watch it. I'll never understand why people get so upset over other people's business.
Can't watch her, don't like her, she's not a chef, she's a line cook if that. Don't know how she got a TV program. I tuned out ever since I saw her make a meatloaf sandwich and slather both pieces of thick white bread with mayonnaise. Not my idea of comfort food and certainly not worthy of a TV program.
If she used Miracle Whip would you like her?
I love Miss Paula! I am a fat redneck with a big ol pickup truck and an old dog named Chester. I would like Miss Paula to cook me up a big meal of porkchops fried in butter and a mess of Okra lathered in (of course butter) followed by a tub of mashed potatoes smothered in whipped butter. My dessert of choice would be Miss Paula herself without makeup and her oversized eyelashes,she would be smothered in butter (of course) ! I bet this old coot could make her squeal like an over stimulated donkey.
Let me ask a question prease: Does Mrs Deen cook everything with butter? And why is that a bad thing? Man cannot live by eating bean sprouts and alfalfa leaves. Always remember the Great quote by the grand master of all: Confucious. He say: Man who jump over turnstile in airport surely going to Bangkok. It may be rice wine to you but its Sake to me! Sayonara everyone.
And you're the donkey, right Bubba?
I can't stand Deen's hypocriisy or her "diet", but that's no reason to eat her!
Maybe Anthony Bourdain could shut up as well since he obviously has no constructive factoids of his own to add, such as...That rich, southern food is basically FRENCH food. It can kill you if you eat it and drink beer, instead of wine. But wine is for liberals, right? I respect that both liberal and conservative Americans are willing to die for their misguided socio-political perceptions. Home of the brave and all..
Here is a Factoid...." The KKK took my Baby Away " only because her teeth shined a light on our path to Boiled Peanuts,Fried Frog Legs,and double chocolate peanut butter pie,with 2 sticks of Butter. Wipe your chin,Azzwipe.
I'd like to use some of Paula's fat to fry up some home fries. Maybe start a new craze and take the limelight off of duck fat for awhile. Paulatatoes.
Did not know about her agoraphobia. She has overcome a lot in her life and I congratulate her for that. It is good to be able to afford to spray for cockroaches (I would have them, too, if I didn't spray). I am not originally from the south, although I live there now, and don't like that style of rich food, but it is what she knew and what gave comfort to her while she overcame her challenges. She did let us know the truth about her medical condition and her corporate sponsorship and that took some courage. Good luck, Paula.
People rail against "BIG" businessman who do unethical but "legal" things to make money. This woman MAY have been ignorant of the damage her cooking was doing. She CHOOSE to hide the fact that it had contributed to her health problems until she landed a BIG contract with the BIG drug company. If people are going to damn "Big Pharma" they have to include their shills. The fact that she is now "revising" her recipes demonstrates that she now knows.
Instead of apologizing she remains adamant that she did "nothing wrong". Concealing her knowledge for 3 years while promoting cooking that she no longer did for herself and her family is completely unethical.
If you do not like the atmosphere in business EVERYONE has to be accountable.
I'm going to get into the leg-breaking business, then start selling crutches!
This stuff is hilarious. I fully agree with all of this noise about having the choice to eat/cook Paula's food. Totally agree. I bet other people in the country would enjoy that option too. When it comes to something popular it's all good to have that choice right? But lets say something else were in the crosshairs like maybe abortion. Then it becomes completely different. No choice allowed!! I love it. Oh and to Emma, I believe this article shows that Paula spent 20+ years getting the help of a man. Not the greatest help, but it could have been worse. Take your illogical feminist agenda somewhere else, lady.
Please tell me that she didn't really marry a guy named Jimmy Dean. The sausage jokes just sizzle.
Over hyped, overwieght, way, way, way over-rated as a cook, she is a disgrace to the culinary industry.
Agreed, but take it easy, Chef. Seems a lot of folks here would implode if they saw Deen for what she really is. Plato's allegory of the cave and all that.
All you chefs are such arrogant,pompous a##es. Anybody can cook. Since when have we started to worship these idiots. Stay in the back of the restaurant where you belong. The last time I went into a restaurant and ordered a "gourmet" meal for 65 bucks I almost threw up, It wasn't enough slop to feed a small bird. Please take your sloppy cooking habits and tattoos and hit the road. We should hold in high esteem all the highly educated people in this country, and stop praising these burger flappers! Case closed, I'm going to heat up a TV dinner for,and enjoy it.
Whoa- lets get something straight-
ANYONE can follow a receipe, however not EVERYONE can cook...
My fathers mother, an ol' Jew from NY was the worst cook in the world- this woman turned regular pasta green, without adding anything to the water. That woman cooked 2 meals well- brisket and chopped liver- that was it, and even she used to say that. She could follow a receipe, but it never came out "right"... never delicious, never tasty, most of the time the meal was plain, even if she followed the receipe to a "T".
HOWEVER- my mother, grandmother (on her side) and I are all fabulous cooks, we've even discussed opening a restaurant. It is a palate thing- the best cooks can taste and distinguish more flavors than the average person, and that's what makes them a good cook. It has to do with your taste buds, your sense of smell, and the way your brain "reads" food. It's akin to wine somaliers, they can just taste different flavors in wine, pick out exact ingredients- same thing with most good cooks.
When it comes to Paula- it is very easy to make one of her dishes with low fat, low chloresteral, if you know how to cook and you know how to substitue ingredients. There are full websites and books dedicated to teaching how to substitute ingredients.
Jealous much, "chef"?
She's also a disgrace to lying, hypocrisy, charm, and cardiovascular systems.
I don't see a whole buncha people complaining about French Cooking here. Full of butter and cream, has been for a thousand years. Quit hatin'! Unlike the government that says what can and can't be sold and consumed, most people can choose not to cook what she teaches. Further, if you're not smart enough to know that you can't eat this stuff for every meal, every day, you just don't got no sense!
Ugh. You are so misinformed. Take a history lesson on French cooking, then come back. You're only about 75 years late.
I don't know anything about you, but you're a huge disgrace ta booklarnin', aintcha?
Haters be hatin'...
If you don't like her food, don't cook/eat it.... If you don't like that her cookware is made in China, don't buy it...
Cookware made in china is bad, but yet most of these complainers I'll bet have iPhones and iPads made by forced slave labor in China!
People have choices. You choose to make or not to make her food. It's no different than if you pull into the nearest fast food joint or drive on by.
My biggest issue with Paula Deen is the fact that her cookware is made in China. I think that when you look at how she is living the American Dream, due to her following by Americans, she should feel compelled to give others the opportunity to have the same dream. And she could do that by providing jobs right here in America instead of importing her items from China.
Sorry to burst this bubble, but no American would actually work those jobs making cookware in a factory. Americans are spoiled and lazy and think they should be given money simply for being themselves and waking up each day. Just ask the farmers in Alabama how the who giving back jobs to Americans which the Mexican illegals had 'stolen' Their crops rotted in the field ya know. The only result of trying to give Americans these jobs is that the world would have no cookware.
Enough with bashing Paula Deen. She is a entertainer and excellent cook. I enjoy watching Paula's many cooking shows, but over the years I have only made about 2-3 items. Though most of her recipes are extremely rich & high in calories, you can tweek them to your liking. In regard to her baking, her recipes are no worse then any other celebrity chef or cookbook author.
Moderation is the key.
I
CNN, I'm done with you. Haven't you attacked Granny Paula enough? I've been reading and posting on CNN.com for several years now, but no more. I'm not going to waste anymore time on this site. A site that continually promotes haters like Limbaugh and dumps on harmless people like Paula Dean. Delete my CNN log-in, I'm signing out for the last time. (Hello Huffington Post).
Dear Emma, Oh No! Bye.
There are those who think that an insulin pump will make the fat, sugar and sedentary life style okay. Lifestyle change by itself will not solve the health issues of diabetes but it helps. Paula had 3 years to say “I can do this and it can still taste good” and she chose not to. You are so enamored of her success and claim others attack due simply because of that? 3 years moves at a crawl when suffering with an illness. Imagine the money that could have been raised for juvenile diabetes in those 3 years, how much weight could have been lost in Alabama and Georgia (which is at a tie with Michigan for obesity and diabetes). She finally comes clean after an endorsement deal and people are baffled by the disdain? I’m baffled by the lack of a critical thought process.
In defense of Paula, she did not invent comfort food. I believe that people were eating that way for years before and after she came on the scene. What I like about Paula is even though she's southern and I'm not, she promotes home cooking. She makes her own cakes, frosting, mac n cheese, etc. My mother did too and so did her mother and guess what? My mother got diabetes in her 60's. Is that Paula's fault? Anyway, I think diabetes is due more to a lack of exercise than to diet. So blaming Paula for her diet or the fact that she promotes it is ridiculous. Now, if she already had diabetes before she became famous and still promoted unhealthy eating on her show, that would be a different story. She is a victim like the rest of us of the food industry that has consistently sought out ways to produce cheaper and lower quality foods for the last 75 years or more. High fructose corn syrup (a cheap alternative to sugar). It's so cheap in fact that they put it in everything. I don't think my Grandmother ever put high fructose corn syrup in her homemade spaghetti sauce but it's in just about every brand of tomato sauce sold at the supermarket. And what about the fact that there are over 4000 different food additives, not to mention artificial colors and flavors? There are so many processed foods now and non food items in the processed foods (ingredients not utilized by the home cook as McDonald's like to call them) that it's mind boggling! We've all been poisoned in so many ways and now we come to find out that 85% of processed foods also contain 1 or more genetically modified ingredients. In my opinion, unlike processed food manufacturers, at least Paula still promotes having a relationship with food, i.e. preparing/cooking your own food. I think if you are going to eat cake. cookies, hamburgers or fried food, it's still healthier to eat the homemade version than to eat the commercially prepared version. Because at least that way, you know what is in your food.
How can anyone say that Paula Deen is the most beloved personality on the Food Network or anywhere else?!?! She claims that the food she cooks is healthy. Really?!?!!? How can it be healthy when she uses so much salt, sugar,I HATE it, everytime she says, what sounds like, "Hey Yoaw." Her voice is so incredibly annoyingly grating!!!! & various forms of fat? And to wait 3 years after she was told that she is Diabeti, before she tells everyone else? Seriously?!?!?!?! Paula Deen is a hypocrite!!!! What planet are you from or what planet do you live on, Paula Deen? I hope that the Foold Network permanently cancels her show & rfefuses to allow any future Paula Deen shows on the Food Network. By the way, I have never been, I am not now, nore will I ever be a fan of Paula Deen!!
the owners of Ben and Jerry's have come down with diabetes as well, I wonder how many of these self starters in the food business have this happen to them
This woman has done nothing wrong
Seems Carole finally crawled out from under her rock, maybe it is about time you went back under. For someone not being a fan seems to know alot about the show. what planet well Carole for sure it is not the one you think you are on.
Your overuse of certain punctuation is annoying – please refrain from being ridiculous where other people can see you.
Paula Deen has never claimed the food she cooks is healthy.
I am a Paula Deen fan and I use her recipes at special events.She has good character.She clearly states in her cookbook that these are NOT lowfat recipes.The haters just hate HER because she has made something of her life along with fortune.If you don't like her cooking preferences, don't cook them.Take responsibility for YOUR own health and stop blaming Paula Deen, McDonalds, and whoever else. I am looking forward to her next cookbook.
I have never heard of this lady before reading this article, however, I don't understand what the fuss is about. She makes a living cooking food that people enjoy eating. Is she telling people it's healthy when it's not? From what I read, it appears there are no secrets to the health value of her foods. If it's unhealthy, eat it in moderation or not at all. Do you give the McDonalds employee a hard time because they are flipping unhealthy burgers? It's not like she's stuffing the food down your throat. People need to lighten up, take some responsibility for their own actions, and leave this poor lady alone.
To ATLmatt: the correct spelling is "diabetes".
Don't you remember the Wilford Brimley commercials for Liberty Medical? For all your diabeetus supply needs, yo.
Paula Deen is a real person to me. Think about it, she got rich from making sandwiches. Thats some hard work and serious saving to get where she is at now. Granted, most her recipies are unhealthy, even Paula calls it comfort food. She has diabedies due to that same unhealthy eating. Anybody who says they didnt already know the food was unhealthy is lieing. However, nothing in moderation is bad for you. Even though i grew up on the same cooking as Paula's, as i grew up and learned more about food, i stoped eating that way. That being said i still have good ole southern cooking occassionally which consists of fried meat and gravy( potatoes, rice, or grits ) with fresh veggies. Just because she had diabedies doesnt not change the fact that she is a southern food icon, nor does it make her fake or bad person.
Sorry but I really feel she is lacking in character for taking money from a drug company for a disease that is directly caused by the type of lifestyle she promotes in her show. I'm sure you know about the major increase in Type II diabetes in this country as well as obesity. Deen is NOT responsible for this. But she could use her fame to try to make a positive difference. Instread all she cares about is making more money. Ok she isn't a bad person but she isn't a good one either.
I'm sorry; did I miss where Paula Deen offered herself up as the role-model for healthy eating? Our society has become nothing more than a pathetic, blame everyone else except yourself for your problems, frivolous lawsuit filing bunch of liberal losers; God forbid we hold ourselves accountable for what we put into our own mouthes. I also think it's quite hypocritical of one of Paula Dee's biggest critics, Anthony Bourdain, talking about Paula's "bad health habits", all the while he's sucking down cancer sticks (and probably getting a huge kickback from Phillip Morris for encouraging smoking).
you were doing so well until you decided to call everyone that is a liberal (who also agreed with you) a loser
I am sure that conservatives and liberals alike share or are against your views, it has nothing to do AT ALL with liberal/conservative
Liberal Losers is right. You so had it nailed until you went there, because that made all the sense you made worthless. You should have made your point and withheld your finger-pointing. Because you made it obvious that the sentiment is neither, liberal or conservative.
George. I was with you until you added "liberal losers". If you look back over some of my comments on this, I was talking about taking personal responsibility. I am a liberal. Why did you have to go there when you had such a good comment?
What about all the celebrities that do ads for cholesterol meds and everything else... celebrities have always done ads for diseases that were brought on by lifestyle choices. Give them a break - maybe you need a little more comfort food in your life so you won't be such a judgemental person. Have a freaking 1/2 c of mac n cheese and get off your soapbox just because your jealous that you are famous enough to back a product and get a little cash.
always thought she was as phony as a 3 dollar bill. that sweet syrupie southern twang is so adlibbed I'm surprised more people don't see through it.
she has a debilitating illness
her perkiness is to compensate for her illness
I think it makes perfect sense as to why she would over compensate and think she is brave
Apparently her perkiness comes from the pounds of sugar she eats a day.
can't argue with that
Diabetes is NOT an illness. You do NOT get over diabetes. You are never cured. There is nothing wrong with the ingredients this woman uses in her recipes, what is wrong is in the amounts people consume. You can enjoy a butter rich piece of pie, you just cannot eat the whole pie.
If you ever saw her show when she first came on the air, she wasn't like that originally. I think the network told her she needed to "play it up".
Why would someone take the time to write an artical trashing this person? Paula Deen has literally made her own way in life and is now enjoying the benefits. Maybe the person who wrote this article was raised with a silver spoon in their mouth and never have to do without in life. Probably they look down on Southerners as well. If you do not like her show, don't watch! What a stupid thing to write about.
Lova ya, Paula!
Wait. This whole time I thought this was about Paula Deen, and couldn't for the life of me figure out why so many seem so moved by this repulsive hack. Then I realized by the picture at top, it's actually Ollie of Kukla, Fran and Ollie, so I get the devotion. Carry on.
"and arguably most beloved food personalities in the world". Really...I've been in quite a few places in the world, and few outside of here have heard of her. The ones that have say that with a combination of Paula Deen and junk food, it’s hardly surprising that we are the fattest and the unhealthiest nation on the planet. She has put the image of American chefs back at least a century. I think it’s inspirational that she has pulled herself out of poverty, but celebrity has to be allied with responsibility for the sake of those who follow her. Unfortunately, responsibility has never been on the Deen menu.
Come on people....take responsibility for you own actions! If you eat, cook or purchase sugar, butter, fried chicken and or french fries it is your decision. Don't blame Paula Deen! Turn that channel! Go buy some spinach and black beans and cook it up with lemon pepper and olive oil and leave our Southern cooking alone!
You honestly consider what she does is authentic Southern cooking? Really?
grow a pair and make your own way in life
DO NOT blame others for what you CHOOSE to put into your mouth
really you are a spineless jellyfish of a human being
I cant stand Paula Deen but the bigger question is why cnn had profiled a story about her for three days. enough already...
I ate at the Lady and Her Sons in Savanah sometime in the mid-2000s. Maybe 2004. The food was awful IMO and mostly because of that experience I never really followed her rise to fame. I guess I just never got her appeal.
sounds like you have good sense, impeccable tastes, and a discerning palate.
I'm sure that I am just reiterating what everyone else has said, but I have no problem with Paula Deen's style of cooking. I will openly admit that I have made some of Paula's recipes and use them IN MODERATION! I supplement them with very healthy meals. I think everyone needs to lighten up. Paula provides the public with recipes that are hearty home cooked meals that are true to southern culture.
I LOVE Paule Deen!!!!! She has some fantastic recipes.......... And guess what? I'm not fat!
how often do you follow her recipes? keep eating like she demonstrates and I bet you end up with diabetus.
How can you hate anyone that deep fries mac & cheese?
Forums and comment sections make me very sad. When did it become acceptable to outright deride and belittle people so viciously? Nasty name calling and finger pointing all around. We all have choices to make in our daily lives; from what we watch on TV to the foods we put in our mouths, except for in communist and impoverished countries these choices are our own to make. Paula Deen's only crime is that she found what makes money. This doesn't make her any different than Larry the Cable Guy, Big Tobacco, or Anthony Bourdain himself. He berates Paula for her life style when he himself smokes and drinks, two things also proven to cause death and health problems; but hey, his show works; people watch it and he gets paid. Let humans make their own decisions and live with the consequences, but for goodness sake, stop being so DISGUSTING to one another.
Well said.
Well Said!
Too true! I have never been a Paula fan (her accent annoys the s#!% outta me) but she hasn't done anything wrong. We live in a country where we are free to make our own choices. Paula Deen isn't the national chef. People can choose to follow a different recipe. If they cannot use her recipes in moderation and understand that their food choices are their own, maybe they shouldn't be around open flames or hot cooktops.
Looking at Paula Deen, I can't help but think that she is an example of how a piece of ignorant WT can end up making millions in this country. I find her repulsive, uncouth, and not attractive at all. She is no role model–just a southern slob who made it big on high-fat food and little else.
Well if she's white trash, then what is someone that leaves hateful, ignorant and bigoted statement about those they do not know? I'd be willing to bet her manners are much better than yours.
Wow, somebody needs a hug.
With a little practice, there's hope for you too.
I admire her for how she got herself out of a horrible situation and made a name for herself. I don't admire her sloppy food handling like when putting cupcake batter into the pan, she uses her fingers to get the batter off the spoon. I also don't like the ways she shovels food into her mouth like a hog.
Hasn't anyone ever heard about free will? We have athletes who punish their bodies and make obscene money because people will pay to see them compete as well as to wear anything that has the team logo on it. We have an entire industry dedicated to the glory of gambling and the buy-in of our elected officials through lotteries. Leave Paula Deen alone. She makes delicious food and now she has shared a very private part of her life with us . . . she has diabetes . . . but it can be controlled. Just like all of the other stupid things people do in this life . . . it's your choice . . . Paula Deen wrote the book she didn't tell you it was required eating. Exercise your free will and leave her alone.
Well many people get very upset when athletes are not role models. e.g. they use steroids. Should the media also leave them alone? Diabetes is a serious illness. Of course Dean can do what she wishes, but just like athletes that take steroids and send a negative message to their fans, I don't have respect for her.
Chill out Jazzman. Are you a specimen of health? I'm guessing not. Quit judging, and if you don't want to eat food from Paula Deen recipes, then don't. Go picket your local McDonalds, and berate everyone that walks in or goes thru the drive-thru. Diabetes isn't always caused by a poor diet. Nobody is making ANYBODY eat anything. Good grief!
Why does it get under your skin that I don't respect Dean? Why? I'm not calling her names or hating on her. I just said I don't resepct her. For some reason you are too immature to discuss that.
I don't care if you respect Deen or not. Why is it such a big part of your life to talk smack about her? It's so simple, it's disgusting. She doesn't try to tell people that her recipes are low-calorie or healthy. But they taste good, and for the most of us smart enough to know not to overindulge it's not a problem. For the others who are too stupid to get it, well I'll guess they don't read these comments either.
I wonder why you appear to respect. Here she is promoting an unhealthy lifestyle that can lead to obesity and diabetes and then taking money from a drug company for a diabetic drug. You appear to see nothing wrong with that, while I do. A good cook knows how to make good tasting food that isn't full of fat, sault and sugar. Her sons understand this since they are promoting healthy versions of Dean classic. If they get it why can't you?
Since it's been clearly pointed out to you that you are incorrectly spelling her last name, yet continue to do so, it shows that you can't even respect the English language. As far as pointing your scrawny finger at her for promoting unhealthy living and making profits from it, then look deeper Mr. Jazzpants. How many people, companies, corporations, governments make money by trying to sell unhealthy, useless, harmful crap to anyone dumb enough to buy it? If you have so much energy to smackdown Paula Deen, why don't you use your energy to build a better ECONOMY! Nobody sticks Paula Deen's deep-fried twinkies down anybody's throat. Stop being such a douche.
I got an "awaiting moderation review" response to your comment Mr. Jazzman. I hope they accept, but you need to hear this.
I want to read what he needs to hear
Wow! Christina, what does Paula Deen have to do with subsidized abortions? Does your mind wander much? Try sticking to the topic at hand instead of derailing your thought process. What I realized from the article was this: Paula Deen (without a government handout/bailout) brought herself up from the bottom by sheer determination and a lot of hard work in order to provide a better life for her family. She worked long and hard for her accomplishments! Way to go, girl! Also, diabetes isn't only caused by eating the wrong foods or being overweight. My mother passed away when she was 33 (I was 13) from undiagnosed diabetes. My mother weighed 120 pounds and was a very active and healthy person. However, in 1969, when a person became ill, they didn't run testing for diabetes unless there was a family history of it. In 1969, there was very little processed foods-everyone ate 3 good home cooked meals a day, meals made from scratch – a lost art by today's standards of instant microwave gratification. Paula Deen's receipes are all about comfort food and reliving memories of tastes and years gone by.
I love watching Paula Deen. I think she's funny and entertaining. If an individual has health concerns or their on a lowfat diet, they can alter her receipes to their needs. Paula Deen is not forcing them to make it her way. I think the former employee is just looking to get paid off, because their jealous of her success. I don't care about her being a Diabetic, that's her business. I'm going to continue to watch her shows and wish her continued success.
If you are overweight, that's your own fault. Be responsible for yourself. Why must Miss Dean be a role model for anyone. She cooks Southern Style recipes, its full bad stuff make your own decision and live with it. If you want an alternative follow her son
If I write a cookbook that has recipes with sugar in them and you are a diabetic then do not eat them but don't whine because I am a diabetic I cannot save the world its up to you to protect yourself and do not be envious because I took nothing and made it into a good life for myself.
I find Paula Deen completely disgusting. Do I believe her sob stories in her book... absolutely not. She's very good at making up stories and hiding the truth. Hiding her diabetes while at the same time making money profiting from her god-awful deadly recipes is unforgivable. Now she's advertising for diabetes medication – while still pushing food that no diabetic would ever eat – too much!
You have no proof of Paula making up anything, and just because she did not come out & announce to the world on the day that she was diagnosed with diabetes does not equivocate to hiding anything. You just want to jump on the celebrity bashing like most other folks, because it apparently makes you feel good. Here's an idea: why don't you search out Anthony Bourdain, since he's so saintly. Maybe he'll sleep with you or something to put you back in a positive frame of mind and you can stop bashing someone you have no proof of anything!
Do you not recommend my pairing a slightly chilled glass of Sauternes with McNuggets? I don't feel as conspicuous when I spend $3 on the food that goes with the $1200 bottle of wine. I feel so dirty now.
This article never seems to make a point.
Hmm, I have gone from 260 lbs to 200 lbs in the past couple years (I'm 6'3"). From reading some of these posts I would have thought that was impossible since Paula Deen exists and is bent on forcefeeding high fat and sugary foods to me. There must me something wrong with my bathroom scale.
Congrats Bill (I'm 6'1")
Good for you Bill! Bet you feel much better these days.
I gained 45 pounds after leaving the Army (much less physical activity) and dropped back down to my normal weight of 195 (I'm also 6'3") in 6 months just by eliminating sodas, smaller portions, and watching the carbs. I still eat whatever I want including fried, southern, and lots of other stuff that is supposedly bad for you, and I even watch Paula's show! Must have bought my scale at the same place you did.
Yes, I feel much better. The big thing was to cut out soft drinks. A heard a talk one day that you can't really be serious about losing weight if you drink soft drinks with any regularity. I didn't believe the speaker until I actually stopped. Then I was able to lose weight. I also eat less meat and exercise more.
So Paula Deen is a role model. Whatever happen to taking responsibility for your own actions. No the cigarette company does not point a gun at your head however there is a disclaimer on the pack warning not to smoke however people still do it. Would it help if Paula put a disclaimer in the opening of her show like they do on commercial to state the obvious? "Please do not try this at home" or "Use with caution y'all.” Make it idiot proof? I come from a southern family back ground and my family did/do not eat those rich and hardy soul/southern food staples every day. You can try to avoid things my grandma had hyper-tension. In my opinion she was one of the best cooks ever and I would not take back any of her butter, sugar filled recipes if my life depended on it. Did anyone ever think that Paula's diabetes are not from the food but hereditary?
Good grief. She's a cook not a doctor. I have never heard Paula portray her recipes as anything other than what they are – good old fashion Southern comfort food. If you want healthy options, ask Oprah's latest fitness guru or watch Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, whoever. Leave Paula alone, she's a lovely, delightful person
After I read her book, I think she is a total nut job, but a good person. I think the accusations of racism are completely false, she just isn't the type. Who care about her cookbook. Everyone knows chocolate cake or pecan pie isn't good for you, but there is a billion recipes for it. Almost every good chef you see is a lard butt. They could just as easily have an undiagnosed health problem. She hasn't ever claimed that her food is good for you that I know of.
There are only a few cooking shows that should be broadcast and this is one of them. I don't care if you have reservations or not or whether you can eat something gross just because. And please don't tell me a piece of grass mixed with some raw fish covered in some kind of colorful liquid is food.
You know what, ppl? If the only way to feel good about yourselves is to beat up on a convenient target (and who better than a fat person – the last acceptable refuge of bullies everywhere), then I really wonder who the more disgusting one is. (Hint: it isn't Paula!) You go around acting all smug, convinced you're better and healthier than Paula, but how healthy is it to have a hateful, malicious attitude towards one who never personally attacked you (and no-watching her show doesn't count!) If this is what being 'thin and healthy' makes you, I'd rather be fat and HUMAN! Not some cold Stepford bot!
I do love Paula. Although sometimes I feel that when I watch her show I'm going to have a coronary from all the fat/butter/gravy, it is my choice whether or not I make her dishes. Not once watching her show did I ever see someone come through the screen to cram her food down my throat. If you can't take accountability for your own lifestyle- don't blame it on someone else. If you don't care for her or her food- don't eat/watch her!! People take this way to seriously.
Blah blah blah, who cares! "waaaah, I had a hard life"... but now i just make everyone fat with my gross cooking then refuse to take responsibility when my cooking gives me a life threatening illness... Oh, I know, ill start taking millions from one of the largest most corrupt companies in the world, but ill keep making this diabetes-giving foods, for millions, on tv... so they can get sick and this companies can reap millions off their illness. LOL, will someone please put this Bee-atch our of OUR misery??? Please!
Uh-oh huney …the recipe police are coming…and look, It’s officer Bourdain in the lead, and , of course, he has NO reservations! Quick yee-all Take that whole roasted hawg and throw it up against the door, then lets grab that kettle o’ deep fat fried lard-soaked ham hocks and skeedaddle!
That's a ham confit.....
Officer Boudin would sure like that.
LOL!
You left off a category on your poll question: "You're a big fan of her's but aint got nuttin' to do with her cookin' or good 'ol boy sayuns'...
She's a smart, manipulative biatch. She knows when its time to circle the wagons and keep the old trap shut. Something that Rich Limbaugh and most every politician could learn from her...
As far as her cooking, its pure, unadulterated poison. For the brain-dead majority that inhabits this country, that's yummy eats, nonetheless! Bon appetit, you gluttonous numbskulls.
Yes, I am a numbskull, a wealthy one who earned it the hard way . I like to see people do well at what they love to do. I also spent enough time learning about cuisine to point out that there are often nominal differences between the rustic country cooking in Tuscany, Provence, and the South. Basic polenta and cheesy grits for example. Lardon and uncured pork belly as another example. The difference between a confit and something cooked in lard is yet another. Escargot are garden snails fed a cornmeal diet to clear out the greenness that comes from eating the shrubs in your yard. Short ribs braised in red wine are rustic French, a mess of short ribs slow cooked are Southern. Compare a pulled ham hock with a cassoulet. So....you are fully entitled to your palate, your regional and social preferences, etc., however, your quickness to say insulting things at a very superficial level of analysis may well point to an opportunity to examine your own views.
Ok smart asses lets take Paula off the Air for 6months and if all u cry babies that are bitchin lose 50 lbs then u deserve a reward if you lazy fat tree huggin losers dont lose weight then all of u should send Paula an apology and $1000.00 so that she can donate it to whoever in the hell she wants. You people are so pothetic and jealous find something more important to bitch about. There are a$$h*les protesting military funerals everyday and where are u right wing activist at then... I will tell u where u are... at home trying to cook and eat Paulas recipes so u can be happy and then bitch about it!!! grow up and if u dont like pay me a visit at Ft. Bragg... I LOVE YOU PAULA and ur food!!!
i freaking love paula deen! anyone who hates is just dumb. shes an inspiration to all of us normal people. love her!
Well you are right since what is the new normal for America is to be obese, a diabetic, and have high blood pressure. The newest generation is the first one in history to have a lower life expectancy than the prior generation. Yes, welcome to the new normal.
She is a fake like Justin Wilson. Just watch some old interviews. She now has a real Southern accent that has only been over the top the last few years. She makes nothing I would eat. Never healthy. We are a country of obese people who will all be on the public dole for that reason eventually when they can't work because of their poor health.
BTW: Hating is NEVER good.
It is amazing to me how people will choose certain problems within our culture to attack while simply ignoring others that are all around us on a daily basis. For example, how insane it is that people who are like 20 lbs under weight are advertised as healthy on the front pages of magazines on a daily basis. We look up to these celebrities the same we look up to Paula Deen. Obviously she has made choices that will effect her health and possibly the health of others, but it is her responsibility and the responsibility of others who follow her recipies. Freedom is what makes this country unique and set apart, I think we should not forgot that. We don't need another person to attack, we need to learn how to take care of ourselves.
Paula is just a cook on TV not a doctor. Let her live her life as she likes. If you do not want to watch just change the channel like I do. Her style of cooking is not my cup of tea.
Everyone defending Paula Deen is all about personal responsibility. Sure, we are all responsible for what we do. So why is it that Paula Deen isn't responsible for anything she does, like advocating a diet that is so unhealthy? Why is Paula Deen not responsible for disclosing her disease which is all but certain a result of her diet? Why is Paula Deen not responsible for disclosing her deal with the diabetes drug company? Sure, no one has to eat what she eats. I thank all of you who feel the need to point out the fact that she is not literally forcing food into people's mouths (Oh really, she isn't?). Since when is this the standard to judge by, that because she isn't literally putting food in people's mouths that she is in no way responsible for anything she does? It's a crap argument. Do tobacco companies literally put cigarettes in peoples mouth? I dont think I need to answer that. And yet an extremely conservative Supreme Court still forced the tobacco companies to pay $206 billion dollars to 46 states over 25 years because they advertise products that cause cancer and disease. Read up on the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement if you have no idea what I'm talking about. The point is that people or corporations are still responsible for what they say and do, even if they don't literally force things on other people. I'm not saying anything Paula Deen has done is criminal, so maybe the tobacco settlement isnt the best example, but the point is that people are responsible for what they do and say. Paula Deen needs to take some personal responsibility just like all the people who eat her recipes.
That argument is ridiculous, say somebody decided to go on a strict cucumber and bottled water diet, when they died (as the certainly would as water and cucumbers contain zero calories) is the farmer who grew the cucumbers responsible because he produced a food with no calories? Is the bottled water company responsible? There is nothing wrong with southern food, how often, what type, and how much consumed (as with any food) is what causes the problem and those are controlled by the individual. Not the supplier, store, nor the or sales person.
Yes James, I do believe the cucumber farmer and bottled water company should be indicted for murder. Duh.
And stop making this about southern food. This has nothing to do with southern food. It's about advocating extremely unhealthy food that leads to health problems when there is an epedemic of obesity going on all around us.
So why is she responsible for making food that tastes great? She makes it. NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO EAT IT.
You don't like it? Fine. Leave her alone. She has the right cook whatever she wants and eat her way to the grave if she so desires. Find something REAL to complain about.
Ok Scott, I’ll try to look past your need to respond in ALL CAPS and defend myself. All I said is that she should take some responsibility for the food that she advocates. It would be responsible for her to say something like “This isn’t healthy food but it tastes great!” What is so wrong with that?
Of course “she has the right to cook whatever she wants and eat her way to the grave if she desires” as you say. She has the right to advocate unhealthy food without having to add any disclaimer. My point is that it’s not right and that she should care more about her fans, some of whom literally are eating their way to the grave. Sure it’s their fault, but does that mean she shouldn’t say a word? She sat back for three years and said nothing. It is personally irresponsible, not criminal. She has every right to not say a word as far as I’m concerned but the point I’m making is that she should have said something. Ok Scottie? Keep it decent and try to not let your anger manifest itself in CAPS.
To answer your question, no she does not have to answer for waht she cooks. I watch a mutitude of Food Network shows. Have you seen the decadent dishes on Tylers Ultimate? Have you seen the super calories of Everyday Italian? The list goes on.... Now I don't remember ever hearing any of those hosts telling their viewers that the dishes they are serving are unhealthy. I have never heard any of them count the calories. I have never heard any of them explain what health risks are associated with their receipts. So why in the world would er hold Deen any differently? Simply because we know she has medical problems? So what? It is like saying it is OK to cook the un-healthy food we see on shows with what appear to be healthy people, but not OK for someone who has medical issues to do the same. Explain that to me! At the end of the day, you have to be a flipping idiot to watch her show and think that any of it is good for you. And if you are cooking it and eating it only to balme her for your balloning weight and health problem, then you are an even bigger idiot! You mention the tobacco companies. Their is a big difference between tainting a product with nicotine to induce dependence and personal food eating decisions. Gimme a break, what a bad analogy!!! Has the federal government sued McDonalds for their gross food? Have they targeted street vendors for those deplorable foods they sell? Of course not, because those are personal eating decisions. If you don't like Deen, then turn off the television and stop balming her for obesity and health problems.
Yes actually, McDonalds is now required to disclose caloric and fat content because their food is so disgusting.
Oh, man, grow up! I'm neither a fan of Paula Deen's nor a detractor. We've tried a couple of her recipes and liked them a lot. Others we have no interest in. Why is it her responsibility to create so-called "healthy" foods? It ain't! Geez, what's all this "ganging up" on the lady? I'm sure she's an excellent cook, and that's what's important. Heck, I'll eat some buttercreme chocolate cake, but doesn't mean I'm gonna eat it every day! And Anthony Bourdain is one of the worst people on TV, although I have watched his older show when it was on FoodNetwork. He thinks he's such a tough guy, using every nasty word he can so they can bleep him out, but he's quite the opposite. (Liked his show somewhat, cannot stand him.)
Jim, I never said it was her responsibility to create "so-called 'healthy' foods" as you say. And what, you don't believe healthy food actually exists? Oh, I see, you're one of those people that doesn't believe in so-called science. Yes Jim, healthy foods do exist, I assure you, and no, I don't believe it's Paula Deen's responsibility to get people to eat healthy. The only problem I have with Paula Deen is that she doesn't educate her audience about health whatsoever. And yes Jim, what you eat can impact you're health. I know, confusing science.
I think the tobacco company is a pretty logical and clear example. Sure it's on a higher scale but it's still the same thing. Out of all the comments, your argument is the most sound. You make a valid point. *two thumbs up*
I appreciate that very much. Thanks CBri.
her food is great, but is also a heart-attack waiting to happen, just use common sense and do like we do in our house , on special ocassions or holydays only........:)
As Edward Abbey wrote about our economic system, "Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of a cancer cell."
Edward Abbey? I loved the George Washington Hayduke character
Cook anything you want to eat. Cook with all the butter and sugar you want. Then have a small piece instead of great big piece and you'll be fine. It's all about portion control. And oh....if you're like me and you've already gone too far with your health, then use splenda and I can't believe it's not butter, thus only having to use the sense God gave a rock in order to eat healthier. Nonetheless, leave Paula alone or you'll have billions of fans to deal with.
I was brought up to not say anything about anyone if I didn't have anything nice to say about them, but I could make an exception in Paula's case
i c
Wow, a lot of hate for this lady. Why?
We are all hypocrites to some degree, so leave Paula alone all those self righteous mud slingers out there! Yes she has Diabetes and yes she is going to be a spokeswomen for the medications used to help control it, but i never saw her put a gun to your head and tell anyone they had to prepare food the way she does! I have never had the honer of meeting MS. Dean but i sure would be honored to know someone who has mad mistakes AND ADMITTED THEM! She has never said she was perfect or that cooking was, if you don't like the way she does things then don't watch her shows or eat at her ,restaurants, go eat where ever you want if you get diabetes you have onley genetics and diet to blame no one else!
Dean continues to promote an unhealthy lifestyle and then gets paid to help market a drug for a disease associated with that lifestyle. Hey, it makes her a lot of money. More power to her. I just wonder why you would be honored to meet her.
dixiegirl she's not just a spokesperson for the company, she's making a profit from this product she's endorsing. You see it's kinda like getting people sick then having the medicine to help you get better. She has a lot of power in doing the right thing and that's cooking better and healthier which none of her followers seem to care about.
My insurance company asks if you cook from Deen's cookbook. If yes, you have to pay 15% more.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.
Then she must gorge herself on big fat rednecks
Really? I don't remember eating a 'sexy beast' this morning.
I love Paula, I wish she was my Grandma! Don't believe the racist allegations, time will probably tell this is just another extortion plot. I love Paula because she doesn't come off as phony at all, I'm willing to bet she is the same off camera as she is on and I would love to meet her.
I spent 11 years AD in the Army Infantry and although being away from family and being deployed can suck, I was able to experience many diverse cultures and foods, overseas and here in the states. Southern food is just a small part of the food culture world and should be celebrated and not demonized. Anything consumed in excess is bad for you, hell, you can literally die from drinking too much water.
Lighten up people, enjoy Paula for who she is or ignore her, just stop with the mindless criticism and hateful comments. Would you want someone talking about your Grandma that way?
I'm tired of others trying to make the decision for me. Do I like Paula Dean, not really. But you know what? I don't watch her show, ready her magazine, or buy her products. But who am I to say she shouldn't be on TV or cook? You are an adult, make smart decisions. Or wait, maybe the givernment should do it for you? That way you can absolve yourself for making the wrong choices. No one sits next to you and forces you to cook or eat anything.
I agree with you 100%. I am not a Paula Deen fan, but the woman hasn't done anything wrong. Does it affect you, me, or anyone else that she has diabetes? No. She's a TV personality and chef. Her particular brand of cooking is what she counts on to make a living. I wish people could stop judging and take responsibility for their own actions. As I said, I'm not a Paula Deen fan, so guess what, I simply don't prepare her recipes. She doesn't deserve to be vilified, though.
Was watching the Cooking Channel on Sunday. EVERY SINGLE CHEF used butter in their recipes. Get over it! If you don't like it, don't eat it and don't watch it.
She and the other big Fatty, Ina, served up the pig food (cream and butter, cream and butter) and prance around like they're not fat, then their doc.s tell them their gonna die, then suddenly they're all health food. What a f. surprise.... NOT. Good riddence!
Dean claims that she doesn't eat the type of food she makes on her show most days of the week. I find that hard to believe just by looking at hear and because of her health issues. By hey, her life, her death.
If you actually watched her shows you would realize that if she ate what she cooks everyday, she would weigh at least 500 lbs. I don't watch her show often, but I will never forget watching one episode in horrified fascination as she covered Krispy Kreme doughnuts in butter and sugar. She is very entertaining, but anybody who thinks that eating her recipes with any regularity is healthy and would lead to anything other than obesity and diabetes deserves what they get. She has never hidden the fact that her recipes are fat & sugar laden. Nor do I think that she is denying that her diet may have played a role in her diabetes if not causing it outright. I do not think she has any responsibility to cook healthy food if she doesn't want to. If she wants to use her diagnosis as an opportunity to modify her recipes to a healthier version, more power to her. If not, that is her choice to. Just as it is the viewer's choice not to prepare her recipes.
I should of said that Dean must not practice moderation as it relates to her diet. I agree with your take here. If she was to use her fame to promote a healty lifestyle I would admire her. As it is I don't respect her but I see that many people do. That is where I'm confused. What is there to respect?
Here's what I'd respect, if Mr. Jazzman could actually spell her last name correctly. 2 E's buddy.
It's the sugar and carbs that are really to blame, not the butter and cream. Sugar and carbs are a fast-track to diabetes.
No one is forcing people to follow Paula's way of cooking. If you don't like her then turn the f-ing channel.
I watch her show because it's entertaining. I don't cook like she does. I laugh at many of her concoctions. I believe she's heavy because like most people who never knew where their next meal was coming from are overeaters and enjoy the food. Bobby watches what he eats and works out. He is having his own show soon and I think you'll see a whole different style of cooking.
Uh-oh...the recipe police are coming...quick, grab that lard-soaked pigs foot and let's skedaddle!
Oh man! I wouldn't want those up-town swells to get a hold of them and take them back to their flats. They might discover that lardons are uncomfortably similar.
I would like to remind ALL of the commenters that Paula Deen and her Brother will be judged by a jury of her peers, NOT in a Public Forum. With that said I would recommend that All chairs in the courtroom be reinforced so that No further lawsuits are filed. I'm gettin' my Popcorn ready with plenty of Butta so I can watch the trial on my front porch.
haha, wow I didn't know I liked Sarah Palin until now. I would recommend the chairs be reinforced, haha, awesome.
I'm from the south too and Paula hasn't forced anyone's mouth open. She always said "in moderation". So all you critics, please shutup and eat your little salads. People are not happy unless they can talk about someone. I always say, "while you're talking about Paula, you're leaving someone else alone". Get a life!
But of course. Because as we all know, there are only two kinds of cooking in existence: a 5 gallon bucket of lard dumped onto a plate, or raw twigs. It's the ironclad logic that I find so convincing.
If you don't like her or her recipes, you don't have to cook them. Nobody gives a hoot about your opinions.
JD: Apparently you do, as you took time to comment on it
'She always said 'in moderation". -Exactly-. That's always been a big message from the Food Network chefs, that you can have all the things that they cook that involve butter or cheese or what have you, as long as you do so -in moderation-.
It's not the television's responsibility to make sure we live right, and if you're letting tv influence your food decisions and it's driving you into obesity, you've got worse problems than being overweight.
Try her Chicken Georgia recipe. Simple, one pan, only a little butter....... and DEEEELICIOUS!
James, Her chicken Georgia is one of our favorite recipes, but we don't even use the butter. We use Bertolli Classico olive oil (looks like melted butter, has much fainter olive oil taste) instead. I substitute it in a lot of recipes, both Paula's and Ina's. A lot of Paula's original recipes are actually very healthy (Sechuan chicken, best ever red snapper). I substitute olive oil for butter everywhere I can, and we don't taste any difference. I even substitute it in Ina's chicken piccata, tastes delicious. I am really tired of people bashing Ina and Paula, they have terrific recipes for the home cook.
Goodness, one could spend a half hour reading the comments from people on these articles and be convinced that we are the white trash of the world. We are hateful, critical, demanding, whiny, nasty, namecallers. It is so sad to read some of the things that people write. What is wrong with society? And dont tell me that most of the nasty comments are from people who dont live in the u.s. It is us, we have gotten so ugly toward anyone who doesnt agree with us and it is accepted. Pitiful and I suspect wont end well
Who are you referring to as "we"? Americans, or just society as a whole?
its the american way. don't you know this. where have you been. the whole of the world is stupid compared to us. meanwhile, our citizens are fat, children whores and god know what else is coming. i'm proud to be one... aren't you.
Troll. And a stupid one, at that.
go suck off a bear... beeetoch...
You are so right. People don't say "thank you" when you hold the door for them, they don't say excuse me without an attitude, they are mean and nasty. It is becoming a sad world.
She could do a show on how to butter fried sticks of butter with a glazing of lard for all I care. There's nothing that says I have to do the same. If someone eats the kinds of foods that she cooks and they have health problems because of it, then they have no one but themselves to blame. And as much as I like Anthony Bourdain (or at least his No Reservations), he has no right to talk. Chefs put loads of butter and fat in dishes all the time to make them more flavorful. The only difference is that when you look a the food it's not as obvious.
I love Paula and her cooking shows and have watched her regularly since she's been on FN. I also use her recipes but know how to improvise them. I still weigh 160 lbs and am very fit and healthy. It isn't her fault some people have no self-control or lack cognitive thinking ability. Have some f**king personal accountability people!
frozen turd eater.
I think what people who cry "Personal responsibilty! This is not Paula's fault" are missing is the fact that whether or not she chose to, she is a role model for the people watching her shows. When you become a celebrity, people will look up to you, see what you are doing an imitate it. She's promoting an unhealthy message to her followers. She is saying she has Type 2 diabetes (the primary cause is eating crap like what she cooks on her shows and promotes in her cookbooks) but that it's ok, she doesn't have to change anything she does because there's this awesome company that makes a drug for it. So keep doing what' you're doing, y'all! She doesn't have to point a gun or strong arm anyone into eating her food. People look at her, see what she's eating, and get the idea that there are no consequences. "She eats like that and is fine because of the meds. She doesn't have to watch what she eats or work out to stay healthy. I can totally do that too!" It's irresponsible. The blame doesn't lie solely with Paula for Americans getting fat and sick because of her food, but she's not blame free. She just doesn't care about anything other that what lines her pockets.
So you're basically a "monkey see, monkey do" kind of person? And you blame others for your actions? How about trying to take the lead and not be such a follower.
wow alaskan, i'm so inspired by your wise words. i think i actually heard those exact words in a movie called Idiocracy. i'm glad we have folks that have an ellaborate way of stating the obvious. and then using quotes from movies like idiocarcy to motivate. go alaskan go. hey, can you see your house from russia?
I like how you attempt to refute someone's opinion by making obtuse references to an unrelated issue.
People don't become successful promoting non-popular goods. Like it or not , she's has a huge fan base. Why? Because she cooks foods that are popular . Don't like it , don't eat/watch it.
What you posted is true. Dean doesn't have a duty to be a role model. She can push what the people want even if it is unhealty and make a lot of money. I get that. But is this behavior we should respect? Note that when rappers push negative messages realted to women I don't respect them for that. Yes, Paula is free to do as she pleases, but again, is her behavior something we should resepct? I say NO.
Panda, you are right. Your critics believe in "personal responsibility" when it comes to everyone but Paula Deen.
"are missing is the fact that whether or not she chose to, she is a role model for the people watching her shows. When you become a celebrity, people will look up to you, see what you are doing an imitate it"
The dumb b itch weighs 400 pounds. If she is your role model for your dietary habits, then you are stupid, and I don't feel bad for you. One look at that huge beast and anyone with a brain should know not to eat whatever it is that she is eating.
I've eaten these types of foods all my life . Hasn't hurt me at all , no health issues . 5'10" 185lbs. and an active work life.
Most issues regarding peoples health can , more than likely , be tracked back to heredity . Not to say that environmental exposure doesn't play into it. Don't eat it if you don't like it. But don't denigrate someone else because they can or do.
BTW....I HATE Olive Garden....lol
"5'10" 185lbs."
I hope your are not female
You must be so attractive...male or female.
And you must be fat
Every talented TV cook should be supporting American families as they try to scale down. Children and dads in particular don't seem to know how to "eat moderately" - and being the portion police is not a fun role for a mom (or dad) who spent the time cooking. Paula's own weight problem and its diabetic consequences could be a teaching experience for her audience. And she could get healthier too. It's not a matter of politics, it's a matter of being flexible and capable of change (which we know she is), and being creative about your approach to life. C'mon, Paula. You can so do it. Put your creativity to work conquering your obesity and lowering your diabetes numbers - rather than dividing people - and your audience will follow your lead,and you will gain new fans too.
While it would be great if Dean promoted healthy foods she would likely lose more fans than she would gain. The Food Network has had a few healthy food shows on in the past and they just don't get good ratings. I would love a show that showed people how to cook 'standard' recipies but with less fat, salt, sugar etc... But most American would reject such a show (since most love to be obese).
This lady will be forever tainted because she's white and accused of racism.Liberal and corny SNL has already done a skit on her in an attempt to alienate her.It's too bad the right doesn't adopt the same tactics and poke fun of Obama and his blind followers for believing and supporting a man who obviously hates white people.He went to a church with a racist pastor for 20 years and is video taped hanging out with Mr. Bell who said " it's my duty to harass white folks ." I don't even know who this Dean lady is, but I can assure you, she's finished.Only whites can be racist, and until enough of us stand up and declare we've had enough...the left will do this over and over.
Why of course. She's repulsive not for being an abject hack posing as an authority on Southern cooking (much less, any cooking), not for cashing in on a drug while pushing gross unhealthful garbage, but because she's white. And it's racially impossible for a racist claim to have any merit, because, well, she's white. Astounding logic, thanks, clears it all up. Now where are my Doritos and Dew?
It's funny how some folks will make any story about politics
She could use her influence to help Americans eat healthier, with creative lower-fat recipes, but apparently she chooses not to. Rather, she takes that defiant stance that associates contrariness with being a Southerner. That might rally the troops and die-hards, and indirectly earn her some free publicity and more money, but how does it help the American plague of obesity?
Every talented TV cook should be supporting American families as they try to scale down. Children and dads in particular don't seem to know how to "eat moderately" - and being the portion police is not a fun role for a mom (or dad) who spent the time cooking. Paula's own weight problem and its diabetic consequences could be a teaching experience for her audience. And she could get healthier too. It's not a matter of politics, it's a matter of being flexible and capable of change (which we know she is), and being creative about your approach to life. C'mon, Paula. You can so do it. Put your creativity to work conquering your obesity and lowering your diabetes numbers - rather than dividing people - and your audience will follow your lead,and you wil gain new fans too.
I'm sure if we dug into anyone's past we'd find something broken or ugly...unfortunately. It just makes us human.
Not every TV chef must cook healthy, but her recipes have always been loaded with fatty ingredients. Her recipes smack of the 50's. Personally, I don't think it's right to cook that way, and encourage viewers to eat that kind of food, when every place you look you see obese folks walking around, children as well. We're all paying the price for that when it comes to health insurance. (There is such a thing as healthier southern cooking.) She also speaks poorly, not that I'm perfect, but it rubs me the wrong way. On the good side, I do admire her for making a life for herself and overcoming adversity. Bottom line: if you don't like her show, don't watch it, so I don't.
I am a southern "girl" and I really liked Paula when she first came on the scene. The food was the same fat ridden, overly sweet things that most southern grandmothers reserve for special occassions like Christmas or birthdays, but she was more genuine then than she is now. The sexual inuendos make me naucious, and i think she must get paid for the number of times she says "YA'LL"!! No one I know throws that phrase into every sentence! Hiding the diabetes for so long until she could find a way to make money on it was the last straw for me.
She is repulsive. I can see how the stereotypical American would identify with her.
I'm sure there is something a bit repulsive about you as well. You're so good at spotting it in others :)
She repulses you? Wow, you have issues.
look, we have a head shrinker amongst us. hey C you drink her butt juice too don't you. she is repulsive. she looks like an over made up preachers wife. or your mother...LOL... no one here has issues, just comments. and when something is true and backed up with pictures, how is that someone having issues. she repulsive to me too. i can't get past that hair... and i hear her diet is fantastic...
She's nasty. She looks like santa claus in drag. I bet she smells like a dumpster below deck. Roll her in flour and look for the wet spot. Eeeewww!!!!!!!!!! Talk about goin' hoggin"
C, you are right. They ALL have issues.
It's all about choice. She hasn't got a gun to your head making your eat or cook her food.
I enjoy all the cooking Chefs. But like stated in the above column. No one made you buy that butter, no one made you buy that sugar and NO ONE made you eat that food. Grow up people. When are people going to realize that we and we alone are responsible for our actions. I am tired of the cry baby who blames every one. We have a mind to decide what is healthy and what we need to do. Paula did not shove the food down your throat or force you to watch her show. My father grew up as a child eating bacon grease and bread because they were lucky to have that. Paula is from the South and that is what they did and as Paula said "lucky to have food" don't judge unless you have worn those shoes and if you want to eat a salad, more power to you but do not blame Paula for her butter laden food as no one asked you to eat it. We were all born with a brain to think for our selves but today to many expect others to do their thinking not to mention take care of them. Paula is not perfect, who is. So I think you should look in the mirror and leave others alone.
I can't stand Paula Deen, for her personality, her weak will, and her promoting drugs over healthy choices, but...
That said, she clearly became morbidly obese by eating the foods she promotes and through a largely sedentary lifestyle. It's not like she's suggesting fattening foods and a lack of exercise while sporting a healthy physique. She's coming right out and non-verbally saying: "Eat like me and don't exercise, and you too can be a morbidly obese diabetes patient, taking toxic drugs to artificially regulate your endocrine system!" There's no subterfuge...she's not tricking anyone.
Everyone should be well-aware by now that if you eat deep-fried foods 2-6 times a day, you're going to be obese, your arteries are going to be blocked, and you're going to increase everybody's health insurance costs thanks to your diabetes treatments. There is a reason the highest concentration of obesity, and thus the highest per capita healthcare spending in the nation is in the south, and, like Paula Deen, it's no secret.
Baby Jesus cries every time he watches Deen the Queen cook !!!
I love her personality. She has come out with some healthy recipe but i can not use all of them. What a story!
"Hey Yall – My cooking with loads of butter and sugar gave me diabetus."
She's a bulbus butterball of a country bumpkin and her cooking appeals to the trailer trash that watch her all carbs and animal fat. YUMO
As an educated adult, I do not have any problems with Paula cooking whatever she wants on her show – I can choose my own lifestyle. What does bother me is that Paula hid the fact she had diabetes for 3 years, and only announced it when she had an endorsement deal with a drug company to profit from. This seems disingenuous at best, and leads me to believe she cares more about her wallet than people's health. Since changing to promote healthier alternatives would risk losing audience, it appears that she willfully deceived her audience to continue earning money. Again, she only announced she had diabetes when she had an endoresment deal. Its not a crime, but it seems sleazy to me.
This is how I feel. Not a crime but wrong. I am a diabetic and for many years tried to fine recipes that I along with my family could enjoy. She had the perfect opportunity to make a difference but she choose the money!
Joe – My sentiments exactly. She spent three years knowing she was diabetic and yet she expanded her food line, including items like her peanut butter chocolate gooey cake, biscuits and preserves while keeping her illness a secret. It's her profiting from the means to bring on the disease and making a deal with the pharmaceutical company to control the disease at the same time that galls me. If she had been honest from the beginning it might have sat better with me, but keeping her disease under wraps while profiting from both the cause and the cure at the same time seems pretty underhanded.
Many people criticize Paula Deen because she has diabetes and still cooks the way she does. Well, don't make her recipes and don't watch the show. Not everyone that watches the show is a fat craving glutton. My mom cooks in very much the same way as Paula Deen. My wife and I adapt my mom's recipes to something healthier and we enjoy the real thing when we go for a visit. You can adapt Paula Deens recipes too. As a matter of fact, one of her sons does just that on food network.
LOL all the posts about she's all about the money. DUH aren't we all? Isn't that why we go to work? Or are you working for nothing just because you like the place you work at.... Companies don't sell products spokepersons sell them...she is a spokesperson like her or not and oh yeah...it's a job and oh yeah she gets paid for doing it...... well back to my job I do for free cuz i like it...oh wait... i get paid just like everyone else....
No we are all not. Some of us believe in ethics and morals. I left a very high paying job in the legal field and started my own business for exactly that same reason. I now have one car and one home instead of two of each and am on a drastic budget, but a million times happier not trying to con people to line my own pockets...like Paula Deen.
Having ethics and morals doesn't mean that you have to walk away from a high paying job for a lower paying job. We are glad that you are happier for the choice that you made. However, stop trying to equate or negate your happiness to someone else's happiness. When it comes to what you put inside your body.......the decision is yours and yours alone. You are responsible for making healthy choices. Paula Deen is responsible for her choices. Not disclosing her personal health to you is not her job and it is not being hypocritical. I've never heard her say that eating her cooking or cooking like she does was healthy.
I don't know who I despise the most about some people in this country.....................The ones that want to deflect blame and responsibility to others for the choices they make OR those self entitled ones.
She was hired by the Food Network to produce good old fashioned Southern Cooking. That means, butter, lard, sugar and any other fattening ingredient you can think of. It's up to the viewer what they take from it. I have never cooked a Paula Deen recipe but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy her cooking shows or salivate over what she makes. I make the decisions about what I eat and what I watch and critising Paula over it would be hypocritical.
I cannot believe the garbage this woman puts out represents a "good old fashioned" anything, much less authentic southern cooking. A bad pastiche of a cuisine and culture, perhaps – but nothing authentic about this woman or the filth she spews as "food."
For a laugh, imagine her without her clothes on. Maybe that's not a laugh, it closer to nausea. All her pictures show her big white teeth and blue eyes under the pile of hair. You know she's just a huge pile of cellulite, all pasty white and sagging to the ground. Do Spanx come in Hippo size?
For sure she is a rags to riches queen. For sure she has had a difficult time. For sure her cooking will
kill anyone who eats it slowly. I don't commend a bad lifestyle, diet and dysfunctional world view. She will die of
heart failure or stroke. Nuff said.
I see that Paula has a "Bunny nose" from overuse of Botox!!
Give me the 2 masters:
Julia Child and Graham Kerr.
Every other TV cook is just a mirage.:)
Sorry, I just don't have respect for this weak willed woman. She has really low standards and shouldn't be rewarded for indulging all of them. Twenty years of relying on someone else while she indulged her menial mental issues. Immature. Selfish. Her cooking has no quality or standards to it either. Someone else pays the price for Paula's shortcomings.
Okay Dr. Jeff since you must be one to say her mental issues are menial. Oh and your degree in culinary is from where?
Or just jealous since she has lots and lots of money???
I would say the latter. Lots of resentful haters on comment boards.
I try to eat healthy most of the time, but every now and then some deep-fried southern soul food really hits the spot. I find it funny that commenters who deride others as "having no talent" have done nothing of note themselves.
bob drinks her butt juice. he likes it. not sure how folks can stick up for this one. she looks like she should be preaching and taking peoples money, not cooking.
Which sounds like a happier world to live in: a world filled with Anthony Bourdains or a world filled with Paula Deens? Thank goodness the thought police are working overtime to rescue me from choosing to use butter or sugar. By being relived of the ability to make those personal choices I can spend mere time being perfect, and castigating those less perfect than me!
Uh, easy choice. Bourdain, without question. He can write, he used to be able to throw down in a real kitchen, and he's interesting. Deen is a screech owl, with the spawn of Satan masked as "food."
Tony Bourdain, please. You obviously never watch his show. Yes, it features admiration for the best chefs in the world. It's also about understanding different cultures. It's about how people the world over, many dirt poor, make the most of the food available to them. These are the people that Tony seems to admire the most. Let's see Paula make the food available to your average Cambodian taste good. Butter is a luxury- we take it for granted. You wouldn't know that since you don't watch shows that open your mind to the world we live in.
Yes, clearly because I have an opinion different than yours I am uneducated, without culture, and the like. That is why other people should do my thinking for me. Especially ones who substitute ad hominem attacks for discussion. My favorite part of Bourdain's show is the obligatory scene where he sits down to smoke and get drunk with the locals, of course if I did that I would be an imperialist rube, right? Maybe we should ban cigarettes, booze, butter, and sugar. Now we all will be saved from ourselves.
Ok, so what makes Paula Deen better then? Why is the world a better place with her type? Why doesn't it just boil down to personal responsibility with you? Yeah you are right, I shouldn't have judged you as a person based on your opinion. I hate it when people do that to me, so I am sorry.
Bourdain is talented and accomplished in his own right. He unashamedly uses his reputation for sour temperament and hard-partying to build his cache as an edgy chef. I just find it intellectually dishonest for him to use the hand not holding a shot glass and a cigarette to point a finger at another for advocating an unhealthy lifestyle. That's all......
I'd rather have high blood pressure than communists in high places....
http://nation.foxnews.com/democrat/2012/03/12/dem-congressman-accepts-award-communist-party-hq
I bet CNN will yank this in a few minutes and NEVER discuss this story during prime time
U lost me at fox news
Yes, the truth, and facts, tend to cause liberals to get lost rather easy.
Well since CNN did not pull your comment, I guess you are wrong. What does that do for your credability?
It's not my credibility you should be worried about commrade
Has about the same effect on credibility as your inability to spell credibility. Geez.
And Geez is a word?
Here's a tip for you... use this link next time you want to spell something.
http://thesaurus.com/browse/credability
Your first test is credibility... not "credability" – who's the idiot?
Must have been your communist education – in public school ;-)
Geez is a word. It's an interjection used to express mild surprise, delight, dissatisfaction, or annoyance.
Geez... its a slang and its also what's on your chin.
You incorrectly spelled credibility, so yours just went out the window.
Hah, you think CNN cares what you say, or anyone? Dude you can say whatever you want we live in America stop it with your conspiracy crap. No one is trying to take away your right to free speech.
Nice try... Mao and Stalin would certainly allow free speech ;-).
Communism in any form – lite or heavy: progessive or socialism is exactly what you and your radicals want.
We've awaken... he will be vetted.
Bro, read some history. Communist Russia= very little free speech. China? Come on dude, read the news, free speech is suppressed all the time.
Dude... bro... that's my point...
You'll only get yanked if you bash Apple.
Leave her alone! You do not have to cook and eat what she shares on her show Just because someone has diabetes doesnt mean they cant share their recepies for regular food . Anyone who can't take responsibility for their own lack of common sence and know how when it comes to their own health and what they put in their mouths definatlly have a problem and its not Paula Deans fault. Come On America stop being so damn stupid!!!
I don't care for her food but she as a person is someone who has overcome extreme adversity, which a lot more people could take a lesson from. If more people were like her, we wouldn't have people camping out complaining that there are not enough handouts. Everyone has their sellout price, don't pretend that you are above it.
Paula don't listen to anyones comments, hold your head high and be proud of what you have accompished. People have nothing better to do then put down people who have made something of themselves. No one is pressuring anyone to eat what she cooks if you eat in moderation and not make a glutton of oneself not all is bad so go on with your bad self love you!!!
Paula Deen is arrogant, two faced and a hypocrite. She is all about money. As a southern I resent her arrogance and hypocrisy. She does not represent a true southerner or a real southern lady.
Ditto!!!
George, fully agreed. I was born and raised in Savannah and know people who work for her/know her. They say she is a miserable person to be around. Her accent is extremely overdone and unrealistic, nobody says "y'all" every two seconds. The Lady & Sons isn't even close to the best southern food in town, in fact it is pretty poor (Ms. Wilke's and The Holland House are better, for starters). I couldn't imagine supporting this wretch and not many people in this town do. The only thing she's good for is bringing a bunch of tourists from up north down to help our economy.
Anyone can be a good cook once you lower the bar to add three sticks of butter and four pounds of sugar to every known baked good. Anyone can be a good cook once you lower the bar to add a half a pound of lard and bacon to every meat recipe. Sorry, the woman isn't a good cook, she just has no standards.
Wow did not know that adding an over abundance of things to food made them taste better...if thats what you think makes a good cook glad I dont have to eat your food.
Jenna is right, Bob is wrong.
bob drinks her butt juice and he likes it. bob is married to his sister. bob eats bacon with his cereal cause paula said it tastes good. bob is sticking up for jaba the hut...
...but many other celebrity cooks or chefs are poloarizing – a few yesars ago Rachael Ray was highly critized and the same can be said for others as well, so what's news here? I give her credit for overcoming a panic disorder that cripples many people, and have always enjoyed her on-screen personality – and her cooking, even if it's a little high in fat, but that's southern cooking at it's best (lol) – she's a nice southern lady, for sure...
wow she is fat and gross
As if your name indicates your any better?
Correcting my typo: *you're
@julie341 – You had it right the first time. So sad...
haha fartmaster you just got burned.
Who?
Can't stand everyone tearing her down. She cooks great comfort food and is entertaining as can be. She can cook for me anytime! I love her smile and personality, I wouldn't mind if she was my Aunt Paula!
The non dairy, non processed, plant placed lifestyle diet: Coming to a nation near you, mark my words, its coming.
Not sure what everyone's problem is with this lady. She shows you how to make delicious fatty food, but you don't have to eat it. McDonald's is terrible for you as well, and you have every opportunity to choose not to eat there. Life is about excess...too much of anything is always a bad thing...which has nothing to do with this lady.
Paula Deen is trailer trash and that's who she appeals to. Bring back the real Southern Cook, Natalie Dupree.
I submit that anybody that makes a blanket statement about others because they happen to like the way someone else cooks is trash.
Typically slanted liberal article.....Paula is a Christian, she is a good person who knows how to make money.....do you ever see these kind of negative articles about Bill Maher who is a hateful and despicable human being who makes his millions claiming to be a comedian.....(who by the way is not funny)........CNN spend more time writing about really BAD people like him and leave Paula alone.........she is a wonderful human being, caring mother, and excellent chef......period, end of story.
That's what is wrong with the people in this country when they put celebraties before themselves and their helath. What's wrong? Have people been cooking with the "I'm a dumbass gene" in their dishes? I wish more people would be able to think, speak, and follow their hearts, instead of these dumbass, I'm only here to steal your hard-earned money celebs. What an ignornat people and society. Evidently, people don't have enough self-esteem or creativity to conjur up dishes by their own thinking process and they'd rather line the pockets by mega multi-millionaire chefs. Lost souls and stupid people.
I see Tammy Faye lurking beneath the make-up.
I'm really surprised at how many people think they were entitled to be informed about her diagnosis right away. She didn't choose to get diabetes. She just didn't lead an incredibly healthy life (like millions of others).
She has made changes. If you see any of her newer shows she's switched to lots more fish and lean meat items. Not to mention the fact that her son now has a new show that lightens up her old recipes.
What more do you want her to do? Her niche has always been southern cooking, with a full fat and suger theme. It's what made her famous. Why? Because we all love to indulge in comfort food. In her shows she's always mentioned things like "I can't have this every day". She doesn't endorse eating like that every day. Her recipes are for every now and then. She's never said otherwise.
I dont consider her to be home page worthy. Certainly got a lot comments. Is is just me or does anyone else think she is starting to look like Tammy Faye Baker?
Man all you liberal yankee pigs can go eat your obama arugula. I dont know this gal but I know I like her if you dont.
This crap coming out of a southern mouth. With a story about the crapoing into a southern mouth. Shocking.
you are easily shocked bob baden. go turn on MSNBC the commercial is over. call them to bring back Olbermann too if he's done with your mama.
Get back in your trailer bagger. You don't want to miss nascar, do you?
Hooray! Just when we started to understand that maybe Southerners weren't ignorant yahoos...
I happen to be a "Yankee liberal", but I also happen to like the South, and a lot of Southerner's that I've met. I just don't like you.
hey barry we dont like you or michelle either you commy
Oh Ron...this liberal is so very upset that you disagree with her. Suggest you get someone to roll you over so as to air out your bed sores. It's always sad when the morbidly obese succumb to infection. But – then again – Ms. Deen banks on fatties like you to keep her in business.
i dont wanna roll over, you just dont look that good in the mornin light sweetie. let me just stay on this side next to the bag of chips and the remote.
Im a southern woman. I agree with you Ron.
Are you fat?
This story should be posted on "Fatocracy." If she went on a diet and donated half of her daily food budget to charity, she'd feed a few families in Africa. What is it with all these Jabba the Hut looking American women these days? Put the donut down for a second and take a walk you tub of goo!
It's not just American women.......American men are fatties too.
She would have been just fine had she not:
1. waited a full 3 years to announce she's diabetic, and
2. cozied-up to a pharm company once she announced
A former devotee, I change the channel immediately now.
Jean,
you obviously were never really a fan by the way.......fans know when someone is being targeted by the liberal media......and know better than what is being printed about Paula.....stop drinking the liberal cool-aid and keep changing the channel, Paula does not need fans like you ....she needs real ones !
She's a fake and a phony and obviously cares more about money than ANYTHING else.
Yes, yes, yes! Lord knows we can't have any of this neanderthal notion that you take the skills and the opportunities you have and make an effort to provide a living for yourself and your family. By the way, be sure, when you've finally succeeded, to be guilty about it and take responsibility for people who supposedly are so stupid they can't make their own health decisions, cuz ya know, published authors are the whole problem with this information age thingy. Pass the biscuits, please.
Oh no! LIBERALS!!!! Help!
Seriously, what on earth do liberals, or liberal media, have to do with a woman that has a cooking show? It should be nothing. We all really need to stop letting our broken two party politics infiltrate all aspects of daily life.
This has nothing to do with politics. You're a dummy!
Are you really brining conspiracy theory propaganda to the Food Section!? That "Liberal Media" must be pretty powerful and such a strong determined agenda. Next it will be the comics.
Calm down Mr. Brown. It is not always a liberal attack when a southerner is critiqued. And this is coming from a Texan. She was morally wrong to pedal her fattening food while behind the scenes she was on a very low fat, low sodium diet.
I remember a show where for an appetizer she grilled asparagus and I thought to myself she had started turning a new leaf by not frying an appetizer. Then she Paula Dean-ed it by serving a side of mayonnaise to dip it in!
I agree. A money grubbing sell out,. She couldn't care less about her fan's health. Just wants the $$$$$$$$$$. Greasy Greed.
With as much money as she makes with her restraunts, books and tv shows, do you honestly think it was about the "money"? Are all the other celebs out there endorsing products sell outs? Some of them are, but if you use a product/medication and fully believe in it, why not endorse it? If a diabetic patient starts using this medication because of her endorsement and it benefits them in a possitive way, that's all that matters, not your opinion on wether she should have endorsed it.
Why was it her responsibility to announce to the public that she was diabetic? I guarantee if some randon person posted on here that they had diabitis, you would care less. The sad truth of it is, is that people are more obsessed with celeb lives then trying to better their own lives. Who cares if she is a spokes person for a drug company.
Celebrity endorsements sell. Yes, it's extra money for her, but it might actually influence someone that looks up to her or respects her to get out there and better their health by trying a new medication. It's all marketing, but if people that suffer from diabitis benefit from this medication because of her endorsement, then that's all that matters.
And I suppose YOU would turn down the money just on principal? or because you have way more than you need, or perhaps you've never been really poor...
I see . . criticizing Paula Deen (am no big fan, but neither do I have anything against her) is OK, but criticizing that pompous, drug-addled, alcoholic burnout Bourdain isn't? Interesting.
Agreed!. Bourdain is an obnoxious hypocrite. He's drinking and smoking in every episode.
Uggh, I was thinking of having lunch until I looked at the CNN website and saw a giant picture of Paula Deen. There goes my appetite.
At 18, she went out on her first date with him, and by 19, much to her parents' chagrin (they had wanted her to go to school for dental hygiene to ensure herself some financial stability), she became Mrs. Paula Deen.
----
Author: "Mrs. Paula Deen" signifies that the woman is divorced. She became Mrs. James Deen.
I don't know if that's maybe an old rule? When I was married I never went by my husband's first name. It was always Mrs. Ally 'lastname' Lots of people do it that way.
My mother never used my father's first name, and they were never divorced. She didn't believe that a woman loses her identity when she marries. And that was 1943!
She's human we all use to eat unhealthy at one point, What's the problem? Don't knock her for that!
Did you miss punctuation class?
Seriously Mabel.... that's all you got?
Sigh. Punctuation refers to the signs and symbols of the English language in written form i.e., the period at the end of a sentence or the comma separating word. Grammar refers to the usage of the words in the English language and applies to both the written and the spoken word. Therefore, your interrogatory should be: "Were you absent when they taught grammar in 5th grade?"
If you're going to be snide on the internet please do me the courtesy to follow the rules of the road. Sheesh.
From, Bubba, the idiot that can't spell comes... "English lessons from Bubba... a love story with the english language..."
Nobody is making you eat the things that she created, if you're taking it upon yourself to make it then you're eating it... she does not have a gun to your head. You folks need to get a grip on things and stop be HATERS!!
On average, we never seem to pass up an opportunity to blame others for our own shortcomings.
Cooking shows feed ignorance. People will eat until they explode – or die from diabetes.
All because of cooking shows, eh? Really?
An enabler to an already disgustingly fat nation.
Watch out National Enquirer. CNN is hot on your heels.
She's CNN's top story and she has dropped dead from heart failure. Something's not right with that, AND it must be a slow day for news.
82 paragraphs about a woman I've never even heard before and I still don't know thee name of the staff sergeant who purportedly murdered 16 civilians.... I feel very uninformed.
This is an obnoxious fat Jimmie Carter loving flamming liberal. I can't stand anything about her. The network she is on is not better. The whole network has turned into a game show network. She is a phoney. I can't get myself to look at her. I find her so repulsive.
Leave out "...Jimmie Carter loving flamming liberal..." and I agree with you. BTW, there's only one "m" in "flaming."
Thanks to all for not calling out my typo of "she has" that should read "she hasn't." Not that I'm wishing ill upon her. Not that anyone cares. Means my poor spelling and unwarranted, ineffectual retractions might make me better suited for an editorial job rather than a journalist.
She is crusty !!!! I used to like her cakes..... Not anymore you dirt bag....
Hey y'all, get out your sicks of butter. I love butter. Butter for every meal. Butter. Butter. Butter
The only thing better than butter is bacon-wrapped butter. Sing it bro!
I sprinkled bacon bits on bacon one time, and for one, brief moment, all was right in the world. :o)
Agree. I like butter.
I even cook steak with french butter. All the Italian and French food has butter has ingredient and I don't see them all overweight like we American do. It's all about quantity control. They eat smaller dishes. We ate chicken in buckets!
We eat too much. That's why we are fat. Not the food's fault. You can eat good food, just eat less. If I make your diet only a table spoon of butter and nothing else, you will lose weight too eating butter. lol.
I will rather eat Paula's fry chicken then the pink stuff (meat by product plus amonia) they serve in your Mc D burgers any day.
This woman is HIDEOUS!!! Get rid of this article already!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It would be much easier for you to leave. Based on your comment, why are you even here?
Let me get this straight. Did I just read that hordes of cockroaches were coming out from under the bed in her filthy and unkempt house during the time she and her son were peddling sandwiches to businesses in Savannah, sandwiches that were made in a dirty kitchen?
I am feeling sick even though I never ate one of her sandwiches.
I once watched her show. There was dog poop in many places in her house. She laughed it off.
I'm with you Elvis. The idea of a cook who sells to the public living in a roach-infested apartment makes me a bit queasy. And yes, I know all about what I don't know about the habits of other people who cook for the public. It bothers me that she has made this a part of her "story" - makes it worse, like she's proud of it. And let's face, you can make just about anything taste better with a stick of butter or 2 cups of sugar. And if that fails, well, just fry it. No skill involved there. Oh yeah, you should say "ya'll" when you serve it up.
Leave Paula alone. It's her right to divulge her health problems to the world if and when she wanted to. She didn't make anyone eat her recipes either. That is the viewers own choice to eat what they want or not to. Take responsibility for yourself. Paula didn't do anything wrong to anyone.
So what your saying is, we should not blame the Cigarette companies for pushing their advertising upon us also, because it's peoples own choice not to smoke or not.
You got it.
At what point does personal accountibility and self education come into play? Are you always in the habit of blaming someone else for your bad decisions?
Um yes- As a smoker myself, trying to quite, I don't blame the cigarette company advertisers. They're not the ones who put a cigarette in my hand and made me smoke it, one after another until I was addicted. It was my own stupidity and lack of willpower. If people would take some responsibility for their stupid actions this country wouldn't be as weak and pathetic.
* that's quit, not quite.
I feel bad for you dude. You are the type big tobacco loves to have on their side, but trust me, you are just money to them. You defend them but they would never defend you. Ok, I get it, you have a right to give yourself cancer. But do they really have the right to give you cancer? It's not just tobacco, its all the shit they add to preserve the tobacco so they can make a killing. Do yourself a favor and buy some natural tobacco if you don't want to quit.
Geez, x. How many car commercials to you see a day? A million-six? Does that mean you have to go out and buy every use Yugo they sell ... oh wait ... I see you already have one. Never mind.
I really had no opinion about her until I saw the stories of her hiding her Type 2 Diabetes while continuing to push a diet that is basically a guarantee for Type 2 Diabetes – until she swung a sweet heart deal for Type 2 Diabetes medication.
Talk about scummy.
She's a dirty pig.
No, eating this stuff is not a guaranteed route to diabetes. Eating nothing but this stuff, or frankly eating too much of almost anything, is a way to end up with diabetes.
Rich Racist Redneck is what she is.
The problem with the internet is that it gives an immediate and ready platform for every fool in christendome to express their opinion. I worry everyday that I may, at some time, find myself as a defendant to some of these fools
Hey Mark – before you talk about fools maybe you should learn to spell? Just a suggestion.
Kristen,
I will send you ten feet of rope..... take it to your back yard and hang yourself! I'm typing quickly... if you want to be grammar bitch, then get on with it
and maybe you should grab a clue and understand people are typing quickly.... smartass
I'd much rather be a smart one than a dumb one Mark.
Seriously Kristen, you're a loser.
Ah, the interent, where every would-be Baghdad Bob comes out to paint the world in black and white.
@rharri
Thanks for NOT forgtting to thwor down the race card – it hos Obummer became president
Paulas food is better home cooked than 75% of you who live on fast food
PUHLEEEZ. She became famous by promoting the worst possible food for peoples health. Complete and total irresponsible idiot woman. She is awful. How many people have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and shorter life spans thanks to PAULA's cookbooks. She is a terribly arrogant woman.
My Grandfather taught me at a young age that it's best not to speak of the lumps in someone elses pototoes until you get the lumps out of your own. With that being said, I would be curious to know the exemplary lifestyle you live.
Well, she's gotten wealthy by promoting what everyone already KNOWS is bad for health. No problem. She is no hero. No grandmotherly figure. She's just a wealthy irresponsible witch. A food ho
gayle....enough about Paula, let's talk about you. You know, the only person you can do anything about.
When judging others, you don't define them, you define you.
mmmmmmmmmm bacon
You can kill yourself over-eating pretty much anything. There's nothing wrong with having this type of meal every now and again. At some point the individual has to rely on some common sense when it comes to food. We don't all need to be told exactly how to act and eat in every detail, and for those that do, there problems run a lot deeper than this lady. If you're over-eating and under-burning this or any other food you're going to have problems.
Americans are such ironic and wuishy washy group of people........so you have tons people criticizing Paula for her unhealthy cooking yet not that long ago you have tons of people cirticizing Michelle Obama for trying to promote healthy eating for kids and accusing her of pushing her agenda etc... LOL well which is it?
Geez! no wonder the country is in such big trouble. You guys can;t even decide on something relatively trivila like this and you want to be the world's superpower and policeman?
And you are a coward. Much worse in my eyes.
Well they both have Big Butts, no question about it.
I can see both of those Big Butts from my front porch while dancing to your music.
I'd rather be parasailin' than Sarah Palin.
Well its two different groups – not the same people.
The healthy people who are not driving up our health care costs are the ones criticizing Dean and the ones that supported Obama.
The fat people who waddle around the mega-stores and even those that drive those little scooters because they can't bear to make the trek are the ones cheering her on and the ones who jeered Obama.
She's a rich red-neck. Eff her and her secret recipes she stole from others....
Why the uproar about Paula Deen getting diabetes because of her menu choices? Do you hold it against her that she drives a car even though driving cars cause death? Grow brains.
she's not for me. I am glad she got over her issues though.
I would just LOVE to do her.
die in your own feces "xesor"
Sounds like you really know a lot about the subject.
bla bla bla – I'm assuming people here do realize that you can in fact eat this stuff every now and again and be perfectly all right. There is a lot space between eating fat, salt, and carb laden meals 5 times a day and having one or two every month. For those who don't know the difference or don't have the discipline bashing on this woman isn't going to make a bit of difference.
She's got nice hair and nice teeth, but they don't make up for that overly obese face!!!!! Come on, Paula, stop eating everything you cook!!!!!!!
She doesn't. She can't, she has diabetes. She wants YOU to eat everything she cooks.
Paula is a little over-the-top for my liking.....but I tend to feel that way about a certain type of southern woman.
That said, all this criticism and vitriol toward someone who is a TV cook! It's entertainment! If you want to watch the show to feed your holier than thou attitudes about food, fine. But just because you eat healthier than Paula Deen, you are not necessarily a better person – just healthier.
This is a real person with a real life – warts and all – so give her a break, and have a stick of celery.
Paula ain't your Dr, she is a cook. Not a chef – A Cook! The only story here is that she is wildly popular and she is not a trained chef from the ICE, TCA, CCA, Le Cordon Bleu, etc., and the media and all those 'chefs' can't take it. What's right in this article is that she is a target – many celebs are. What laws were broken and who cares. This article is a good phissing expedition to invent controversy where none exists. Again, for all those above the Mason Dixon – Paula Deen is a cook, not your Dr. If you think eating butter or her food is gross, don't eat it; be nice and go eat someplace else. Last time I was in NYC, we spent over $250 plus for dinner for two ( X 4 couples) at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon – Four Seasons Hotel New York and we all left hungry. If you ever go there, you might get a glimpse of Anthony Bourdain sticking pins into Paula dolls he got at the Thomas Edison Rest Area on the NJ Turnpike. In the immortal words of PD herself, 'Bye Ya'll!'
🍔🍟 She's the Rush Limpballs of food. lol lol lol lol lol . Lets face it , lots of people are fat ,loud, classless, vulgar etc. and they need others like Rush and Paula to look up to.
Why is this PIG on CNN? Stick to reporting real news.
In one sentence, I've determined what kind of person you are (not good). I believe that's a record.
I don't have anyting against the lady, (i'm not aware of any factual "dirt"), but they need to go easy on the make-up. It makes her skin look like a Muppet.
Why on erath is this woman billed as front page news on CNN? There's nothing even remotely important about her.
I feel the same way about Michael Jackson when he died and look at all the coverage he still gets. Sometimes it's not about you, Char. Don't like it? Go somewhere else.
Oh, I forgot. Think about all of the poor people she has fed through the years and has donated to their causes out of her own pocket! How many Food celebrities do that? Not many.
http://www.Hear-The-Truth.com
That "truth" site is about religion. Nothing about PD here so don't bother.
Just leave this woman alone! And leave her brother Newt alone too!
Why do they keep plastering this woman's leering mug, front page, on CNN?
Agreed. The cynic in me knows any media house, and CNN isn't immune in any way, loves a good fight....and she's got her slavish devotees, and those who find her the culinary spawn of Satan.
Thing is? I don't even watch her show! I think I saw it once and it just seemed like Cooking 101 – nothing special – but certainly not refined or anything that I thought merited a t.v. show.
But that fake grin is so unnatural and fiend-like. It makes me wince every time I go to the site to read news. And hasn't it been on here for the last few days?!
Agreed, Emerald. In truth, I find her mug to be a great healthy-living aid, since she represents everything wrong with an appetite for sloth-like gluttony.
It is character assassination. Deen represents "southern republican" way of life. When I think of Deen, I also think about the "tea party". Therefore, CNN can attack the tea party indirectly by attacking people that reflect their believes. Other companies do the same thing when they launch the war on christmas, because we all know that democrats hate Christmas. It is just another example of the political rhetoric that is chocking this country.
I like Paula Dean and for the lady who is suing her said, 'she had used racial epithets when referring to African-Americans who worked for Paula Deen Enterprises', I think she is the only few female cooks on the Food Network that has had African American guest cooks. I have never seen a Black person on the Barefoot Contessa with Ina Garten, not even as a guest visitor. Yes, Paula is a southern girl, and as an African American, I believe the white lady who is suing her used the same or worst language when it came to the minority employees. Otherwise, why would she wait all of this time to say that about Paula. I say leave Paula alone, we still love her just the same.
At least Paula didn't turn down some poor little 'Make A Wish' child like Ina did...that's truly an a$$ho!e. AND CNN keeps putting these stories on here 'cause idiots like us keep commenting on them!
When did this lady become so important in the public eye to warrant any attention beyond the plethora of cooking show hosts on tv? Leave her alone, if you don't want to eat what she eats DON'T EAT IT.
CNN...GET THIS DISGUSTING CREATURE OFF THE FRONT PAGE ALREADY!
Shut your pie hole alex.. with a little "a"
They like to torture us, it seems.
🌀 yeah, i don't get this. I've vaguely heard of this oinker 🐷 and she's a top problem for the world????? there are Way more important things than what fatties eat.
And look at the photo, it looks like shes the queen and waving to her loyal subjects. Queen of what, oh yes that would be "Queen of Butter"
The French use more butter and cream than she does. Better things to do than criticize Paula. Get a life people. Eat ,laugh and love.
You have no concept of French cooking. You're only about 125 years too late. French cooking is lean, healthful and intense. Hacks like this woman have no palate, and no technique – and no honor – and so they drown already dead food in butter and other fats. This woman has made her millions promulgating absolute garbage, and her devotees know no better, tragically.
Public Relations (PR) stunt with this whole cheesy article. Look at the doctored up photos, etc.
Trying to save her empire. Loud, vulgar, obese and gluttonous.
This lady looks like Rush Limbuagh with a wig.......
Hey CNN....didn't you have this topic published over a week ago? Is business so slow for you?
I don't think people are blaming her for them being fat. It's the fact that she herself has diabetes and is promoting unhealthy cooking. Yes, she doesn't force people to eat her food, but she is promoting it by having her show, books, and magazines. That would be like me saying....smoking is great for you. Smoke 5 packs a day and you will live to be 100, yet at the same time I have lung cancer. She shouldn't be on tv showing people how to cook unhealthy meals when she is suffering from that very cooking. She is basically saying, "It's okay to cook with horrible ingredients, and don't worry about what the consequences will be. I have Diabetes and I just take medication for it. My doctor even told me not to eat my own cooking, but it's okay if I show you how to cook it and eat it." Get over yourselves people. She is a horrible person for what she does and that is a fact. Whether you eat it or not.
Perhaps she could auction off her teeth for quite a profit.
Good Lord, will everyone just leave Paule Deen alone?!?!? If you don't like her food, don't make it and don't watch her shows! Get a life! She's a self-made woman who has earned everything she has. Really people?? What's the problem. Fat people aren't fat because of Paula Deen. Diabetics aren't diabetics becasue of Paula Deen. It's called 'personal responsibility'. Why don't you all get some!
Very well said Shawn...she pulled herself up and made something of herself...if others are jealous of her fame and money, to damn bad! As you said, NO-ONE forces folks to eat her food...she is fun to watch and her food is fattening to some and not so much for others. And if you watch her shows she constantly reminds everyone she doesn't eat like this all the time...
Love her down home southern style....
I so agree. Paula is the focus of all this attention because she has offended the food establishment and they don't like all the attention she gets! Like the mean spirited, Anthony Bordain-–who is so offensive I just can't watch his show. Its all about free speech and free will. Paula is pure entertainment and fun. I don't cook what she is demonstrating because of my health. I just love her story and her love of home and family. Paula, you hang in there and don't let all of this detract from your joy. Our country can get so out of balance around these issues!
I love Paula's story and her climb from the depths of despair to superstar! There will always be haters out there – haters of the fat, rich, successful, famous and smart – but those haters are really the ones with the problems! I believe I have enough common sense to know that Paula Deen's delicious and sinful recipes are not ones of which my doctor would approve – but thank goodness I find joy in baking some of her goodies, sharing with others and enjoying her effervescent southern personality while she demonstrates her talents! Love you Paula Deen!!!!
Her 'effervescent personality' is as fake as her teeth. Most of her 'fans' are obese dolts who think she somehow represents them. What a bunch of idiots. Her morbid obese butt is laughing all the way to the bank I guess...
Been there with the agoraphobia thing, Paula. Also, recovered from it. I just wish you would not have made the comment that you haven't had to change your eating habits since becoming diabetic...everything in moderation. Obviously, that WAS a change in eating habits. It's fine to say "everything in moderation," but it is not fine to say that you did not have to change your eating habits. You were overweight...and (pardon me) still are.
Great Lady, great cook....
You "holier than thou" jack asses can take your rhetoric to the political pages. As for me and my family, Paula Dean is a survivor with much to give yet...
Anyone with half a brain could see that Paula Deen's recipes were a tad anachronistic from the get go. That was the whole sort of charm of her culinary schtick. I always scratched my head at why such recipes were getting such big play on TV when all the other cooking shows were so conscienciously low fat and low calorie with EVOO everywhere instead of butter, lard, and cream. No doubt her audience just liked her no guilt, no consequences southern charm. And that was just fine with TV execs. Her shows sold. Nobody forced Paula's recipes on anyone and in occasional doses there's no harm. People are in denial about their own responsiblity for their own diets. Stop using Paula as a scapegoat.
Trying to get some sympathy for her outrageous behaviour. Only few questioned her cooking but many more questioning her ethics, just because you came from poverty doesnt mean you can do anything for money.
Agreed!
Does she make good food? Heck yes!
Does she have some of the shadiest ethics I've seen in a long time to only come out about the diabetes she's helping to perpetuate AFTER winning an ad deal from a drug maker to help treat the very disease she's been helping to spread? Double heck yes.
She is as shady a person as I've seen in a long time.
Coming soon to a Walmart near you... The Bristol Palin Dancing Cow Doll. Pull the string and it stares at you with a blank look on its face.
She's just a good ol southern girl. Which is why I avoid the south at all costs. Nothing scarier than a crazy racist gun totin red neck.
As opposed to a myopic, irrationally opinionated Northerner who thinks they have all that and a bag of chips wrapped up with a bow? Get out and experience the world, honey. LBNL, generalize on your own time.
What Paula endorses and uses in her personal life is her business. What she cooks and teaches others to cook is also, quite literally, her business. As has been stated before, she's not strong-arming anyone to make her recipes or eat her foods. She has not ONCE stated that her recipes are for the health conscious. Anyone with common sense knows they can't daily eat the foods Paula prepares and still have healthy cholesterol, blood pressure/sugar levels or a healthy weight. That said, her recipes are great and I LOVE watching her show.
If you people went through what she has been through, 95% of you would be s**t out of luck and the other 5% wouldn't know what to do or where to go. If the shoe fits, where it, if not, shut the f*** up. Hell, no one is making anyone eat her recipes, if you decide to, then that's on you. the truth of the matter is that people need to get control of thier own lives and stop blaming other people for their f*** ups. It's your choice, use it wisely. Do you want to live or do you want to die it's that simple.
is this the only way that albany, ga will ever get mentioned on CNN?
"The overwhelming sentiment: Take responsibility for your actions, Paula"
Hmmm. Maybe the American public should take responsibility for theirs? No one is making them eat Deen's recipes. Nah, let's just go sue McDonalds while we pound down 800-calorie lattes.
I don't watch the lady's show and I'll let the courts decide about the lawsuit but, from my single experience of eating at her restaurant, I can say this: Someone there REALLY knows how to cook. I couldn't eat that much good stuff every day but I'm glad I tried it out!
"the hue of her hair and teeth and those Disney blue eyes seem cranked up just a notch or two beyond the normal human range" says it all to me. Earlier shows, her hair, teeth and eyes were all very dull. Now she has false eyelashes, veneers and, obviously blue contac lenses. I guess it presents better, but not very "natural."
She is just as much a "character" as any other actress on TV. Nothing on TV is 'reality'.
Just someone else for the fat people to blame as they shove another Ho-Ho down their throats.
I love Paula and her recipes. Her fried chicken recipe makes Southern boys want to slap their mommas. Her food should be consumed maybe once a month or once a quarter, but it is traditional to the Southern style.
All these hipstery "farm to table 'Souther Fusion' chefs" in ATL that plunk down a locally grown carrot and radish on a plate for $12 can learn something from Paula and they should shut up. I have left plenty of their trendy restaurants in starvation mode and with a lot less money....and zero "Wow" factor. They need to get over themselves.
I enjoy her show but don't make her recipes the way they are presented because they are not healthy. A lot of them can be adjusted and still turn out great, but with lots less butter and untalthy ingredients.
No-one is being forced to make her recipes or put any food in their months. Thatn is in now way meant to put down people who have weight problems (I don't, btw),. Obviously, if it were so easy to lose weight, no-one would be obese. The world would be a better place if people could show a tiny bit of compassion toward each other.
She should host a new reality show where everyone can watch obese people try to outdo each other in
calorie and fat consumption. She's the expert on that, y'all. It might be real fun.
Her health is her business! What she does for a living is her business. If she wants to make and serve 1000 calorie meals, there will be someone to make and eat them. Leave her alone! She never claimed to be a role model; just a home cook with a wealth of recipes from her heritage who struck it big! Jealous, anyone????
Lighten up people...She is a television personality. Try to not take so much joy in here disclosure of her illness.
She is an atrocious cook with no education. She is dishonest and the drug company that cut a deal with her is worse. She gives the impression that diabetes is similar to having an ingrown toenail which can be easily treated. Why any TV show would promote her is beyond my understanding. However, to blame her for problems her audience may have does a real disservice to personal responsibility. If by this time people are not aware that a regular diet of high fat and refined carbs are unhealthy, then they must be living on the moon
I think she is "HOT" if she can make love as good as she cooks I bet that would B great to. I would love to eat in her restaurant in savannah but I don,t have 2 hrs to wait in line I,m 69 & need to get things done right away. sorry Paula
Show up at the restaurant at 9:30 and make a reservation. It's not a 2 hour wait and if it was.....it would still be worth it!
"Recalling that moment when she learned she was agoraphobic (aka crazy), Deen said she sat on the bed and cried with relief. 'I'm not crazy. I'm not crazy...'"
Had to chuckle when I read that.
Agoraphobia does not make someone crazy...
What does that have to do with anything really? Or are you just gay bashing?
Anyone with half a brain would realize these aren't recipes you eat day-in and day-out. She never claimed to cook "health food".
And it's not the butter/fat that's the problem. It's the sugar and carbs that will give you diabetes.
I was never a fan, and I'm even less of a non-fan now. But if she does push recipes that are incredibly unhealthy, that is much different than a friend or family member that doesn't eat healthy, unless your friend/family member has a TV cooking show with thousands of fans.
Oh come on people! It's like extreme skiing. Hardly anyone tries more than one or two tricks but it's fun to watch. I love deep fried butter and sugar glazed bacon. PD is entertainment. Pass the oatmeal cookies.
She's a very dishonest person so she can just go away and take her sons with her. I'm done watching her show!
Are you saying she lied about how many cups of sugar or butter she put in her recipes? Get a grip. She didn't force anyone to make or eat any of her recipes.
What makes Paula so dishonest? Obviously you jumped on the bandwagon to nowhere. Paul didn't have to tell anyone about her medical condition. It is no one's business but her own. It's still no one's business. Nobody forces you to try her recipes filled with fat. If you are obese, that's your problem. Paula wasn't there forcing you to eat anything. Grow up and grow a pair!!!
This in the article says it best ""I have been a fan of Paula Deen for a long time but I never really thought twice about the dangers of her cooking, because I have a choice to cook those recipes or not," Yes, we ALL have that choice.
I'm not a big fan, but I've watched her. And for a special occasion, would probably want to make one of her fat laden desserts. And here's the thing... Deen was made a media darling with her rags to riches story. She sells fat laden recipes because THAT IS WHAT SHE KNOWS HOW TO DO. This isn't Ms I Was Educated by the Culinary Institute of America, it's Ms I Learned to Cook From Grandma. Take her stuff or leave it, but the entire WORLD is filled with more artery clogged grandma recipes than you can shake a stick at. And can anyone argue that a lard pie crust isnt' better than any of that canola oil yak? Of course it is. We just shouldn't make it a habit to plow through it unless we want to end up with health problems. But does that mean we play burnt earth wtih grandma recipes instead of cherishing them for their rich history and flavour? Shall we all burn our cookbooks from days of old? Do their existance and her's mean that we really are sheep without decision making properties? Are we only to live life eating bitter arugula? And is she the only culprit in the rich food area? No. But she certanily is the target wtih her lack of education. If she was trained in French cuisine like Julia Child, she would be lauded as an expert in her field. Do you think it's only southern cooking that is filled with fat? LOL Please, show me the calorie counts of the best NY restaurant meals and we can talk. Fat and salt is EVERYWHERE, and yes even in those high class over priced joints. They're just in tiny portions, but beautifully presented, eh.
As to Bourdain, as much as I enjoy Tony and his snark, considering that he has a history of alcohol, cocaine, heroin and smoking, and he's going to talk about Paula? Yeah he's kicked a bunch of demons, I guess that it means he never went there and she's merely stupid? Oh no wait, this is just more of 'I was professionally trained, and you are a mere meaningless plebe' attitude that he doesn't realize makes him only look pompous.
Yeah, Paula is a demon and stupid. Meanwhile, try Tony's recipe for mousse, or creme brulee. Or just any of those 1000 beef recipes. The fat in there doesn't count. Hurray for organ meat, right? Uh...
Here's the REAL truth. If you don't want to get fat or have health issues, you seriously shouldn't eat any of the stuff offerred up by any of them. Pile your plate half with streamlined raw or cooked veggies, add a small amount of lean unsauced protein, and some heavy duty grains. Exercise your fool head off and don't indulge in any smoking, drinking or drug use. And you can save a lot of money by not buying their cookbooks and probably not get butt spread by sitting on the couch reading their books or watching their shows. This applies to Paula but also to Waters, Bourdain or Oliver. Fixate on food, you'll be fat. Fixate on life, you won't.
I admire Paula for doing what she had to do to take care of her children. She has shared her good fortune with less fortunate people and organizations, as for anthony, he is just like the ex-employee trying to gain a little something from Paula's troubles.He is a pompas jerk as far as I am concerned. Leave Paula and her family alone ! ! !
Agreed. I am a Bourdain fan and have seen hime put all sorts of fatty stuff in his gob.
The difference is that Bourdain isn't endorsing a prescription medicine! The proliferation of advertisements for prescription medications is bad enough already without someone like Deen also pretty much saying "Oh look, y'all, I got the Diabetes but this wonderful company makes this drug that fixes it!" No need to change your diet!
I think what most people are upset about is the fact that she had an opportunity to educate but chose to make even more money instead. In a society where obesity and diabetes are *still* on the rise, why are we saying it's okay to continue to endorse the type of lifestyle? She could have decided to SHOW her audience how to make healthy choices and how to make her recipes without all the extra fat and sugar she puts in them. (You know, the REAL treatment for Diabetes, not some easy "just take your medicine, you'll be okay" cure.)
No, "real" southern food is not nearly as unhealthy as she portrays it to be. It's also important to realize that back when the cuisine originated, the people eating it where burning many more calories a day than people do today.
Bourdain does not endorse Lipitor, but according to an interview he did last year, he takes it. So while he's sucking down pork fat, organ meat, and other cholesterol-raising foods, he's relying on medication to correct the damage he's doing to himself, and not mentioning that to his viewers. He's a self-righteous hypocrite.
Thad,
She has made changes. If you see any of her newer shows she's switched to lots more fish and lean meat items. Not to mention the fact that her son now has a new show that lightens up her old recipes.
What more do you want her to do? Her niche has always been southern cooking, with a full fat and suger theme. It's what made her famous. Why? Because we all love to indulge in comfort food. In her shows she's always mentioned things like "I can't have this every day". She doesn't endorse eating like that every day. Her recipes are for every now and then. She's never said otherwise.
Your way of eating isn't that healthy either. Grains, even whole grains, are inflammatory. They are not "health food", grains are pushed because they are cheap filler. And avoiding fats isn't ideal either, the body needs fat, you just need to avoid certain kinds of fat.
Put a piece of meat/fish on your plate, fill the rest of your plate with veggies. No grains, no sugar, minimal dairy. Use natural, nutrient-rich fats such as olive oil, butter, and coconut oil.
And drink alcohol in moderation. Alcohol (beer and wine) actually have health benefits, and light and moderate drinkers live the longest, followed by heavy drinkers, and non-drinkers actually have the shortest life expectancy.
She is a lower-class, uneducated woman and her lifestyle is finally catching up with her. Who cares?
Apparently you.
You seem to be the uneducated lower class. Bet you wish you had her money now. For someone so uneducated, she sure has made a ton of dough and popularity. Jealousy does not become you.
Sorry. Meant to say closer to my MOM's age.
The article says she was fed up at 44 and now she is 65!
So what? How dumb is your rant?
I don't know whose rant you're talking about, but you are rude. Some people like to share their opinions, but are clearly censored on CNN. Maybe you work for CNN, sitting around censoring certain responses that might aggravate sponsors, etc. Yeah, we may have the right to free speech in this country but it certainly doesn't apply to posting on CNN in their comments section. Only if you say something that doesn't offend anyone except the person or person who are being attacked in the article in question! And who really cares if Paula has diabetes. Quite a few million PEOPLE IN THE US HAVE DIABETES in case you didn't know it ZIP IT. Paula didn't start the junk food trend, she just went along with it. But idiots in this country will always attack very rich, successful women. It's what you do when you can't stand that a woman made it to the top without the help of a man.
44 years old!!! Hell, I'm over fifty and thought she was closer to my Om's age!
You may want to try reading the full article...
I am deeply in love with Paula Deen. She is my main squeeze.
I really do want to see Paula Deen naked. OMG, Yes!
All hating aside, her recipe for apple tart was a hit at Thanksgiving two yrs in a row. Thanks Paula.
Never been much of a Paula Deen fan but I gotta give it up for "butter-lubed bobsled ride to diabetesville".
There are two issues on this ridiculous board–1) So much judgement with so little facts. The general consensus is that obese people deserve their fate and they all are horrible people. I am obese. Not from eating poorly but from having tumors on three of my glands. I eat healthier than probably anyone on this board but if I met any of these haters personally, they would feel superior and justified in telling me to my face what a horrible, lazy person I am because of my size. I know this because it has happened. People should just shut their mouths. and 2) Ms. Dean is a commodity in our society. She's become successful because people like her and her product. If she chooses to promote a product that is for diabetics, why do you care? Did it ever occur to anyone here that the promotion may be her mea culpa? People who decide for themselves what is happening and why without the facts are being idiotic. And HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOU? Perhaps you all should call your grandma and yell at her for being old. Same logic.
Doza, there is no explanation for the dolts that spew their judgment without hesitation. I understand that they're all perfect. No flaws. They eat right, they exercise and they tell everyone else how to live, under their anonymous names. They're not gay, they all have good jobs. Their kids are just the dreamiest kids ever. They can judge because, they have perfect lives. So, all of you that fit this description, continue to judge.
I rather liked Deen until the diabetes thing. To be diagnosed for three years, while not changing the diet she pushed on people that helped spread the disease UNTIL she got a drug sponsorship and then suddenly she was all about educating people on diabetes and offering up healthy versions of her recipes? She's making money on both ends–causing as well as treating the disease. It's sickening.
She white trash southern redneck hillbilly who never knews how to handles fame. She big and fat sow who tries to play it both ways cause'n she done be greedy as sin. Somebody should slaps her down when day see her. And she ugly and down below problably smells like old bacon.
Oh, do tell more!
I am very skeptical about these former employees who sue these famous, successful chefs. Somehow, I think that it's a scam that unfortunately a few of them have succeeded with. Besides the one mentioned above, I recently read about Mario Batali and his partner settling a suit out of court. Long before these, there was Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet. His career and reputation were ruined by a former employee accusing him of being gay. It might not work today, but it was sad that it happened then. He was such a sweet and gentle man. I collected all of his cookbooks, and I still often use his recipes and think fondly of him when I do.
I hope that Paula and her brother win their case. This sounds like an ungrateful ex-employee.
The problem is not that Paula Deen is responsible for anyone becoming diabetic. I have, for years, been a fan of hers, however recently I have changed my thinking. I adore her cooking, and even though I was diagnosed with Diabetes 8 months ago I do not blame her any more than I would blame my own mother for not teaching me good eating habits. Like Paula, I grew up eating unhealthy "southern" cooking (we called it country food). I stayed at a good healthy weight until 3 yrs ago when I gained 70 pounds, and a diabetes diagnosis. My problem with Deen now is her double standard life that seems to be based on making money. She has her cooking show, cookbooks, etc., that makes her a tremendous forture. However, as if that wasn't enough, she becomes a paid spokesperson for a diabetes drug company. You cannot promote unhealthy eating, and then suggest that just in case you develop diabetes from this horrible habit, I'd like you to take this drug. There is a moral compass inside each of us and I think she is so hell bent on never being poor again that she can't see how she has compromised herself for the sake of money.
One of the most reasoned posts I have seen on this issue or any other for that matter.
I agree with all that you've said. I just watched Oprah's Next Chapter interview with Paula Deen, and I was struck by the fact that her big personality and quick wit washes over the fact that she's just not that smart. She really has no idea that her diabetes drug connection reflects a moral dilemma. She's a little poor girl from the South without an education who was able to thrust what she knew best (Southern country cooking) into a high-paying career. Sadly, she is still caught up mentally in the poverty mindset of her past and will do pretty much anything to make a buck. Her over the top house and lifestyle reflect her inner insecurities. I find her funny and appealing and sad all at the same time.
Long ago – in a far away tv land – there was a tv food show called "Two Fat Ladies". When Jennifer Paterson died from Lung cancer (at age 72), Sara Moulton (infamous tv chef) criticized Ms. Paterson for her use of too many fats in her cooking and alluded to that as being the reason for her demise. I've turned off any show that Sara has been on ever since. Anthony B, while I enjoy your shows, don't make be react the same to you.
I'm all for people being able to cook whatever they want. But it absolutely disgusts me to see any of her segments – I once in a while will catch the end of her show and am mortified at what she puts into her food. I watched her make hot chocolate by melting an entire candy bar into a glass of full milk with some heavy cream. That drink probably exceeded the recommended daily fat count for the day.
People would be amazed that things can still taste good without an entire stick of butter in it. No seriously it can!
It takes a lot of skill to make healthy meals that taste great. Dean just doesn't have much skill. i.e. she is just an average cook, at best. I don't understand what her fans see in her, but hey, I don't love those bozos on the Jerry Shore either.
I disagree with "it takes a lot of skill to make healthy meals that taste great". That's why so many people are scared away from eating well, they think either it's hard and/or it will taste gross. It's no harder to cook tasty healthy foods than it is to cook tasty unhealthy foods.
Guess what people, all the TV chefs are getting fatter and fatter. Lagasse,Mario Batoli,Ann Burrell, etc. etc. They even have a show called Fat Chef! The United States of Fatness should be collectively ashamed of themselves!! You people are all disgusting ! These people are not helping matters, maybe they will all have heart attacks at the same time!! Your country should not allow any tourism outside of your fat disgusting crime infested cities. We do not want to see your big fatbutts in our country!! Stay Home and eat yourself to death on McDonalds food(slop). GoHOME you FAT PIGS!!
I guess saying "y'all" 500 times an episode is not enough to get you out of a jam. I wish Foodnetwork wouldn't push the personalities like they do. It should be about the food, not the people.
I've never been a Paula Deen fan. I do not care for her outrageously unhealthy cooking. Her personality seems very forced and phony to me. I also question the rags to riches story. Regarding the racism allegations: I actually read the entire complaint from the ex-employee and I believe there is truth to what she's alleging. How much: only the parties involved know. Race is such an inflammatory issue that it's overshadowed all the other allegations in this case. However the crux of the ex-employee's complaint is sexual harassment and discrimination based on gender. There is a lot in the complaint about racism, especially from Deen's brother. I do believe the allegations because the work related allegations as far as equal pay, lack of benefits, lack of vacation time, and number of hours worked should all be documented and able to be fairly easily proved. She spoke extensively and very specifically about certain racial incidents as well. The allegations are a bit too detailed and extensive to all be made up. I personally believe there's truth to these allegations.
I would like to see a sex tape of Paula Deen and Newt Gingrich come out which would finally kick Newt out of the race.
Newt doesn't go for average gals like Dean. Have you seen his latest wife? Dean is too real for Newt!
Gag. Me.
How many chins does she HAVE??
Paula Dean is like the people on the show The Jersey Shore. Yea, only morons would take advice from either of them. Dean isn't to blame for a majority of Americans being obese and lazy. But like the cast on The Jersey Shore I don't understand what there is to love or even respect about Dean.
Paula Deen is alright by me.
She makes me smile and hungry everytime shes on the tv.
I like my Southern Comfort with a great big smile and a laugh.
All the haters can kiss this.
Unfortunately the people stupid and ignorant enough to think Paula Deen has "words of wisdom" ARE dumb enough to think there is no problem with the food and lifestyle she promotes. You see them is this very forum with posts like "My grandmother ate fried sticks of butter wrapped in bacon every day and she lived to be 100 so I don't think it's proven that food can cause diabetes". Deen hid her diabetes for years because she knew it would negatively impact her business (and probably get her fired from the Food Network). If you listen to her, you also realize she is sick in the head and is passing on bad values to kids with her "Food is love" mantra. A Krispy Kreme wrapped cheese burger is not love, Paula, it's suicide (and if you serve it to your kids it's child abuse).
WHat I find interesting here is that when people like us say we do NOT respect Dean we are called haters. I don't hate Dean but I see nothing to respect there either. As others have said Dean doesn't have to be a role model. I agree with that but her NOT being a role model and promoting an unhealthy lifestyle is just another reason I don't respect her.
I would really like to have a fan of her explain to me why they respect her.
If you're so stupid that you want to blame Paula Deen for your health issues, then you deserve what you get. So she cooks with butter and fat, her male counterparts prefer mistresses and oxycontin. Leave her alone you hateful toads.
Who is blaming Dean for their health issues? No one here based on what I have read. Some people are just pointing out that Dean makes money promoting a lifestyle that can lead to diabeties and that she is getting paid by a drug company for a diabetic medication. Is that something a person of character woudl do? If your spouse or kids did this would you be proud of them? I would be ashamed but I guess that makes me hateful.
Big deal Jazz man. She makes a living like everyone else. Don't add that extra cup of butter. Use Virgin Olive Oil instead of Crisco. Shut up. If I were her agent, I'd be working on a sweet deal with the money-monger health care fat cats that rape society everyday. If you must spew your disgust, fine just spew it in the right direction, because the wind is not in your favor.
What OhZipIt said times a zillion.
You want to feed your kids cardboard and rice cakes have at it.
We eat bacon,eggs and grits with real butter in it and the lack of stress we have about it means we will outlive all of you.
Rock On Paula.
Someone proud of being a moron. Hey, I can understand when people say they know what is healthy or not but just lack the will power or just don't care about being healthy, but to be proud of being an idiot? That I just don't get.
Who's proud to be a moron? You? Obviously, you don't get jack. Can you verify your 6-pack abs and fantabolous way of life? Maybe write a book, or for God's sakes why aren't you giving your secrets of THE WAY to us all. Hoarder.
Like Miss Paula and have to say – no one is holding a gun to anyone's head and making them prepare her recipes. It's all about common sense folks but there seems to be a lot of people out there without that. Hang in there folks there maybe a cure for lack of common sense coming – hopefully for your sakes it won't involve butter, cream or fried foods. Hang in there Paula – just know that like my Granny would often say, Honey – if they're talking about you they're just letting somebody else have a rest.
I agree with you..no one is force feeding them..I love Paula have been a fan forever and will stay one til I die!!! GO PAULA!!!
she is one f u gly s kank!
Uh.six year olds should'nt post on CNN.
so stop posting PhilG.
I'm seven years old,get it right purple jam.
Here's a novel thought...don't like her? Don't watch her show or buy her products. Diabetic? Take charge of your own health and don't rely on someone from the TV to tell you what to eat. Also...anyone who thinks fake butter or diet drinks are healthy needs their heads examined....not to mention the side effects from many of the so called cholesterol lowering drugs...instead of skewering this woman why no research how many people are killed by pharmaceutical drugs that are supposed to "make you healthy"? How about that diabetes drug that gives you diabetes? People need to turn off the TV, throw away the tabloids and start not only educating themselves but take responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to fill your belly with chicken fried unidentified...it's on you.
amen to that
Well there must be a lot of really stupid people in America because there are lot of obese people. But there are a lot of clueless people who could use help learning how to cook healthy meals that taste good. Dean could of helped with this. Insterad she promotes an unheathy lifestyle. But yes, it is up to viewer to ignore her and make the right choices.
It is not incumbent upon any celebrity to disclose ANYTHING about their health, nor is it incumbent upon any chef (on air or otherwise) to educate the public on nutrition. Sadly, it has become the American way to place blame rather than take responsibility for their own chosen behavior. Paula Deen has come a lifetime away from her desperation and depression as a single Mom. I applaud her and salute her success...Bravo, Paula!!
Well said!!! We as the public don't have the right to know anyone's medical history just because they are selling cookbooks.
Love and admire Paula Deen
I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE THINKING THATCHEFS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR LARGE BUTTS AND NO WAISTLINES! THEY ARE NOT!!! WE ALL WATCH PAULA DEEN AND WE ALONE CHOOSE TO COOK HER RECIPES OR NOT TO. I AM A DIABETIC AND I USE HER RECIPES AND SUBSTITUTE IN MANY WAYS AND THEY ARE DELICIOUS! STOP BLAMING OTHERS AND TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOU OWN HUGE BUTT.
And what else better to do in life, perhaps built weapons or work in a lab to kill people en masse with poisoned pills, or maybe be a broker on Wall Street, how about a fake doctor like 99.9% of them, or a geek making programs with two pair of glasses on, how about a dirty lawyer, or you might like police job. Freaking hypocrites, this woman is a goddess in compare with you and your profession. Get angry with yourself.
I'm with you... Back in th 90's a reporter asked Dr. Timothy Leary if he was disappointed that the 60s generation had changed and were more like Martha Stewart....trying to find the best lettuce for their salads... Leary said "What a fantastic thing to do for a living! Showing people what lettuce is good for a Salad. How peaceful and noble is that?" Both him and you have an excellent point.
I'm skeptical that she's a racist, but has anyone reported how many minorities she employs? That would be an indicator.
I personally enjoy Paula Deen, and admire the adversity she's overcome. I also admire her financial and commercial success. Have you seen a lot of skinny cooks/chefs? What about Mario Battali, among others. And, yes, I love him, too. At the risk of repeating my previous commentators: If you can't take personal responsibility for your food/health choices ... see a counselor.
I agree it is silly and even stupid for anyone to blame Dean for their health issues. But I really don't see many people doing that. To me the point here is simple: Dean could promote more healthly meals since the increase in diabetes is a very real problem. She would use her fan and her own situation to help with the diabetes issues in this country.
Her sons are now doing this with a show that will feature healthy versions of Dean type recipes. Instead Paula continue to promote a lifestyle that isn't healthly at the same time being paid to promote a diabetes drug. To me that shows a lack of character. It isn't like she needs the money. So instead of doing good she wishes to make more money. Hey, that is her right but I'm not going to cheer her for doing so.
Poster child for the GOP
I was critical of Deen when I first found out about her diabetes, but I have to be a fan of women, and their ambition. What she does is give us all an outlet for those times when comfort food can only provide that security. Anything in moderation is okay, and we all have to take responsibility for the ways in which we treat out bodies. A chef or cook does not force me to eat what I eat, the same way that a bartender does not force me to over drink when I choose to. As for her own health, live and let live....
I'm fortunate to never have seen or heard this woman but she sounds like trumped up, nouveau-riche trailer trash to me. Why would anyone care about her one way or another (other than her friends and family, that is). As for her cooking style, sounds revolting. Butter and sugar? No thanks! Fried food? Yeccchh. :P
Well, unlike you, this woman is a celebrity and has built her own empire from scratch. What have you done in life? Do you live from paycheck to paycheck and get humiliated everyday at work? Whose the trash then. Mind your business.
Another one who thinks their doo-doo doesn't have an aroma. Why is it some people can only feel important by putting others down? Crawl back to your hole, bottom feeder.....
Here's the deal, folks. I want to see Paul Deen Nekkid.
French Women Don't Get Fat , remember that? French women do exercise daily, however, eat a lot of fresh foods, and high calorie foots are likely to be limited in size to a couple of teaspoon or so.
I would guess that many French women aren't overweight because of the amount of cigarettes they smoke a day.
Not a big fan of her food or her shows. Her personality is rather over-the-top for me. But props to her for being a savvy businesswoman–she's built an empire from scratch. I respect that.
Why is this remotely important America.Just more of smoke & mirrors, nothing more than brain dead distraction to take away the most pressing issue that faces this nation.The ousting of the "Man Child" who currently destroying our country & freedom.At least you can turn the channel & no more Paula with her brand of cooking ,you can only turn off what lurks within the whitehouse at the ballot box in November that is what is important.
Why is this remotely important America.Just more of smoke & mirrors, nothing more than brain dead distraction to take away the most pressing issue that faces this nation.The ousting of the "Man Child" who currently destroying our country & freedom.At least you can turn the channel & no more Paula with her brand of cooking ,you can only turn off Obozo at the ballot box in November that is what is important.
This is so ridiculous! I wasn't aware that Paula Deen was advertising her cooking as being low-fat and nutritious. Paula Deen specializes in traditional Southern cooking and much of Southern cuisine is fried and far from fat-free. I also wasn't aware that Paula Deen had some magical powers which somehow forces people to eat her cooking. I could understand the criticism if it were shown that Paula Deen had somehow made false claims, such as that all of her food is healthy and nutritious, but that isn't the case. We are all responsible for what we shove down our throats and blaming Paula Deen is no different than blaming Hostess who sells Twinkies and Ding-Dongs or Hershey's chocolate for Americans' obesity.
An intelligent person would realize that the only person responsible for the food we choose to eat, is US! If you don't like Paula Deen's cooking, don't eat it! If you dislike Paula Deen's choice of Southern cooking, don't watch her television show and don't buy her cookbooks! When will people start taking responsibility for themselves and stop blaming others for their lot in life? If you are fat, its your fault, save those who may be suffering from a medical and/or psychological condition, where obesity is a side-effect. Furthermore, it is virtually impossible to claim ignorance when it comes to nutrition in the age of the internet and Google.
The haters will always hate. Personally, If you don't like her program, don't watch it. If you don't like the way she cooks, don't cook that way. And if you don't like her period, then why in the name of heaven are you here reading an article all bout her?
She still has periods at her age? Amazing.
As a southerner, I take issue with Paula Dean. She don't talk like we talk– it's a parady of how Hollywood would
makes us sound. Besides that her transfat cooking is abomonale to any thinking person. She is not a cook but an actress and a poor one at that.
I was born and raised in Atlanta and my grandmother sounds just like Paula and cooks a lot like her as well. And happens to be 90. So what the heck are you talking about?
I have lived in the top end of the Old South for the 37 years that I have been alive, and I have seldom met Southerners named "Ricardo".
It all comes down to personal responsibility. I'm not a huge Paula fan (I always though she was fake – and as I read here it turns out mostly true), but I have been known to make one of her recipes – either exactly or more likely by modifying it a bit for personal taste (normally taking out a lot of the fat). Either way, she's a frigg'n TV personality/cook... why would I ever expect her to be a role model? Why would I blame her for what I do?
Personal responsibility... learn it.
oink oink
Imagine her buns-up kneeling!
Paula in a bikini! Schwing!!!
I am not a fan of Paula Deen. I'm sure she's a good cook and I've enjoyed some of her recipes, but the woman herself drives me insane. I am a native and lifelong resident of Alabama; I get enough of the overwrought Southern women of her age to have one more yapping at me through the TV.
Thank you. I agree and she only represents a small portion of southern women. Most don't talk like through their noses in tempos matching those of "Jerry's Kids"
If you have to use butter and cream to make it taste good, then are you really that good of a cook? Where's the challenge in that?
Totally agree, Trudy. I don't understand why this is such a toughie for apparently so many to get. Ms. Deen is a complete hack, and though I'm not Southern, I'd think I'd be offended by what I can only guess is a marketing-based parody of both Southern culture and Southern food – both of which deserve an authentic accounting.
Are you serious? I haven't been to CNN in a while and this is what you put on your home page for three days running. A fat, overweight, over made up fry cook giving advice to the world through what was once the premier news agency of the world? D amn, you people are fools.
Please,for the love of God make Fat Paula Fake Southern Accent Go Away! I cannot stand the sight of this big, old, fake broad. If I see this broad one more time I am going on the Gandhi diet. Water (boil first if from India) unsalted saltine crackers and Na bread. Na bread is an Indian staple. It is totally tasteless and can double as a notepad or canvas for painting. Deens put on smile is so artificial that I have it on my refrigerator and my cholestrol has dropped 200 points and I have lost 67 pounds. Hey ,Hey Paula please disappear!!
Its easy to make her disappear. Turn off your tv.
You are so right Southern Girl. With more daylight to enjoy and the weather getting better, I am going to turn off my TV more often and enjoy our great planet earth! The only problem I see is that all of this activity will increase my appetite. I will be lusting for high calorie snacks wrapped in bacon and barbequed meats of all sorts ,washing them down with a cold frosty mug of beer. What a hypocrite I am ! See you all in the great outdoors ! Bye Bye.
I guarantee Paula Deen has a thyroid problem; hyperactive I bet. I hope she dies a happy woman, ya'll!
There is no such thing as a hyperactive thyroid. I got news for you. Stop eating. If you don't eat, you can't gain weight. If you don't eat for long enough, you lose weight. Any questions?
From the American Thyroid Association: "The term hyperthyroidism refers to any condition in which there is too much thyroid hormone produced in the body. In other words, the thyroid gland is overactive. Another term that you might hear for this problem is thyrotoxicosis, which refers to high thyroid hormone levels in the blood stream, irrespective of their source"
Actually there IS such a thing as thyroid contributing to weight regulation. There's "hyperthyroid" which tends to make you thinner and then "hypothyroid" which is the one that tends to make you heavier. I am HYPOthyroid and I take medication to control the thyroid. Asked my doctor whether there are any long-term side effects to the medication I should be aware of. She said "You might lose weight." I said "Oh, darn." LOL! I don't need to lose any more weight, I lost 70 lbs on Weight Watchers and THEN found out about the thyroid issue. I suppose had I known about it sooner it might have made it easier to lose the weight but people who blame obesity on their glands are not really trying to lose. I did it in spite of the hypothyroidism....but then mine is fairly mild and I only need a low daily dose of the medication.
Whatever aliment she has, unless someone can prove that eating lean and green is going to keep you from illness, I say leave her alone. They use to say the same things about Julia Childs and she outlive a lot of her critics.
Everybody likes to take down a celebrity – that is, someone who is more successful than they are. One thing you have to say about Paula Deen is that she never misrepresented her food or herself. She never called it health food or advocated that you eat her recipes alone, 3 meals a day, 365 days a year. Anyone with an ounce of sense should understand that. It’s similar to the story with cigarettes. Everyone has known for many, many years they make you sick and yet people still smoke them regularly and try to sue the tobacco companies when they get cancer. I have no sympathy for those who blame others for their own faults. Common sense tells you, you don’t eat what someone else recommends every day, all the time. If you find a Paula Deen recipe you like, you make it once or twice, not eat it habitually. Once or twice will not hurt you in spite of what her opponents would have you believe. People who don’t want to take responsibility for their own health will blame it on Paula Deen.
I wish all the health-nazis would shut up and mind their own business. Nobody is forcing you to eat that Krispy Kreme doughnut.
Some of those recipes make me cringe, and I would not even want to try them. However I do believe a little butter, and sugar is not harmful unless you have a life threatening disease. Every one has to take responsibility for their choices. She is basically an entertainer. Her story is something some people need to hear for encouragement. I hope she does take the diabetes serious, the consequences can be awful. It would be great if she could modify some of her recipes for diabetics and others who watch what they eat. But like they say moderation in all things.
I totally agree with your statement. If I may add – If you're old enough to light a fire and hold a knife, you're old enough to take responsibility for what you put in your mouth. It makes sense that she has diabetes. She's not a skinny supermodel cooking all of this food. Why are people so willing to admit that they are mindless puppets? Turn off your TV and plant a veggie garden instead of worrying about Paula D.
Paula Dean is and will continue to be a great southern cook. She didn't make the food up, it is southern cooking. So she is diabetic so what? Has anyone ever checked the medical problems of all the chefs? I doubt it. This hit the media and she became fodder for all the "shocking news" reports. If you don't like her or her food then don't read about it, or watch her shows. Just go about your business, shut up and leave Paula Dean to the thousands who love her.
So what? She is promoted by two major networks who tout her "Watch me stuff my fat face until I die from diabetes" program and is worshiped by CNN who pushed her eating habits onto kids across America.
I wan't a Paula D fan particularly...but after reading this I am now! Anyone who overcomes in life has my vote.
The times I've paused on a show featuring Deen, her pasted-on personality and omnipresent cackle screech through my head. I can't turn the channel fast enough.
Then why your comment on here...just to make a nasty comment...thought so!
That's pretty perceptive ... not sure that anyone else would have missed the fact that I was making a nasty comment about this no-talent, screech owl of a person.
Hiding your illness and pushing unhealthy food to fellow diabetes which could kill them..... then signing up with a diabetes DRUG company to push unhealthy medicine is awful.
Fat evil cow will be dead soon and ROT IN HELL!
... as repulsed as I am by Paula Deen and all she represents, this post is sick.
Jim Irsay and Paula Deen look alike,probably an incest thing. Now that is SICK.
Oh for cryin out loud...what total nonsense!
Paula Deen is an entertainer. More power to her for finding success and happiness in her life. Clearly, happiness eludes you. Stop spewing hate and find a way to create good in the world.
Hey some of us love Butter and all the good things in life. If you eat it, you can work it off. Life is to short to not try and enjoy your food. Love you Paula.... Time to walk....
At least *you're* willing to walk it off. When "Pauler" comes up with a line of exercise equipment to offset the bacon fat, cream, sugar and butter, MAYBE I'll take another look at her – but not likely.
You know, I was a huge fan of Paula Deen when she first started out on Food Network. What I noticed and is huge to me is her sometimes unsanitary habits as a kitchen cook or chef. She uses good hygiene in the kitchen for the most part, but what stuck me was a show (can't remember which – for it is a good few years back now) where she stuck her hand (4 fingers to be exact) in a big bowl of something and then proceeded to put all 4 fingers in her mouth to taste something. She had stated she loved what ever it was and needed to taste before finishing the food preparations. If you ever watch the show "Chopped", this is a big "NO-GO"... especially if you retry food items with the same spoon or take a sip from a bottle to see what it taste like. It was gross, immature, and exactly what the judging chefs/restaurateurs always mention and get on the competing chefs about. They usually state they can not even try a dish because of this. Something you may do at home with family, but not in a restaurant or on a cooking show where you have many guest to serve or try your food preparations. This is when she lost me as a fan. And it wasn't just that one time. It was several occasions when I saw this kind of thing on air and that just happened to be the last straw for me. As far as now with diabetes and making foods filled with fat and butter and so on... I agree with the people saying it's not her fault. We are all adults and make our own choices! Don't blame Paula Deen for your bad eating habits!
Erin that last sentence in your post is uncalled for and says a lot about you as person.
Paula you are the dearest and I love being a fan of yours. I have 4 cookbooks of yours and 3 sets of cookware. I love it all. Oh yes I have 1 cookbook of Bobby and Jamies's. You hang in there and don't let someone try and scalp you of what you have worked hard to get. You are a good business woman and I applaud you for your sense of humor as well as your good cooking. By the way I am also tye 2 diabeties so I do understand what you are going thru.
I want to slip it t Paula.
We admire and appreciate Paula Deen!
To Paula I say:
Keep The Son in your eyes, sweet thang!
(((Hugs)))
Dorease
I use to love to watch Paula but something gives me the feeling that the Deen family is not as close as is appears..and her son Jamie seems to be okay in the kitchen but Bobby ..I am not sure about him and his new show and his new southern accent...wow is he putting it own..Maaaammma lookie here...and then lowering his voice so low in the commerical saying "and I did it aullllll by myself.." sounds like a bad Rett Butler..I loved the old Paula and family and it is true her cooking is no lo calerie but southern cooking is what made her famous..it is all about fried foods and butter and flour and depending on where u are from in the south ...spices..I think she should go back to basics and tone down the fake Deen family and get back Paula and her son's ..I think she is a great ol southern gal that use to tell it like it is I don't agree with her joining this diab. company and getting paid..I know many do but this was not the time for her to take on something like this when she just told she had been a diabetic for 3 yrs..it is none of our business if she is or not ..it is up to us what we eat and I have often heard her say I don't eat this food everyday but listen ya'll when I grew up it was foods we are everyday and people did not get fat like today ..it's the fast foods and the junk that is put in foods today and taking a baby chic and making it grown in 3 weeks with horomones..that passes on to u when u eat it so I don't think her food is bad we have to get back to basics and stop with the bad foods...and get some exercise like we use to do instead of becoming a couch potatoe......Good Luck Paula but there comes a time to let the boy's grow up and make it on their own....I know Bobby did not make all those or any of those foods on his on and when I went on his site to see the carbs etc there were none with the any of the receipes...what gives Bobby didn't have Mommy there to help you that day...
I give Paula a lot of credit for all the obstacles she has overcome. Also, we have the choice to cook or not cook foods we know are not healthy for us so we cannot blame her entirely. She needs to come up with less fattening versions of the meals for those that want to cook healthier.
"I give Paula a lot of credit for all the obstacles she has overcome."
Agreed. I've never had to overcome what she has. I hope that, given the challenge, I would rise above as she has.
"Also, we have the choice to cook or not cook foods we know are not healthy for us so we cannot blame her entirely."
Agreed conditionally. "blame her entirely"? I say we cannot blame her in the slightest for how & what we eat. There are so many other food influences & choices in the world today, it's completely childish & unreasonable to claim her as being your sole source.
"She needs to come up with less fattening versions of the meals for those that want to cook healthier."
Respectfully, I disagree for 2 reasons:
1) Asking her to change how she does what she does is akin to asking Madonna to change her lifestyle to conform to the moral majority. Both of them could do it, but what, at this point would it really change? Both of them would still be adored or despised by the same people for the same reasons even if they changed their ways right now. However, if Paula chooses to change her recipe's like Graham Kerr did years ago, that's commendable. But I wouldn't ask her to do it because ....
2) One of her sons already is.
Thanks for a fair look at this controversy. I have great respect for a person who worked so hard and with so much determination to overcome many obstacles to get where she wants to be. Maybe some of you who've worked yourselves up into such a frenzy of selfrighteous indignation over all this hype have luckily never known such obstacles. Paula is who she is. She offers what she knows and enjoys and hopes we'll enjoy too. It's up to me to decide what to eat and when to eat it. I make that decision based on what I know about health and nutrition. Paula doesn't make me eat her yummy, but not usually healthy goodies. Good nutrition and a healthy relationship with food depends on BALANCE, and balance includes an occasional splurge in my book. I can't speak to the other accusations made against her because I don't have the facts (accusations are not facts by default), but Paula's recipes have a place in my cooking repertoire. I have no patience for food nazis who think they know what I should eat.
I am packing an 8 inch obstacle for Paula.
I adore Paula Deen and what she repesents. . Her autobiography "It Ain't All About the Cookin' " changed my perspective on so many things and inspired me to keep focusing on my dreams no matter what they are. By sharing her health issues with the world she is in the perfect position to bring awareness and help so many people. She is an amazing human being and I wish her and her family only the best.
She sure helps people by having them make food dishes that are horridly unhealthy, gotcha.
I would personally not engage in any business with Ms.Deen because she is a democrat and I do not do business with democrats if I can help it. This is her fellow democrats that are now coming after her but I have to defend her no one makes anyone eat anything. Also she has done nothing unethical other than being a democrat. If there is anything else I would like to know what it is.
what, do you interrogate your cashier regarding his or her personal politics before paying for your groceries??? idiot. we're all americans, regardless of political affiliation.
Noone can make you cook anything you don't want to. You have a choice to cook the way it's presented or to substitute ingredients that are heathier.
I want to seed her.
Seems the opinion is that Paula took some sort of tool to hold peoples' mouths open . . . shoveled tons of butter down their throats and then closed their mouths . . . for crying out loud people, NOBODY FORCES ANYBODY TO PUT FOOD IN THEIR MOUTH! . . . put the blame where the blame belongs - on yourselves. The majority of these loud mouth critics just can't stand the fact that Paula Deen made a fortune off of promoting a unhealthy lifestyle . . . she could buy and sell her biggest critic Bourdain ten times over . . . the smug a-hole can't stand that!!
Interesting article. I could take or leave Paula Deen. I actually find Tony Bourdain infinitely more entertaining. I like the fact that she overcame great adversity and became so successful. And ultimately you cant blame a TV cook for contracting type 2 diabetes. But I find it a little unfair that Paula Deen will not only never have to worry about medical bills being after screwing up her own health, but she will end up being paid for it. And there are people in this country who struggle with illnesses they contracted through no fault of their own because of our unjust health care system. Makes me think there is actually no justice in this country.
In general, life is not fair. There are examples everywhere, everyday. Paula's trials just happen to be public.
So what...she should give back all her success so she can suffer with all the people who can't affort health insurance? This is America! Free Enterprise! I'm so sick of folks bashing people who are successful. The last time I looked, it WASN'T A CRIME to be rich!
Karma's a bitch ain't it? Enjoy your diabetes Paula!
What do you mean karams a bitch. If she was out of the spott light and had gotten diabetes no one would give a crap, just because she ate unhealthy doesnt mean anything. anyone can get diabetes, maybe the way she ate didnt help he but so what, everyones just pissed cuz she hid it from the public, but after seeing the way everyone is reacting to it, i can see why she didnt tell anyone. Having diabetes is a hard thing to live with, my grandma had it. And people like you arnt making it much easier on her, criticizing someone for what they do is wrong, she is a grown women and most likely she is older than you, didnt your mother ever tell you to respect your elders, now show her some respect and leave her alone. I'm not trying to start anything but its just rude, everyone loved her before this, and now cuz of one little thing everyone is pissed off at her. like really. love you Ms. Paula and don't listen to these people<3
I don't care for any of Paula's recipes and I am sure with her being from the south words are bandied about loosely. Remember something about this woman you guys are berating, she was a single mother of 2 with agoraphobia. Look at where she is and look at your own life.
Paula Deen's story reads like Scarlet O' Hara. I will never see the cockroaches again!
However, Paula is about 250 times more annoying. The South can call her their own but it is just kinda a weird fat embrace.
I only heard about this woman today, but I checked out a couple of recipes, and it's no wonder she's so obese.
Americans have got to wake up, stop eating so much garbage, and get off their lazy backsides. You're becoming the laughing stock of the entire planet.
ye without sin cast the first stone
I'll start. I'm aware that what I put into my body affects what I'm able to get out of it. It also affects my lifespan. If you want to treat your body like it's a landfill, go ahead, but don't surprised when people snigger at you, or when you die prematurely.
My great aunt is 103 and cooked exactly like Paula Deen because she came from the same background. She would put butter on a lard pie crust, for god's sake. So who are you going to blame for her longevity?
no one is forcing paula's food or recipes for that matter on anyone. It's hypocritical to judge this lady. We all have our own perspective. Failure to recognize this reveals your ignorance.
If you don't like it , don't indulge in it . Simple , and as for your opinions , well you know what they say about opinions...
Technically, it's not illegal to be racist and not sure what she could be sued about.
It may not be in your personal life but is sure is in employment and housing situations.
Holy $%!#!! Do this many people really give a rat's posterior about this person? Are cooking shows really this iportant to American life? Wow, surely this is a sign the end is near.
Did I get the timing wrong or was she making sandwiches to sell in the bug infested apartment? Somehow can get that visual out of my head. I'm just saying....
Ms. Deen is not responsible for your decisions in your life. I commend her for the courage and determination to be an OVERCOMER. Why dont you take the inititve to learn how she did it instead of being someone who has accepted the defeatist attitude and demanding entitlements from the TAXPAYERS and blaming others for your inaction to take responsiblity for yourselves.
This is so true, like Ms. Deen said, she is doing the show for fun, to show people how to cook, she didn't intend on people making her food for every single meal of the day, people make there own decisions.
The only reason some of your are inclined to believe she said the things she is accused of saying is because you have a bias against southerners as racists bigots. Which is not true. I believe we're all a little prejudice. But I've lived in the south my entire life and I've never heard one person speak the way this person is accusing Paula of speaking. And I've known a lot of red necks. There is no way someone with as polished of a personality as Paula Deen would ever let something like this slip out even if it were something she wanted to say. It just doesn't make sense.
It's not the 60s down here anymore, despite what others seem to believe.
She's promoting the lifestyle that caused her type 2 diabetes. I'm not sure why so many here don't understand that. Instead of telling the public years ago when she found out and promoting healthy cooking that can control her diabetes and help others in her situation, she held out until a drug company offered her a truck load of cash. There's nothing wrong with being successful and or rich. But how can you honestly have any respect for this two face woman that has shown she really does not care about her fans that made her famous? I think a lot of people here are star struck or in denial or trying to justify eating crappy food everyday is OK because their 90 year old uncle smokes 5 packs of cigarettes and eats a pound of bacon everyday and he's doing just fine....
Facts are, there's a epidemic of adults getting type 2 diabetes and this drug company is banking on fat lazy Americans taking the easy way out by just taking a pill. This woman is the poster child not just for the drug company, but all the fat lazy Americans defending her on this page.
Why does she have to disclose private/personal information? Answer me this. How many times have you had sex with your wife this month??? Any of my business????
Oh great – I see the CNN liberals are moderating comments.
I'm the liberal? So who pays for your type 2 diabetes drugs? My high insurance premiums or my taxes paying for your Medicaid. You're dam right it's my business if I'm paying for it. If it was up to me, I'd make you pay for it out of you're own pocket since its an avoidable in the first place...
I'm sorry that I as well as Paula Deen didn't ask your advice on how to live my own life, either. You are evidently the unknown guru for appropriate actions. Please get some PR out there so everyone can know who to consult, and the whole world can become homogenized and Pope Approved.
Amen!
She's promoting a major aspect of southern culture. Good southern comfort food! Its been a major part of her life and I actually doubt she would go back and do it differently. She probably wishes she had eaten a little less of it and exercised. If you don't like that then don't follow her cooking methods. I for one was raised on this type of food as a child. My mother cooked almost exactly like Paula Deen. She learned from my grandfather who was a chef at a steakhouse. My grandmother was raised on this type of food. She's a very healthy 86 years old. But we're active people. Inactivity and a fast food culture in this country is a far worse epidemic than home cooked meals.
If you don't agree with her food then don't eat it. But don't eat a big mac either. Or anything fried in a fast food restaurant for that matter. And if you work behind a desk then make sure you get up and run some laps a couple of times a day in order to burn the calories your grandfather burned.
But southern home cooked food in general is perfectly fine to eat in moderation. People have been eating this type of cooking for years and years. Long before we all started getting heavily obese.
Rick, did you even read my post? Fried food is not radio active... Please re read my last paragraph. I clearly stated people sticking up for her because they eat crappy food EVERYDAY!!!! This woman did not get the condition she is in by eating anything in moderation. She has type 2 diabetes not type 1... And as I stated, the drug she is pushing is for people who are not active and don't want to be active or eat in moderation... By the way, fast food used to be tolerable on the run. Now it all tastes like school lunch food and its pretty expensive for what you get.....
Jon, so your her personal Dr., and you know all her health stats., RIGHT? How else would you feel as though you have the right to imply the things you are about Paula?
Jon, get your facts straight before you spew from your mouth! Paula Dean has Native American Ancestry... as do I. We unfortunately are in a group that is among the highest to have Diabetes! It is called genetics! I have Type 2 diabetes. I am also from the south... and proud of it! Oh! I am also Native American!
So what. Your race is no excuse. Just because you're American Indian does not mean you have to have type 2 diabetes. Do all Navigate American Indians have type 2 diabetes? And historically speaking, where Native Americans always prone to have type 2 diabetes or is it just the last several decades?
I'm not native American anything and type 2 diabetes runs in my family. Know how I beat it? Get checked every year, watch what I eat and exercise. 43 and I still don't have it. How much do you weigh? what kind of diet do you eat? How much exercise do you get? That will get you long before your genes will...
What are promoting, your ignorance, a judgmental personality, or bad manners?
What ridiculous gibberish !
A cooking show is a collection of recipes, it is not a "lifestyle", not anymore that the Betty Crocker Dessert Book is a lifestyle.
Humans have brains, or least some do. Humans decide when to indulge and what and when to eat healthily.
Deen's show is mostly about foods for entertaining at big Southern blow outs.
Much like a dessert cookbook if you decide to eat dessert three times a day, it's your own choice, not the fault of the cookbook.
No one is cooking like Deen even once a week. The time and ingredients would take over a thousand dollars and more than 6 hours a day of work.
Gibberish!
Gee Kate, your so enlightening.... News flash, just about any cooking show that has ever existed is just entertainment.... Type 2 diabetes is very serious and also preventable and controllable. If you think that's dribble, so be it....
Jon P, the only thing radio-active here are your posts. They are glowing in ignorance. Your ignorance is so appalling, you'll probably miss the point of the following, I'm going to post it anyway:
-It's not "two face," it's two-faced
-Prez Obozo wasn't calling you a liberal, he was calling this CNN's moderators liberals. You don't have the capability to moderate on this site
-It's not "dam right," it's damn right
-It's not "Navigate American," it's Native American
-It's not "your so enlightening," it's you're so ...
-It's not "dribble," it's drivel
Have an ice day.
Jon, It must be such a wonderful life you lead..being PERFECT. Well, most of us are not perfect, and that's ok. Paula is an entertainer with a show. She is not responsible for the country's eating habit's, or their exercise habits. In fact, if you are really the grown, knowledgable person you lead us to believe...then you know every grown person is responsible for ...themselves. So to blame any single person for a whole country's issue, is just plain silly.
I am fat, but not lazy. I work out at the gym 3 or more times a week. I have a house with stairs that I climb at least 10 times a day. As well as working 40 hr/wk, I have a small bed and bed and breakfast that requires many hours of cleaning per week. as well as the cooking. When I bake in excess, I freeze it to keep it out of temptation's way. Yes, I have type 2, controlled by diet and exercise. My biggest meal of the day is 2 slices of whole grain bread with peanut butter, spread sparingly.
I wish the World had more Paula Deene's and less Sarah Palins and their ignorant hateful attitudes.
I agree with Anthony Bourdain, Deene couldn't cook her way out of a paper bag! Most of her recipes have been bought or "borrowed". Her fake southern accent and her fat butt, parading around as a "cook' (certainly not a chef) are disgrace to the culinary community!
I never heard of this woman until four years ago, when I was in a Wal-Mart and saw her cookware on display, and I still don't care.
Are you an interior decorator or a page?
Come out of the closet!
Paula's son Bobby Deen is NEXT to come out of the closet!! Your "wholesome image" claiming to be straight dating that actress is OVER!! Karma is coming Bobby get ready...
you know, you dont have to watch paula, i cant believe the number of people that would rather watch and bitch about paula and her recipes other that just turning to a different channel. Anthony bourdain is a nasty pig any way.
2 words for Kudu:
Anger management.
You haven't read the article, I take it?
I can't even take anything you say seriously if you can't even spell her name correctly when it is written in the title, the top of the page, and numerous times through the article. If you want to act like your opinion matters, make me believe you're intelligent enough to form one.
If Paula is found to have said those racist remarks I bet a lot of people will change their opinion quickly. You are all ready to either defend her or accuse her but if this goes to trial by jury the truth will come out and be ready to deal with the verdict. I for one am inclined to believe she said all those things she is being accused of based on the fact that she comes off very fake and has deceived the public already. This is going to be detrimental to Paula's integrity if it is all true...but she will deserve everything she gets in the end if it is all true!
She is a pig. Anybody that likes her most likely is the same size she is. Fat as hell. Those of us that actually do cook for a living don't like her. Go make another casserole, pig.
What's wrong with pigs? PLEASE make another casserole Paula! We like being fat...besides,before the next election, President Obama will sign healthcare laws to give us free gastric bypass surgeries so we can keep on eating cuz we don't know any better.
I think it is lame that she acts like the fod she prepairs is not awful for you, although you should be able to tell by what goes into it. It is sad that she needs meds to live, but eats as though she does not. When the galloping gorment (gram kerr) found out his wife had diabetes in the 90's he switched to cooking lean and healthy, and still makes great food.
Why are you talking bad about Pork? I love any form of pig. It's unfair to compare this delicious meat with that fake cook Deene!
You're stupid and a northerner. Eat your bagels and shut up. You wouldn't know anything about good home cooking. Paula cooks just as my grandmother did and we're not fat.
I'm with you! I was delighted to find familiar home cooking in Savannah during my vacation. And I honestly did not know that collards could taste that close to Heavenly! I use smoked turkey in my version, but many people are evidently unable to substitute for their own dietary needs. Oh, what they're missing!
The South LOST, get over it!
kiss her big butt and mine too ahole your a jerk once again change the channel
Your stupid and a northerner. Eat your bagels and shut up.
Why do we all have to be so rude to eachother and make such sweeping generalizations? I'm 5' 9" and 155 lbs, far from overweight, so nowhere near obese, and I think the food Paula makes looks delicious. I certainly don't eat like that every day though, because I know it's not healthy to do that, but it's not bad every now and then. I've also spent a few years in the South and can tell you that food is a significant part of the culture and you don't just throw that away. Paula is helping spread some of that culture and it's our responsibility to ourselves to not eat like that everyday, but to make it part of our lives and diet if we see fit. The world would be a happier place if we all had some sweet potato casserole every day though.
Eat your bagels? What does that supposed to mean? That sounds a bit hateful if you ask me.
I totally agree with the sentiment that if you don't like/want to eat the food that she cooks don't watch her show or buy her books. I wouldn;'t buy a book on "how to skin a mule" because it's not a hobby of mine. I really like Paula. I believe (hope!!) that the racial allegations prove false. These things often are, sadly.
I too cook for a living but oddly it makes me happy–hasn't yet made me a nasty, angry, hate-spewing ignoramus. You must be cooking something equally nasty–need a career change or just a personality transplant?
Oh my, Anthony Bourdain–the man who gets so drunk he can barely stand up in some of his shows–is telling Paula Deen she is promoting a dangerous lifestyle. That is rich!
you are either a woman or wish you were.
I was thinking the same thing – most of these people are such hypocrites. Bourdain sits there eating a meal doused in butter drinking martini's, and HE says Dean is dangerous? What a louse!
S.A.M. Can you say diabetes?
Kudu can you say alcoholic?
paula is shamful, she knew her cooking causes diabetes and kept it a secret for three years until she could get money from an diabetes company. I thinbk she is a terrible greedy person
Bullsh!t....get off you lazy azz and DO something and you can eat whatever you want...
Her cooking does not "cause" diabetes.
differance is that bordain doesnt claim his lifestyle is good or wholesome, while dean claims that she has nothing to e ashamed of, Bordain admits he is a gluton, like andrew zimmern
But herein lies the difference, Anthony B., who used to smoke isn't now a spokesperson for Chantix. And as far as drinking goes, it has been proven that wine has strong anti-oxidant qualities....same can't be said of lard and bacon.
Bourdain may be a drinker but he is diabetes free and doesnt have an ass the size of a house.
I love me some greasy chicken Paula! Don't worry about the naysayers. If they were being bushwacked, they would all run to Tom Hanks for a few kind words and it would be all better, right? Us southerners aint afraid of a little heat. Keep cookin lady!
thats rite Dave, i agree
I like Paula Deen's bubbly personality and laugh.
I think Paula Deen is great...its not like she is the only overweight famous chef out there...or the only one that cooks unhealthy foods(which is a matter of opinion)...have any of you ever seen diners, dives and drive ins...90% fried foods hello...unhealthy...What I like about her most is she was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth she worked hard to get to where she is and for that she deserves respect. Should she have just sat at home and been lazy and collected food stamps and welfare?...I have made a ton of her recipes and they are just good down home cooking, and my family is not unhealthy just got a clean bill of health from the Dr....I dont understand if you dont like her then why did you take the time to read the article on her (I dont like Jessica Simpson, Justin Bieber and others and I dont read any articles on them good or bad) and really dont understand that after taking the time to read the article about someone you dont like you also took the time to comment on the person you dont like....I say yay for a lady that was in a bad marriage and did what it took to take care of herself and her boys
I'm with you Paula, I know what its like to have people that hate you for no reason other than personal jealously try to make your life miserable. You go girl and may your enemies go to h e double hockey sticks!
It seems that people come out of the woodwork to destroy a celebrity. Paula has worked hard to get where she is. I am sure she can defend herself and has a team of supporters to help her. I believe she is innocent until proven guilty in court. I wish her all the best. I do not believe she would hurt another person. Good luck, Paula!!
I'm not a big fan of Paula's recipes, but this business about her being responsible for others' poor eating habits is ridiculous. If someone is so stupid or obsessed that they cook only her recipes and don't realize/care about all the fat and sugar they're ingesting, they've got bigger problems than Paula Deen. They probably are first in line every morning at Krispy Kreme and hit the McD drive-thru for lunch, too. It's that person's responsibility to eat appropriately and healthfully. No one is forcing that crap on them.
Even most youngsters these days are aware of which foods are really bad for us – how could any adult NOT know? Anyone who chooses to cook the Deen way consistently knows what they are doing. There's nothing wrong with making her recipes on occasion. As with everything else in life, moderation is the key – in both frequency and portion size.
That said, it appears she disclosed her diabetes only because she HAD to in order to become spokesperson for the diabetes drug ($$$), and that seems tacky to me.
I have been a fan of Paula's from the beginning. She has shown that you can come out of an almost impossible situation and I love her southern spirit. I will continue to support her, buy her magazine and watch her shows. Paula, we will be there for you.
Amen sister! She's been through too much to let a bunch of haters like Anthony Bourdain bring her down now. Always a fan.
It is far too easy to put a joke here.
I like Paula Deen. If you choose to use her recipes that is your choice! No different than looking in a cookbook!!! If the recipe calls for sugar or butter or whatever and you choose to use it – that is your CHOICE! I was and still am overweight from years ago and never heard of Paula in those days!
The choice is yours. I also am a diabetic, Paula, and it is something you have to get used to. I don't watch like I should – but I do watch. I am on Byetta which has helped me tremendously!
Good luck to you Paula and God Bless!!! Hope all turns out for the best for you!!!!!!.
Barbara Choma Emerson
PS I liked reading your story. Thought it was nicely done!!!
Michael Jackson was a drug addicted freak, and very possibly a pedophile, so I'm not going to glorify him. Paula Deen is a successful entrepreneur who has built a business from the ground up, and is prosperous as a a result, and I'm not going to attack her for that. But, I am getting totally p***ed off by idiots who want to blame everything on other people's politics, even when the subject has nothing to do with politics. Get your head out and take a look at the real world for a change!
Paula,
I love you, hold your head high. You are a good person. Just one sugestion fry your chicken in Piggly Wiggly lard.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Like my good friend Cresta would say to me. "It's sooooo good, makes you want to slap your Mama"
Eat it and you will die, stupid people. This is fine by me. More social security money for me.
Gary, what makes you think anybody cares what your opinion is?
Gary I care about your opinion. Thank you for sharing.
SS is a pyramid scheme run by the government.
Eat anything and you will die, nitwit !
They may die early, but not cheaply.... only after a million dollars each in health care.
I like Paula Deen. If you choose to use her recipes that is your choice! No different than looking in a cookbook!!! If the recipe calls for sugar or butter or whatever and you choose to use it – that is your CHOICE! I was and still am overweight from years ago and never heard of Paula in those days!
The choice is yours. I also am a diabetic, Paula, and it is something you have to get used to. I don't watch like I should – but I do watch. I am on Byetta which has helped me tremendously!
Good luck to you Paula and God Bless!!! Hope all turns out for the best for you!!!!!!.
Barbara Choma Emerson
PS I like reading your story. Thought it was nicely done!!!
I don't watch Deen's show, but if people can't tell how unhealthy a recipe full of butter is, well, that's not Deen's fault.
Pretty much disgusting - on some many levels.
"best-known, highest paid, and arguably most beloved food personalities in the world." What hyperbolic writer penned that crap? I could name at least a dozen "real" cooks/chefs (starting with Jacques Pepin) who would put this fat cow to shame. She's a blot on the landscape, an over-fed swine-swilling spokesperson for the great fat majority of Amerika. Let her rot in her own lard–she is obnoxious to a fault!!
I can't believe the coarse, hateful way so many people in this post write. You should be ashamed. Grow up and be civil! If you don't like her cooking or her showmanship don't watch it and don't use her recipes! If you want to talk issues talk issues but let's be civil and drop the nasty personal attacks. I am responsible for what I cook and eat. If I want to eat some buttery sugary stuff once in a while, or eat raw carrots and celery for a week that is my business and I'm not going to play the victim and blame Paula Deen or anyone else. Take responsibility for yourselves folks!
And you are evidently and arrogant food-elitist. Ethnic or regional foods not your thing? Don't eat them, but don't bash them because your ethnicity isn't theirs. You have just proven yourself to be a rigid stereotype of the upper crust of the food caste system. Bullyish and boring, are you? You probably pay a bundle for a salad of yard greens that people in the South just go out and pick, clean, and serve for dinner – and think you are superior for some reason. Snobs are snobs in any venue.
Roy, stooping to namecalling shows the world who you are, feeble jealous little man. GGGGGGOOOOOOO Paulla!!!!!
Shut the f*** up. Who gives a rat's posterior what chefs you can name in the world of food art and food pretension? Paula Deen doesn't pretend to be anyone she isn't: an uneducated but personable and now very lucky lady brought up on the food in the South. Not that what they have her serving up on TV ever laid on a plate in her own restaurant. I grew up eating greens seasoned with fatback, fried chicken (my mother made a terrific fried chicken) and smashed potatoes with gravy. Loved fried okra and still do served up with tomatoes freshly picked in the quarter-acre garden. It's not Deen's job to give classes on nutrition, and there's not a person alive who isn't aware that a regular diet of fatty, sugary, and salty food is bad for you. As far as the world of haute cuisine goes, these days it's more about asinine pretensions and food art than it is about the pallet. So knock yourself out, but don't knock Paula Deen for being who is is and doing what she knows.
This old fat broad is so fakey that she just makes we want to puke. The food she makes is crap on your health. She's a hazard to the South's health. I wonder if the President needs a new chef?
And you sound like a Northerner. You wouldn't know genuine if it genuinely bit you. You have no idea how Southerners speak with their eyes as well as their words, so you probably cannot follow her conversation.
Well said! They are rude, lack creativity and are downright hateful.
ok, ya'll. The war is over. Let's not go there. (that's a whole other board to post to). *wink.
Why don't you post your picture?? You would be lucky to look like Paulla when you are 65! Obviously you are jealous as well as stupid. Anyone that has ever toasted bread knows you can substitue ingredients. WoW not too bright....
I'm sick and tired of everyone's snide comments about Paula Deen's cooking, lifestyle, etc. Simply put–if you don't like her or her cooking, don't cook it or eat it. But don't bash those of us who enjoy her humor and cooking. One does not have to fix a recipe exactly it is written to make it workable. I happen to enjoy her smile and upbeat attitude in a world that is full of hate. She reminds me of my grandmother and mother–good times that are now all but memories.
so leave Paula alone and go crawl back under your rock!!!!
i think all you people that say they do not like her are just jealous of her success so she is rich ..I am to ..not money..but with a wonderful family, health ,home and a husband we live in the country and live on the same farm where I grew up. We ate fried eggs drowning in grease,salted everything we raised dairy cows, hogs, and chickens we ate what we raised and I grew on this wonderful land. we all worked hard I went to school for twelve years never missed a day when we kids got home from school we worked on the farm did our chores and ate what was on the table. My dad lived to be almost 103 so what every Paula Deen cooks you do not have to eat it is your choice live with it and shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!
jealous of what: fat and diabetes? not a chance.
You have no idea of her history. She single-handedly built a life for her and her two boys without sitting on her hands and collecting public assistance for the rest of her life. Get over yourself.
The key to what you're saying is that you had a very active life living on a farm and could eat heavy foods without becoming obese, I would assume. My mother was a true Southern cook(Virginia) but all of us were lean because we were active even though we lived in the city. There was plenty of fried food with butter and lard etc and also home made pies and cakes but also lots of vegetables. The average activity level these days is a lot lower and that is the cause of a lot of the problem. Also, the use of so many over processed foods with lots of additives is an unhealthy trend.
Fat cow making people even fatter! The expansion of America's collective waistline (wasteline!) is in part attributable to this dame's reliance on fat, butter and lard (she's full of all of those ingredients). Her down-south drawl is sickening, as is her demeanor, her pig of a brother and the rest of the overstuffed group that revels in her recipes. She should be carried out on a skiploader and dumped into the nearest landfill–where she belongs.
Wow, Roy. You would have enjoyed the Roman habit of setting lions upon women and children in the arena because they were not good Romans. If an entire geographic area and its people get you so worked up, that points to a problem within yourself. I would have that checked by a professional, if I were you.
She is the most fake hypocrite, racists I have ever met. People who know her, know that she is awful to her people and her family. Her sons are equally racists Southerns ... disgraceful.
Spoken like a true "racist" R.E. Your depth in this matter is so much that of walking across a tidal flat at low tide.
I lived in Alabama for several years, and have a mixed-race family. We were NEVER treated unkindly by any of our neighbors, by anyone in our predominantly white church, and I never heard my neighbors use a racial epithet of any kind. It is appalling that you assume that all Southerners are racist and ignorant; our neighbors were engineers, lawyers, astronauts, and teachers, just as they are in any other area. The Civil War ended many years ago, and it would be nice if you would remember that. They do....
I don't care what anyone says, I WOULD HIT THAT IN A HEARTBEAT!!!
She's hot, AND she can cook, probably in more ways that one.
ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
she's fat and diabetic, if that's what you think as hot?
It's no one's business but her's and God's that she has Diabetes, and people should be ashamed for judging her because of it. So what, she waited 3 years to tel the public? Who cares; it's none of the public's concern, and the fact that she announced it at all took great courage. Sure, her food on the show isn't the healthiest, but she never once came forward and said that she wished to be a health-food-advocate. Give her a break; she's created an empire, and she deserves to enjoy it.
What the hell has god got to do with this except that he was the one who either gave her diabetes or invented diabetes or failed to protect her from diabetes, you choose. Whichever situation applies god should keep his nose out of her business.
If I'm not mistaken, she's the one who invited God in – and that makes it none of your business, either.
I can't stand "polarizing" figures... Superiority complexes and all... she is to food what Palin is to politics.
Can't stand the competition among all the polarizing figures? That's what it sounds like; you trying to polarize everyone.
Why don't all you haters get a life & move on.
One question... Who's business is it if she's diabetic???? Last time I checked medical records were personal and confidential. Just because she's famous that fact does not change... And she was never obligated to disclose her condition at any point... She chose to release the info... If she hadn't there is nothing anyone could do because it is illegal to release someone's medical records without permission.
I use her recipes, but I change them up to fit my family and our lifestyle.
For all the haters out there.... TV's have channel up and down and/or power buttons for a reason.
The lady is good at what she does! Get over it people! Don't be jealous!
Imagine a pharmaceutical company CEO pushing miracle pills that makes you feel better and he just found out it made him permanently impotent. Now imagine he just made a deal with Viagra and is still pushing the old pill. Pretty much what’s going on.
Miss Piggy hid her condition as she didn't want her slavish followers to realize how much danger their in following her recipes. She's a fat cow–and diabetes is the result! America is filled with fat, overweight people who need those electric carts to get around the store–I saw a 300-+ female reaching in vain for the processed fat cheese in a Safeway, unable to get off her fat ass and her cart to reach the product! America is awash in lard-asses. Dirty Dean is a poster girl for the fatsos of America!!!!!
Get a life! She's not forcing anyone to cook or eat anything, all she's doing is posting some recipes that you can take or leave, whichever you want.
So, Roy, get off your own butt and quit obsessing about Paula Deen. It's very unhealthy. Mentally.
I am also a diabetic and found out about 4 years ago. I was not fat (a size 12-14), and ate pretty healthy meals. I was a bit overweight, but not much. When I found out I was diabetic, I was shocked! I too thought only fat people got diabetes. Now I know better. I started to count carbs and discovered the lunches I was eating in our middle school lunchroom were the most unhealthy, carbohydrate laden meals I ate all day. I started taking my lunch and lost 30 lbs in one year, I am now back to my age 30 weigh (I am 69). I have most of Paula's cookbooks and like most people, I adapt where I need to. I came from a long line of good home cooks and have eaten my share of butter and gravy laden meals. I do not use margarine as I feel it is too unhealthy. If you read the ingredients on the side of many of the prepared foods you buy in grocery stores, you can't even pronounce them. I prefer good old home grown stuff and the less ingredients and additives on the label of what I do buy – the better it is for me. My blood sugar is under control and has been since I started watching what and how much I eat. I still eat candy, chocolate, butter, bread and whatever I like. As long as I watch the number of carbs per meals, it doesn't matter what I eat! My doctor is very happy with my glucose numbers (my last A1C was 6 – that's good) ! If Paula chooses to advertise for a company that makes an insulin-type medicine that is easy to administer and carry around – more power to her. She did not bring the diabetes on by eating her southern cooking – age, diet, family history, and many other things can enter into the diabetes diagnosis. I love my fried chicken, chocolate desserts, and all that – and it doesn't hurt me a bit. Most people who are overweight also over-eat. It's not always what you eat, but how much. That is what I have done and it works! If you don't like Paula Deen – that's your business – but those of us who do, will support her. She didn't have to say anything – she chose to do so. I did too as I wanted to let others know that many things make you susceptible to becoming diabetic. This is Diabetes awareness month – so go to the American Diabetes website and check out the things that can tell you of you're possibly pre-diabetic. Then change all the bad habits that led you to becoming that way.
Great Post!!! Positive and educated. Thank you for giving us an opinion that is worth reading! Also, thank you for sharing your personal experience! And, Congrats on your personal victory.
Thank you for your comment? You hit it right on the nail. One the most wonderful and knowledgeable comments I have read in a long time. :-)
What's this obsession with Dean? She's exactly what's wrong with this country. Paid well to cook horribly unhealthy food. Then, the ignorant masses get heart disease, and the government pays to keep these ignorant unhealthy people alive. She just creeps me out too.
With all the problems in this world, Paula Dean is what is wrong with America? Not the economy, not the lack of morals, but Paula Dean? Wow.
Education is part of what's wrong, not conservative morals. Educating people that eating the unhealthy stuff Dean cooks will kill you. But not so fast... Economy?? How about the serious economic costs of obesity to you and me? (see study: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/causes/economics.html). Did you know the U.S. Armed forces recruitment is actually having problems finding enough young service people to join who are not obese? Of course this is not Paula Dean's fault. It's the American populace who is attracted to this unhealthy lifestyle. She's just a sad, rich fat-assed capitalist whom attract sad, poor Americans.
No, I'd say what's wrong with America is intolerant people who are absolutely convinced that they're right, and that there's no room in this country for anyone who has a different opinion than theirs.
Amen, brother. Right on the money.
exactly! she represent a big portion of population who's likely as obese or fat as her and ignorant enough to care about her cooking or buy her books.
It's a cooking show. She's fat and has diabetes. Wow....welcome to America. Yawn.
Let's see now. Should i use butter or a butter substitute? Should i use sugar or sugar substitute?
My life sucks so i will eat the substitutes and make fun of people that use natural things.
now i feel better about my useless worthless life. tomorrow i going to make tofu sammiches. Tasty!
The author of the article writes that Paula Deen's appearance is almost "shocking." I wonder what the author looks like. What exactly does that have to do with the article? – It wasn't her weight, that was mentioned but her hair and teeth – I can't take a "journalist" seriously when he/she stoops to personal appearance denigration unrelated to the topic.
I've never been able to get past her accent. After hearing a few words I'm looking for the remote control.
Pauls dean was crude, and a huge disappointment in her disastrous last apperance in richmond, Virginia. She treated the guest chef horribly on stage. Do us all a favor, Paula, and die in your sleep you scumbag.
So, change the channel. Oh, and by the way, why bother reading about or commenting on articles about her?
Her accent causes you to stumble? Really? When it's you who has the accent? How self absorbed is Precious?
If you can't take her accent – don't move south! Many of us in the south talk with like her. We think you northerner's talk funny! hahahaha! Life is too short to spend your time complaining – eat what you want, read what you want, and watch the tv shows you want and the rest of us will do the same. BTW – she developed diabetes in her 60's – many people are developing diabetes at much younger ages. I got diabetes when I was 65 and I was only a size 12-14. Many things cause diabetes – mostly over-eating, life-style, medical history, and many more things. Just do your thing and be happy!
"arguably most beloved food personalities in the world" Come on. You have to be kidding. The rest of the world hasnt a clue who this woman is. Please – maybe the most beloved... in the USA. Dont make this woman out to be bigger than she is!
I'm from south Georgia and have always felt she "hammed up" the Southern thing just a tad too much for my taste. Just seems soooo fake a good bit of the time and for that reason I can't really take watching her show. Have heard a good many people right there in good ole Savannah feel the same way.
I have family in South Carolina and some of their accents are as thick as dark molasses. Paula's Low Country accent is very manageable in comparison. You must be from an urban area.
I'm not a fan of hers, but ya' gotta give her credit for overcoming adversity.
But hey, haters need to have something to do on a lonely Saturday night.
Holy fatness !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Roll her in flour and find the wetspot then throw biscuits at her !!!!!
She is a fat, southern piece of Shlt.
Hi matt damon, your getting quite fat yourself !! You little fatty actor !!
Why would anyone have a problem with her? Unless they are are a garbagesoul junk person?
chubby chaser.
Your soul is trash. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you.
Leave the woman alone....I want her to make the BACONATOR !...My choice to eat what I want and not listen to liberal wacko's !
Oh for crying out loud, this isn't a liberal nor a conservative thing.
Yes it is...the liberal wacko's (like Michelle Obama) try to create government control about what you can eat and can't ! And even take it to schools.....that's what's being done in this CNN liberal leaning government controlled media report ! You can't argue that ! The Media is left as left can get...
Say what you want about the government trying to help you eat properly, but when your health insurance premiums skyrocket because of the health system trying to take care of your fat asses, you had better just keep your mouth shut.
Obeseity will eventually cost the American economy billions upon billions of dollars, and people like Paula Dean won't give a damn because they will still rich and getting richer.
Being healthy is NOT a liberal thing. I vote a conservative as they come, but this woman is teaching all sorts of people how to kill themselves and doesn't even acknowledge it.
This is not a political discussion, except for idiots who can't have a thought without dragging their politics into it. I'm a liberal who's tried some of her recipes, and eaten at her restaurant, and I say the woman can sure cook!
AGAIN, Leave the woman alone and let me eat, drink, speak, and live my life like I want to ! And it's a fact it's political since the current administration is trying to add more government control over everything. Now we have Czars for everything ! How about last Monday in the Supreme Court when the U.S government had the nerve to try to push an agenda where " they Gov't should choose who the Rabbi's and Priests of churches are"....Thank GOD it was voted against 9-0...but the socialist still tried....He even says that he doesn't like our Constitution and wants to destory it ! It is what it is .....if only till the end of the year !
I LOVE you and your shows. We meaning my family and I watch everytime they are on. Would love to come and meet yall, this is my dream someday. I believe in all you do, people who put you down are just jealous of all you do. God bless you all always and keep up the great work. LOVE your fan.
Pathetic much??
Much, much?
Could you be more cliché?
every time you see her she has that stupid grin on her face. She sure loves showing off those pretty dentures
That's it? The woman is cheerful? How's your therapy going?
I am from the south and absolute love her...but all that "y'all" drives me totally crazy..I have to admit some of her words that she uses has a fake accent..tone it down girl and please don't make us "true" southerners sound like complete idiots!!
I agree about the southern drawl; it is very exaggerated! She did not talk like this in the beginning and I always wonder what the heck when she calls oil all!
I am also from the South, but I have traveled throughout the different Regions and know that each area has its own dialect and drawl variations, sometimes between towns in the same county. Rural South Carolinians have a much thicker drawl than Paula Deen's Louisiana Low Country accent. And I think the "y'all" is educational, for Northerners who still don't seem to realize that it's a plural form of address. If they hear it enough, maybe it'll sink in.
Deep fry her fat rear and cover it in butter and syrup YAAAAAAAALLLLL
what a tool.
Paula Dean: The most obnoxious woman in the world. She sucks!!!!!!
But you remain obsessed with her. I can only imagine why.
I ONLY WATCH HER SHOW NOT BECAUSE OF HER COOKING BUT BECAUSE OF HER LAUGH AND ACCENT: HEY YA'LL. WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR ACTIONS AND WE KNEW ALL ALONG THAT MOST OF HER COOKING IS UNHEALTHY.
In These Comments:
FATTIES
Hey Mike
In These Comments:March 10, 2012 at 8:29 pm
FATTIES
My Reply is HATER, Stop, and say nice things or nothing at all.
fatties getting mad
"IDIOT" !
5' 10", 170 lbs. and I love Paula Deen's recipes ... I just make and eat them in moderation.
I think the criticism should be directed at those multi-national companies that use high-fructose corn syrup, melamine as a protein filler, and those who import fruits and veggies contaminated with fungicides and insecticides that are banned in the USA. Paula Deen cooks foods that I grew up with, even though I grew up in South Jersey right by the Delaware Bay. Butter is not gong to kill you. My husband is a type-1 diabetic on an insulin pump, and his health is based on healthy living, moderation, and wise choices, along with monitoring his blood glucose and collaboration with his endocrinologist. Paula, you go, girl! There is nothing wrong with southern cooking. It's all about healthy intake, exercise, and a good attitude. And you have all three. Patti
I agree – I am a type 2 diabetic (for4 years) and I manage by what I eat and counting the carbs. My last A1C was 6, so I am happy and so is my doctor. I am 69 yrs. old and have eaten southern cooking most of my life. I have family all over the south and we all eat cooking similar to Paula's and only a few of us ended up diabetic. Many of those who eat differently can become diabetic as well. I have a friend from India who is a vegan and she became diabetic about the same time I did, only she is on insulin and having a very hard controlling her blood glucose. Diabetes is in every country – so it's not the southern cooking!
I don't watch her show, because I don't want to cook she way she does, don't want to look like her and don't want to get diabetes.
Good for you, and I don't want to have to put up with your posts.
Yet you feel compelled to interject a comment.
ONE WORD...MODERATION!
ANOTHER WORD...CHOICES!
We all have the choice to eat what we want. If you choose to eat all of the yummy goodness offered in any recipe you can get sick. too much of ANYTHING is bad...if all you eat is tomato sandwiches then you'll probably get some kind of deficiency!
LEAVE PAULA ALONE!!!
SHE IS NOT AT FAULT FOR ANY ONE ELSE'S CHOICES.
HER DIABETES BATTLE is HERS!! NOT THE WORLDS!!! And just because she has it doesn't mean you will get it by making your dishes from her recipes!
AMERICA IS SO STUPID!
So R U
PD is charming and lots of fun....I wouldn't necessarily make her recipes – but I love to see what was/is traditional in the South....I love it when she made jam with gallons if sugar!! Which is just the way jam is made no matter who you are or where you are from....all you hypocrites out there – you Bourdain especially – tell me you don't like a glob of jam and peanut butter every so often.....the criticism is just envy especially from other cooks....PD isn't forcing anyone to eat any of it – she's pure entertainment and super lovable!!! Go Paula Go......
I guarantee you a lot of what PD is cooking is not or ever was traditional in the South. But, that being understood, live and let live. She's not forcing anyone to eat what she's cooking(well, maybe her family) and most people realize it's not exactly health food.
What part of the South are you from, because my grandmother cooked like that on an old coal/wood fired stove.
I'm from Virginia and my mother cooked fried chicken, turnip greens with ham, okra(boiled, not fried), pecan pies, all that kind of thing. I also had an aunt who cooked on a wood stove(great biscuits!), but I promise you that twinkie pies, deep fried lasagna and other of PD's more outrageous type recipes were not on the menu. I think she's just having fun with some of those foods but I gain a cpl pounds just looking at them and they are definitely not traditional.
Also, most of my family were lean because our activity levels were a lot different back then.
I'll bet she was banging fun at 17! You go Paula. You go!
If you can't control what you put in your mouth. I can't see blaming it on others. If a chef came along and scooped the litter box and threw it on the grill would you eat it? You have control at that point, why not any other time?
Finding fault with Paula Deen for a show she does and a high fat/salt/sugar content and endorsing a Diabetes drug isn't a conflict of interest. 100,000's of thousands of people got there all by themselves.
It isn't incumbent upon Ms. Deen to start showing you how to make Southern watercrest lettuce sandwiches because of her endorsement. If you can't figure all the above out for yourself, well you are most likely just as dumb as Mr. Bourdain.
I couldn't care less about her way of cooking and then this diabetes revelation. I don't mean I want her sick. I just simply can't stand her fake persona. I remember the days in 2004 and 2005 when she seemed so common like your girl next door. She was real, people could relate. Not now. As her bank account has grown, so has her outward persona and it just isn't the Paula I loved. She is as fake as a 3 dollar bill. I simply don't enjoy her anymore and don't watch any of her shows. If you do, fine. I don't.
She is not forcing you to eat her food. You have a choice. Wake up people.
No matter how healthy you eat, you're going to die. You may as well die happy. I love the rich food she make and ain't changing a thing. I also have diabetes and simple moderation works wonders, Yet butter and sour cream are my favorites......You go Paula. as for the racist rants....You could always leave and never come back to work if it was that bad!
Yeah if dying happy means sufferring with diabetes and becoming a vomitous fat pile of crappola thats pretty sick !!
You are one sick, twisted, bitter, person. Anyone who gets off by spewing your kind of hatred doesn't deserve contempt anywhere near as much as they need pity.
Yeah if dying happy means sufferring with diabetes and becoming a vomitous fat pile of shilt thats pretty sick !!
Just leave the lady alone. She doesn't hurt anyone. You need to take responsibility for what you put in your mouth, not blame her. She's genuine and fun. Let her do her thing, and you do yours.
We really need to start a war on "Cupcake Wars". That show is purely disgusting. Too many sugar-based programs are emerging on the The Cooking Channel and Food Network. I just change the channel when they come on.
As a Type 1, Juvenile Onset Diabetic, I cannot eat many of the dishes that Paula makes. For her Corn Casserole, I replaced the sour cream with nonfat Greek yogurt and the melted butter with Safflower Oil. Also for this recipe, I use frozen corn kernels and make my own creamed corn in the blender with a packet of Stevia. I use 2%-milk cheddar on top instead of full fat cheese. This casserole makes everbody smile at the table. We only have it on holidays, as well. It's sooooo good. Thank you, Paula for your flavor inspirations. Now go take your medicine, Girl!
That all sounds good except that a lot of the nutrition experts these days believe that butter, olive oil or coconut oil are healthier than most of the alternative oils because of the way they are processed and the types of fats that they are. It's a pretty complicated field and new knowledge always coming along. Eggs and butter got a lot of bad press but now it seems in moderation they are not bad for you. Its the starchy white bread, pasta,sugary type of things and over processed foods that are bad for you.
Hang in there, your food is wonderful because it is made with love. Don't listen to people badmouthing you, they are jealous of your success. Eat a piece of your wonderful fried chicken for me....
Sigh. Don't know the lady. Don't watch cooking shows. The comments are still funny. People, especially the liberals on CNN seem to hate success from anyone. Anyone successful must be torn down... until they die. Then they are sainted again. (see: Michael Jackson)
yep...your 100%...the parasites are there to gain $$$
Umm, just a heads-up, this isn't the political section of CNN. It's a Paula Deen story. And I'm a Southern Moderate Democrat who thinks everyone should own a gun and involve the government in the least amount of our business as is possible. People who try turning food into politics are in a sticky morass already.
No More Wars For Israel
no mor american blood for isael!
iran is no threat to the united states
I like her better than Martha Stewart. Her food, not so much, but it is ludicrous to blame any individual for the diabetic epidemic. Look to the lack of exercise, junk food, and huge corporations like McDonald's if you are passing out blame. It's a personal decision not to lose weight or eat healthy anyway. You have to search for Paula Deen's food. The rest of it is staring you in the face everywhere you go.
Count another Paula fan here. As she has said on many occasions, she doesn't eat like this everyday. Very few people do. Most of us mix it up; good 'ole Southern food one day, Greek the next, and seafood the day after that. Food is so much about family, history and culture that it's very hard to not remember the meals of one's growing up. Paula just reminds us of how some people grew up, and how, in moderation, it's all good.
I think what has to be remembered about Paula's style of cooking is that it is for special occasions. No one is going to cook like that every day, three times a day. You'd have diabetes or a heart condition within a year. I think we also need to remember that disease begins to show up in every one at a certain time. We all will die of something. Never is it "natural causes" anymore. If she did not have diabetes, but a heart condition, we'd say it was due to her stressful lifestyle. If she had arthritis, we'd say it was from standing over a stove all of these years. As for the brother; she obviously threw him a bone to keep him from being homeless while she was a millionaire. I doubt he knows anything about cooking. She put him in the family business to try and help him out. He may be a jerk and if so, that will come out in court. I'm sure if he's that bad there will be other employees coming forward about his actions.
Just because the media says someone is controversial doesn't make it true.
It really is evil to continue promoting such an unhealthy diet. We know that saturated fat is terrible for us, being linked to high chlosterol, heart disease, and diabetes. We know that diets high in salt and sugar are also terrible for us. So why are these still such a main component of certain cooking? Why keep promoting them on TV no less?
Can you say "special occasion?" Nobody eats like this every day. That's a given, unless you're a very one-dimensional character.
"Hey Yall... I put two sticks of butter and a whole 5lb bag of sugar in everything I make. I like to drink while I cook. And I will tell the world i have diabetus when the pharmaceutical companies pay me to... but not one minute before the check clears. I am really good with alligator tears. " This woman is evil through and through.
It is the one who speaks the evil that is evil. Never had a twinkie or a cheese burger, huh! She does not tell anyone to eat it three times a day. Every single restaurant in the world has something if not all that is not healthy on the menu! What is up with you guys. Lets call the kettle black why don't we. I am so glad that you got the perfect sticker slapped on your forehead!
Wow, get a grip. My definition of evil is someone who kills people or preys on children or kicks puppies etc., not a woman who cooks food that is not all that healthy. No one with a fully functioning brain would think her food is healthy to eat on a regular basis. Bourdain has had his share of problems in his life also so for him to condemn her so heartily seems more than a little hypocritical.
I can't believe grown adults are looking for someone to blame.. I know for a fact that Paula is not holding a gun to your head while you cook, or order from a menu... And she doesn't have you handcuffed to a chair shoreline butter down your throat... We were all given a brain with the ability to think for ourselves for a reason... What the he'll is wrong with people nowadays that they wanna blame blame blame.. So what if she eats like that, she never told anyone to follow in her footsteps.. And if you actually paid attention instead of blaming her because your fat you'd hear her say often that she doesn't eat like this every day that it's all about moderation and choices... Rachael Ray cooks with butter, sugar, and unhealthy stuff too, but none of you are jumping on her... Hell ALL the chefs do... But, they all talk about not going crazy and eating a zillion calories in one day... Use your brain and make your own choices and stop playing the blame game.
God Bless you Paula – they're just after your money!
THIS is headline news? Y'all got to be jokin'.
Good for her personally, never liked her food.
Then don't eat it? This is amazing that the world has this much concern. What is in your fridge?
Never liked her, always thought she came across as a phoney. Thought her food was over the top fattening and unhealthy. Thought she didn't speak well for southerners or southern cooking, lacking in moderation and sense. Not suprised that she's diabetic (assuming she eats what she pushes on the rest of us) and also not surprised she profits from the very disease she basically has endorsed all these years. I am a diabetic, I still like the high carb high fat item or two from time to time, but I never ate like Paul Deen cooks and I think if I had I'd have many more problems than I do. What suprises me is that the Food Network hasn't repudiated her. There are so many talented and healthier-cooking chefs on that network, that they could afford to lose this one.
and her teeth are about eight shades too white... her teeth are whiter than her hair for crying out loud.
Paula,
Don't worry about it. Some people are just born to be idiots! Most of the above probably go home and knock back a couple of six packs or what ever and they think they are healthy. Most also probably drive through the nearest hamburger place for burgers and fries. What does America think about our McDonalds, Burger King, Whataburger...and on and on....It is called make your own choices and if every now and again you want it go for it. Even if there are some of us that eat that way too often, it is our business. We all have choices in life every day, that is why we call them choices. I love you, I love what you have done with your life. You have a beautiful family. I wonder what is in some of the closets of the ones above with the nasty statements. As far as Anthony is concerned, i do watch his shows. I love all the places that he goes. But come on Anthony my dear, you just stopped smoking, good for you but you eat the most nasty greasy foods off the trucks in God knows where and you openly confess to being an alcoholic. It does not mean that I don' love watching your shows. What you do is your and your families business, as is Paula's. You make a lot of nasty comments about several chefs, why? Some are too personal. I think Paula was generous to you in the statement she made. Hug her next time you see her! Good job Paula! You are good people. I have had a similar life style and I don't think you ever totally get over it you just try to do the best you can. And that is exactly what you did, look at you now, girl! My love and prayers are always with you. I read it a few days ago and just felt sorry for the girl. If it were any other restaurant and she was un-happy for what ever reason, she would have just walked. People try to take advantage because you have done well for your self. A good salary was not enough she wanted a piece of the pie at what ever cost. Sleep well knowing your true fans will always be there. You are a real person, does anyone not get that! Peace & Grace!
Good people? Maybe, maybe not. Do you know her personally? Or her family, friends, anyone who actually knows the woman? Or is it possible your opinion (and rather odd devotion) to her is based solely on what you have read, heard, or seen on tv?
By the way, Im sure she'll appreciate the love letter you posted, because theres no doubt she spends her time reading CNN comment boards, right?
It was disheartening to learn how hypocritical and racist this woman is. I am a fan no longer.
Surely you do not believe everything you hear? How old are you? This is all so silly. If it were you I am sure that you would feel differently or a member of your family. I suppose you have Never done any thing, that in your favor can not be made public for the world to hear by someone that wants a piece of her fortune without working for it. Just think about it if she was not happy with her employment give notice and leave. What is it with people taking other peoples money and the law allowing it to happen. Oh my gosh my son just brought my favorite Kolache from a town a couple of hours away, I get them twice a year, I just ate three, I am awaiting for the "Idiot Police" to come and report me and or worse just call me names and trash me to the public. What is wrong with people, need to pray more and talk less! You guys watch what you say, I do believe what goes around comes around.
You would suck being on a jury. You decided the verdict before the evidence is even presented! I'll bet you are a dumbocrate!
...and how was she racist? ....Not sure you are reading it accurately.....
If you listen closely, you can hear Deen locked in her bedroom, weeping over that revelation.
I can not stand Obama and am appalled at what he has done since in office. Hey, does that make me a racist? Didn't like Clinton either UM what does that make me? Look at all of the comedians that use that word over and over again. Why do they not get hung out to dry. Not that I believe she said it. I can't stand to hear it used but believe me, they need to listen to some of the awful music out there. These people are using it? What is up with that?
There are plenty of people who eat foie gras, which is about like biting into a piece of delicious fat. They tend to be rich people. I once shared a serving with my nephew, at the Trump club in Palos Verdes. But Paula Deen serves cheaper sources of fat: Here's the problem. It is too much of it. The portions tend to be too large. But whose fault is that? Not hers.
Fat is fat. You need to regulate how much of it you eat. Maybe some of her foods are addictive, maybe there's a blood sugar rise followed by a crash which makes you hungry. She ought to work out the problem. Perhaps you have to add more fiber.
But Paula should not give up, she should just continue to educate herself. Hedonism is not confined to her kind of eating, but people who stay healthy learn how to keep it in check.
I'll be interested to see how far she goes to improve her skills. I'm rooting for her.
Dirk - Get a life!
It seems to me that famous women of all stripes get way too much press, mostly negative. Whether it's Hillary, Palin, Pelosi, Deen, Bachmann, come on people, it's too much.
Good southern cooks don't cook the garbage and high caloric foods shown by Paula Deen. She was full hype with a phony accent who just wanted to make money. Hope she leaves television. Like all people on television, it is about entertainment and she did that, entertained us with her phony southern coking.
I am a good Southern Cook and recipes like Paula Dean’s were a part of how I grew up and how I cook. When we worked 12 hours a day on the farm or ranch that kind of food sustained us, needed that kind of caloric intake. I don't cook like that daily but when my family comes together they expect me to cook the old time recipes that always let them know everything was going to be alright.
I say that about idiot TV such as Dancing with the morons – American Idiot – Survival – The fool bachelor & especially trash on the View – except Elizabeth, the ONLY chick on there with a brain!
There is no way you are from the South. A lot of the recipes I will agree were written before they knew about the medical issues we know now. But honey the South is and does cook like this. Go to Emerils NOLA restaurant in New Orleans have the mussels swimming in butter and wine and dip in another buttery piece of garlic bread into it. Lets go to just about any restaurant in the South and see that buttery cheesy grits are on the menu. Any kinda fried meat, potatoes and biscuits and gravy for breakfast,. The pastry's, and breads are every where. You must not get out of your cage much!
Good southern cooks don't cook the garbage and high caloric foods shown by Paula Deen. She was full hype with a phoney accent who just wanted to make money. Hope she leaves television. Like all people on television, it is about entertainment and she did that, entertained us with her phney southern coking.
Of course she doesn't cook like my "Aunt" Hattie down in Maryland. That was labor-intensive cooking by a woman who stood in the kitchen five days a week, when she wasn't on the back porch shucking peas or peeling grapes, chewing tobacco to help her tooth pain in the bad old days. I loved her deviled crab and her damson jam. Talk about a scratch cook!
But like Hattie, Paula Deen grew up poor. The difference is that Hattie's skills were passed on by her African-American forebears who worked on some very high-falutin' Virginia plantations where fine cooking was the order of the day. They passed on their "receipts" from mother to daughter. I don't think that Paula Deen learned that kind of thing growing up, she was just trying to survive. Now that she is successful, there is no excuse for remaining in ignorance. We can find the kind of ingredients Hattie used all prepared for us by someone (often Hispanics, working in substandard conditions, to be honest, if they are not mechanically prepared like those salad greens). I must say I love biscuits. That was a soul food my mother had no trouble with, especially with brown sugar and butter scattered in the bottom of the pan, so that they had a syrup to them. But yeah, Paula needs to clean up her act and learn to love real Southern cooking.
I completely & totally disagree with the statement that Paula Deen is the most beloved Food Network personality!! I personally can not stand her. She has an annoyingly grating voice. I HATE it every time, when she says, what sounds like, "Hey Yaow." She claims to cook healty food. Really?!?! How is that possible, when she uses so much salt, sugar, & butter in her cooking? And to wait for 3 years to tell people that she is a Diabetic? Are you serious?!?! Whast a hypocrite!! I wish that the Food Network would permanently cancel her show & not put any future shows with Paula Deen on. I think that Paula Deen is one of the worst people on the Food Network!!
Turn the channel you Nancy Piglosi look-a-like
I don't think she would care much for you either.
The fact that she has so many fans just shows how sick we are as a nation. Hypocrisy is the new normal. It's OK to be an idiot. Hey, as long as the state doesn't have to pay for your lard swaddled ways, I'm OK with that. But don't expect me to like you or sit next to you at the tractor pull. As for the people who say that she has worked her a$$ off, she hasn't made a dent in her fairly substantial posterior. It's possible that all or her fans are fat or just a step away from a heart attack. Maybe she's doing us all a favor by weeding out the people who are prone to death through overindulgence, like Kim Jung Il.
I really liked Paula, had to have her cookbooks, had to have her cookware etc., had to go to one of her shows in the area but that then let me know that Paula was out for the money, don't get me wrong, making money is fine and I respect the fact that she was capable of pulling herself out of the mess she was in but seriously doesn't anyone else realize why it took 3 years for her to let the public know she is diabetic...think about it....she had to ensure her boys were firmly fixed so that they would never have to worry about having 2 nickels to rub together....when did Bobby start his show with the healthy rendition of Paula's recipes....just before she let it be known that she is diabetic, once he had his show then she lets everyone know....now I too feel that Paula never said anyone had to eat her food, she never twisted anyone to buy her products but I do feel she is money hungry and will do whatever it takes to make a dollar, I would love to see a list of unfortunate people that she has literally taken her own money and helped...so no I am not the fan that I was, I do watch Bobby, but not so much Paula any more...well actually all of her shows are reruns...seems food network can only run reruns any more.
Do you think she might have waited because she knows her life is not her life any more. Bobby has been for some time now talking about his new eating habits. She may have been afraid it would hurt his chances as he has been headed this way for a long time. She cares about her family. I would hate it if everything I said or did was on National TV, how about you!
Paula has worked her @$$ off for everything she has. I am also diabetic and I applaud her for coming forward and if a pharmaceutical company pays her to do so, more power to her. Having been blessed to meet her, I admire her and respect her all the more for everything she has overcome. She is incredibly kind and wonderfully talented. Diabetes doesn't have to be a death sentence if certain foods are consumed in moderation. Paula doesn't tell people to cook her recipes everyday and people should have the good sense to modify her recipes if they have health concerns. If you think her recipes aren't a fit for your lifestyle, don't watch her show, don't buy her cookbooks, and find something better to do with your time.
Amen.
Hey, once you become a hot commodity your signature becomes worth something..
So after her tv show , came all the endorsements.. her products are just that.. "sign here Ms Dean" and she collects some money..
So don't try to toot her horn so loud.. She has profited a lot .. From just being Paula Dean.
Well said.
Really? She earned that money for working her daggum Butt off. Once you are in the spot light there are people all over that want a slice of your pie. Get real people. It is no one's business if she is diabetic. And...if she is on a show that you do now want to watch, and do not like her, SHUT THE TV OFF.
I "Really " don't want to think about her " Pie ". Thanks for playing though.
So has Brad Pitt-i-full, never adopt an American child – Angie Jo-lee & Jennifer Anniston who profit from bed-hopping with each other...
SO !! That is called a business. You do all the hard work to get it started...give thousands of people well paying jobs. So that one day you can slow down and reap your rewards. I call that "The American Dream". Envious or what !
It seems appropriate to ask... how much do you weigh? This person is a danger to the public at large. I don't care how much money she has made. Companies that make explosives and weapons have also made a lot of money. Your logic is self serving and myopic in my opinion. Maybe it's time for another Krispy Kreme?
This is not a reply to Catherine....I just couldn't find any other way to post.
I just wanted to say I've always wanted to cook up something with Paula outside the kitchen, ya know??? Something hot sweet and sticky in another room of the house!
This woman has been able to fufill her dreams thanks to good ole hard work. It would sure be refreshing to see more people commend her for that. Id like to know how many of the condscending folks on here have had the guts to make their dreams a reality. GO PAULA!!!!!!!!!!!
Funny, the next article is on booze for brunch...hmmm. I guess that is OK.
I completely & totally disagree with the statement the Paula Deen is the most beloved food personality. I personally can not stand her. She has an annoyingly grating voice, I HATE it when she says, what sounds like, "Hey Yaow." She claims to cook healty foods, but how can she, when she useas so much salt, sugar, & Butter? And by waiting for over 3 years to say that she is a Diabetic? Really?!?! What a hypocrite!! I wish that the Food Network would take her show & any future shows off the air permanently.
hence why the say polarizing , buy a dictionary.
Who are you to judge anyone? I can tell that you are not from the south! I was born and raised in georgia and the way that things are cooked are a lot different than anywhere else in the country. So what she has diabetes, she is dealing with it, if you don't like what she cooks or the ingredients that she uses then don't eat it, don't cook it, and don't worry about it!
"Bring me Solo and the Wookiee. They will all suffer for this outrage."
–Paula De– oops wrong person
We are all responsible for our own actions. And in our society, success is born by the support from pocketbooks. Clearly enough people wanted her to succeed and purchased her books and products. I find the "Blame someone else" agrument laughabule in almost every situation. I lost 90 pounds over 5 years ago, and I still include all food groups (good and bad). When asked how I did it, I tell people it is 99% mental. I had to take MY OWN responsibility for my weight. Once I did, I lost it. When they start replying to me with excuses, I say, "You're not ready."
With this attack on Paula, 2 things must be true: Overweight people must only eat Paul Deen Cooking / Recipes. And, two: the opposite must be true: diet food/program companies must be responsible for the thin people in America.
Neither of which, in my opinion are true. Individual responsiblity is the only way to stop obesity.
I like her.. But I get so sick of hearing her say "you all"...
Drives me nuts, and I have some what the same kind of accent.. Its just too much like hearing some one say "you know" a million times while they are talking...
Somebody from the south says "y'all?" You have to be kidding me!
Well us from Oklahoma and Texas around there say "you all" once in awhile.. But not every fricking time we open our mouths.. Can't say a sentence without saying "ya, all" ... Drives me as nuts as "you know" "you know" "you know" and ......"you know" ?
Sounds fake.. Got to admit.. Sounds totally fake when she just keeps saying it..
SMH I thought I was the only one who got sick of hearing "you know" normally 3 times per conversation is my limit then I say "no IDK!!!
I'm Fixin' to say Y'All.
Not only the "Y'all and you know." How about the laugh after every thing she says. She is insecure, nervous and has sn inferiority complex. AND HER SONS.......Only she could be proud of them. They couldn't do it without mama. I'm gonna go ahead and stir this, I'm gonna go ahead and slice this. Can't those things be done without the "I'm gonna go ahead and." I don't wish her any ill will and I haven't watched her in a year or so but the only good thing about the show is the kitchen. Tho' her saloon faced husband is funny to watch.
I met them both in Dallas and they are good people. I just can't believe there are so many perfect people making these comments. Tape your selves talking and look in the mirror. Got a diary, read it some time. Got a past, we all do. Unless you were just hatched I would be careful, something might fall off your hanger one day!
Paula Deen is an amazing lady to say the least .My guess is the complainers are intimidated by her shine. Diabetes hits people from ALLL walks of life !!!! She always talks about in moderation its called self control and knowing some of her recipes either ya change for health or use for special occasions ( cause sometimes ya just gotta go nuts and have a life, enjoy the ride ). She had the guts and gumption to reach for something more rather than sit and fester and let others support her .She made a name for herself and has helped others as well find a way up. My goodness some people really need to learn to chill and not be so grampy grumpy ! Yes I am on team DEEN (its actually on my bucket list to meet her one day lol ) But in all seriousness now , my husband is a diabetic who ate right took care of himself but ended up with this and one of the biggest tricks his nutritionist gave us was moderation learning to eat well but allow yourself treats every now and then and in proper portions. Look for a list of famous diabetics ya might be interested to see the faces there and stop attacking Paula Deen .
What a stupid article. If you don't like butter eat tofu. Nobody cares.
CNN... a network in decline.
Totally agree. People can use her receipes for speacial occasion. You dont have to eat 100% Paula. Do they attack movie theaters and bryers icecream?
I can appreciate Paula Deans struggles to become a self made,wealthy, independent women but I think it's time for her to reinvent herself once again and and inspire others with healthy food choices. If she can do this the world will be her oyster once again. From what this article tells me about her is that if anyone can do it she can!
Her son is doing that. If you can't tolerate butter you can turn the channel to the all vegan all the time network...
I do believe she is trying to do that through Bobby. I have been trying to watch what I eat MOST of the time. You can take any recipe and make it over. It is all a matter of choice. I don't think some of the idiot's in the public gave her much of a chance to change things. I am not sure I want her to. I like to watch her whether or not I actually make the dish. Got to say I have all her books and some favs in every one of them!
Pizza hut has better and healthier food than Paula Deen's Resturants. It does not surprise me that she and her brother, and probably whole family, are racists. She's from the deep south and I'm sure her ancestors owned slaves and treated them like crap. I would not waste my money nor support her by dining at one of her restaurants. Paula's a bad example when it comes to food and the promotion of any kind of food.
"She's from the deep south and I'm sure her ancestors owned slaves and treated them like crap."
Citation needed.
She is nothing but a fake and a fraud trying to cash in with that false Southern drawl.....too bad she doesn't kick on out with a heart attack from all the butter she puts in everything! No Fan and certainly not proud she acts like she is from Georgia.
She is from Georgia you 1d1ot! Anthony bourdain is just mad cause she's smarter and richer than he is. He drinks so much on his little travel channel show that he must be an alcoholic Haters will hate.
Shame on you. I am sure you are just a peach!
Maybe just another bad apple jealous of what someone else has accomplished!
Many of these comments are typical and 100% predictable. All those that "hate" her, "can't stand" her, calling her a pig, fattso, fake, a hack, disgusting... I bet, and I'm going out on a limb here....have never even met the woman. So she uses some country style home cooking on her cooking show. That causes so many here to come unraveled and use your words to attack someone you don't even know. You have never and will never meet her? I'm begining to wonder if this isn't why our children today have such a problem with bullying. Look how adults act and what they are teaching the kids watching and listening to them. This is truely a sad display. So the discussion is food. Eat it or don't eat it, it's that simple. If people were really this concerned about healthy diets I would think grocery stores would be so much smaller, there would be only a handfull of fast food places, and something would be done about the chemicals in our food and beverages. But it is all still out here available to the masses and I'm going to guess in many of your pantries and cupboards. As to those who believe and repeat the stupid notion that Paula Dean is the greatest threat to America...get a clue and watch the news. If it were only as simple as removing butter, salt and sugar to have and live a threat free society, then these items would not be on my shopping list. That reminds me, I need to add butter to my list this week.
A person does not have to have a Phd in Psychiatry or the Behavioral Sciences to "pick up" on her fakey, phoney, public persona. Pleazzzzzzzz... who the hell goes around all day spitting out, "ya'll" all the live long day. Paula Deen's is sappy. She needs to drop into a diabetic coma and die.
Wow, you're sad.
Your Momma did not know what she was doing when she named you! One thing to say hateful things but to wish someone dead. Shame on you!
You neglected to add "Hoka Hey" in your I love Paula rant.
Some people hate others suscess
Everyone, whether intentional or not want to blame someone or something for how horrible there life. Miss Dean has been through her trials and tribulations, have had burdens to overcome in her life and some how has been able to stand on her on two feet and make something of herself. Yes, her recipes are potentially health hazardous, but look around, what isn't these days? What we can do is to informed. You see a recipe that you like, modifiy so that it is healthy for you, don't just blame Miss Dean because she uses tons of butter and sugar, because you don't have to, you don't even have to make any of the recipes, that's how strong the power of choices are . Be informed and make the best choice for you and stop blaming Miss Dean because what you did was to yourself based off your own poor decisions. You are responsible for you and yours!!!
I thought this was going to be a news story on her death from a heart attack. Damn.
My thought exactly.
you ass hole you need some help. theres something called carma it will come to u
you ah you need some help. theres something called carma it will come to u
you a.h you need some help. theres something called carma it will come to u
I hope you sleep well tonight. Not a good idea to wish someones death! Why did you even bother to post?
So she raised her kids all by herself. So what! So did I. Millions of people do that all over the world. As a man raising my daughter all on my own I did a fine job, but I don't expect any adda-boys for that!
OK, none given...
🍔 🍟 🍰 What's the big deal? Let the fat people eat their grease in peace. Who cares?
We healthy have to pay for the fatsos' chronic health problems through our insurance premiums. So we care.
Excuse me! We are probably paying for you to sit on your tail and complaining about things that are none of your business. Health Insurance is a luxury. I hope you never loose yours and have to go to a County hospital. Even if you work many can't afford insurance. I am sure if I saw you, there would be something I would not want to look in the mirror and see. First off that big hole where your heart should be. Did your Mother raise you that way!
Well, uncle, do the rest of us pay for any of your bad habits: any alcohol, cigarettes, unprotected sex, STD's?
If she's the "most beloved" then how can she be the most polarizing?
I'm an other. I want to wait for her day in court. She and Al on the TODAY show are very funny together. It saddens me that she might be found to be racist. I hope not. I would have a hard time watching her on TV if she is.
You know this was out before Oprah ever aired her special where her and her friend Gail slept at Paula's home and spent the day. Does that tell you something!
Dont you folks have something better to do than worry about Miss Paula. I love her, have for a long time, and will continue to. The matter of fact is that you cook what the hell you want to and eat it. Her recipes are great and as she states on her show and apppearances her food is not for everyday. It is a shame that we support her when things are wonderfull, but shame her when she is trying to do something good. Miss. Paula keep cooking honey me and mine love ya bunches!!!!!! Lovin the south and southern cooking.
Yeah, she's overweight. So what. Wait until you're 65. My wife uses her recipes...delicious!
She's from klan land Georgia......what do you expect....it's in her blood.
She from Da' Hood?
I thought liberals didn't believe in stereotyping people. I guess that's like saying if you're black you must be a black panther huh?
I am a Black Panther..... Right.
SHOULDNT WE BE WORRIED ABOUT ISRAEL TRYING TO TAKE AMERICA TO WAR ?- RATHER THAN A WOMAN WHO IS AN ENTREPRENEUR?
IF PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW WHAT BEST FOR THEIR HEALTH, THEN THAT IS THEIR PROBLEM. WE CANT BE THE NURSE FOR THE WORLD.
NO MORE AMERICAN BLOOD FOR ISRAEL'S WARS!!
I agree with some of what you say but when you type in all caps I'd rather just punch you in the face for being such a d-bag.
Is that all it takes today for some one to lash out in violence? Typing in Caps? Didn't name calling end as we matured and we no longer went outside for recess and ran away from the girls so we didn't get cooties? Does typing in caps really effect or change your life? When are people going to get back to treating each other with respect?
Oh, I was wondering why you ran away. lol.
hey d-bag –" go for it"
Yeah! What the troll said! And if he keeps repeating the same thing, an irrelevant blathering in all caps, it will be really, really believable, the more times he posts it! I like exclamation points! Tomatoes are purple! Do worms have eyes?
Capt. CapLock never learns. Imbecile.
If you believe in the Bible you had better stand by God's people or you will perish along with those that do!!!!
Dear paula,
I think you are a insperation to others, Those people who bring you down shouldn't get you down. I'm type 1 diabetic also and I never let myself get down. Your like a role model to me because you a southern person who can bake/cook and also deal with diabetes. People need to let go of there hate and read your bio or watch chefography, which was a good book and show. I love to bake a lot even if most of the stuff i make i can not eat. But i experiment with splenda like when i made sugarfree brownies and also made a sugar free cinnamon oatmeal cookie. also i am a big tea drinker so once i got the recipe just right i started drinking tea again without worrying about any blood sugar spikes. I had a couple of dka and got tired of that show i got started on the pump and now i never have blood sugar pass 220. I hope one day i can meet you. That would be so cool. I would have autograph that to sign and recipes to share with you
Hope this fat porky is carrying a lot of life insurance.
You must be a liberal. Always making fun of people. For your information she's lost all her weight so stick that up your a**!!!!
No, that would make him a disrespectful individual, not liberal. I don't appreciate being steros typed as a person who makes fun of everybody. I like to have fun with everybody, but I don't make fun of anyone.
"Bring me Solo and the Wookiee. They will all suffer for this outrage."
–Paula De-- oops wrong person
Gosh, good thing people who eat health live for ever....wake up, healthy people fall down dead just as fat people....you know just because your fat doesn't mean you eat like a hog....people like you make me sick.
damn she's fat , seriously she should see a doctor...her health must be very bad....I cant see eating prepared menus or food from someone who is about to die. her quality of life must be sooo bad !!
all the nanny state liberals are crying how she should promote healthy eating... Look, she didn't get to where she is now because people wanted to learn how to eat healthy. There are a zillion books, authors, etc. that can tell you how to eat healthy because you know what, getting healthy food is actually not very hard. I get salad greens and light string cheese and whole grain crackers from the grocery store, use non-fat dressing and eat that for lunch every day and it is really really EASY. It is the willpower to make the lifestyle change that is hard and there is no book or talk show that will give that to you.
YOU need the drive and willpower to eat and exercise healthy.
So, while I don't watch Paula Dean, I do respect her immensely for what she did with her life. Instead of being some pathetic loser looking for a welfare handout and resenting others that have it better than her, she spent 20 years of her life building a career out of what she loves doing.
I don't eat it every day, but every now and then some good ol' southern soul food just really hits the spot.
It's because she's in the 1%. Just because she makes good money off of thinking outside the box and working hard, they want to bring her down. If you eat the kind of food she cooks every day, then you are an idiot and deserve your obesity. She can cook what ever she wants on her show…This is America.
Wow, really?! Gees... and all of this is "important", why? I'm confident most people understand "moderation"; let it go...
DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously people..... Leave Paula ALONE!! If you can't look at a recipe and tweek it to make it healthy or change it up to suite your lifestyle the don't buy a cookbook. Did you ever stop to think that diabetes could be genetic as well as dietary choices??? Paula has a remarkable testimony and has touched many lives. She is an inspiration... Here is a thought, before casting the first stone why not look at your own story. Let Paula live her life, and continue touching lives, stop trashing her and start thanking her for all she has done, will do and is doing right now to help others......
"Touched many lives...an inspiration". You have got to be kidding!!! Is her hypocripsy not evident?? She has cashed in at the expense of her health and that of millions of viewers. She has traded her dignity for her fortune. To withhold the information about her diabetes for three years, all the while spewing the worst cooking advice possible, until she had secured a sweet financial deal, is beyond the pale.
Well said, bravo!
I keep saying that Paula is a self made success through much trial and error...and lots of sorrow. Unfortunately when you achieve success, there seems to be those that wish to undermine all that hard work....they criticize and even go as far as "blackmail". I do not know who this Ms. Jackson is, but to ask for money to keep quiet lets me know that there isn't a lot of trustworthiness in her. I've met Paula Deen, her husband as well as her 2 sons. They are all very appreciative of their fans and truly are a giving and loving family. It breaks my heart to read such negative comments. So Paula Deen is a hard working lady who made it....don't take that away from her. She does not deserve all this bad remarks. Put yourself in the shoes of learning you have diabetes ... and figure our how you're going to handle this news with your family and friends....I think most are envious. They should not be. She's truly a southern lady who still beats a mad path each day to survive.
I won't repeat prior issues with the lady. To Southerners: do you seriously want to claim this lady is authentically representative of your cooking? With so much that is wonderful in your cooking, it seems to me this woman is purveying garbage, putting a horridly overblown accent on it all, and making a mockery of what is true and great about your culture. No?
uhmm....Yes, that would br a NO...
uhmm....Yes, that would be a NO...
Dear Paul – think what you want! After all we have an opinion!! But yes I will let Paula Deen represent me as a southern lady. Her style of cooking is what I and many others from the South grew up eating and cooking. Do I continue? Yes is some aspects – but just like with everything else in my life I make choices for my lifestyle today. Do I cook with butter? Yes – my doctors have said its better than the artifical stuff that most people use thats filled with addtitives. Do I make cakes? Yes and they are awesome! Requested by many for special occasions. I too have a southern accent and at times it is heavy – but I've never had anyone complain – usually they ask for me to continue speaking! My suggestion to you is if you don't like to watch PD and you don't like what she is saying – CHANGE THE CHANEL! No one is forcing you to watch or listen to her – and this goes for all you other naysayers – we are all responsible for our own lives! If we elect to follow someone thats our business! Thank GOD we live in a country where we can voice our opinions and are allowed to even have a differing opinion. No one is forcing anyone to fry all thier foods, baking excessively sweet cakes, eat till you drop or or speak with a heavy southern accent. Now yawl have great day! ;)
I think Paula needs to lay off the Happy Meals
Silly that CNN makes a story out of this. She has had success. If it is legal who the hell cares you silly simple bozo's.
You eat and cook whatever you like and others will do the same. Yes it is really that simple for God sakes!
yep!
I agree with you Ron. What she cooks is only a variety of the dishes available to eat throughout the entire world but some of these obese folk think it is dangerous? So that is their problem and they shouldn't eat her food. So what is someone thinks it is unhealthy. Based on what? It is up to personal responsibility to eat in healthy portions and to eat whatever you want but in moderation also. Who are these numnuts that think they can force others to think and act as they do? They're irrelevant in my life. Only in America do we have so many obese people and it is because of gluttony and refusing to show self-control and nothing else.
Tomorrow I am baking a French pastry; real eggs, real butter, real almonds, real sugar, real pie crust. Nothing fake or fat free. Tonight I am making real popcorn with real oil as a snack and I'll put real salt on it too.
What I eat is no one's business.
Steve Jobs has done more to promote planned obsolescence land fill,
then Paula Deen has to promote obesity and diabetes.
Be responsible for your own lives losers.
How does Paula "promote" promote obesity and diabetes? She does not promote anything. She cooks and it is up to each and every individual to cook it or not. Simple. This country has fallen into the trap of needing a babysitter for every action taken. Grow up people and make your choices but don't whine if it is the wrong choice. Being an adult means to man-up and take responsibility for you own actions.
Every person is responsible for their own actions.
If you drink, eat, smoke, inject or other wise put anything into your body that you know will cause it harm, than it is your own fault.
"DO NOT blame some TV cook trying to make a living by giving the masses what they cry out for."
Not a fan of either Bourdain or Deen....but Deen has the class not to attack Bourdain, and that prissy little man-gina offers endless material for frontal assaults.
I can see his Man-Gina from my front porch.
But..... think of tha CHILDERN!
I bet the majority of the haters and negative comment posters are just negative in most senses of their daily lives....AND....probably eat fast food like its going out of style. As one responder stated....Paula shows delicious foods that we ALL would love to be able to eat but its OUR own choice what we eat. If you blame Paula for fatty yummy recipes you'll have to wage war on most grandmothers we love dearly and many of our finest restaurant chefs.
Most of all...its each persons choice to eat what they choose AND all things in moderation!
(and the comments about her personally or her looks are just downright rude)
She is a BIG FAT PIG. She wears enough make-up to cover the entire Miss USA pageant. She is part of the reason Americans are co freakin Fat
rude
rude? maybe... but true!
"She is part of the reason Americans are co freakin Fat"
No, stupid f**ks like you that can't take self responsibility and manage their own diet are responsible for getting yourselves fat.
Interesting Observation Aezhole. I find it very interesting that you can make that assumption from a 2 sentence post. Not that it is any of your business... I am 6'4" and 195 pounds with a BMI of 23. Which i s better than approx 65% of the US population. So, I greatly appreciate your intelligent come back.
So you are not even fat yourself, you thought it would be appropriate to come in and whine and cry on behalf of other people who are too dumb to manage their own diet, and make proxy apologies? You are even more f**king retarded than I thought you were.
the terrible
No one can blame their weight on anyone but themselves.
True we are responsible for ourselves!
right. as some of her fans so eloquently stated in the article. Because she forces folks to eat unhealthy food and not exercise. Because McDonalds forces folks to go through the drive thru and eat their food. Boy I sure must have missed the guns pointed at folks head. People are obese because they are lazy. I know there are some genetics involved. My family tends towards obesity; but I choose to go to the gym and watch my diet. So my weight is in the normal range. You are part of the problem blaming others instead of yourself for everything aren't you.
You're a f-ing idiot!
This woman sets womanhood back 100 years at least. She frantically begs for acceptance, all the while eating herself into extreme corpulency and indangering her own life, to say nothing of her pitiful followers.
Why is that men can accept the fact we don't all get to look like George Clooney and move on while women like this cartoonish "blonde bombshell" don't get the message. She is simply all around offensive.
She sets womanhood back? Wow, read the freaking article you troll.
Yes, a divorced woman over comes a debilitating condition, starts selling door to door sandwiches... then lunch trucks... the a resteraunt and as an independant woman makes herself a living and success.
You set mankind back by being stupid. What has your haggard ass done in life?
Dearest Paula Deen: I think many of us are your fans because we can feel connected to you, even when we didn't know your life history. We are proud of you because of the inner beauty and strength it took to bring yourself up and out of your adversities. We can relate because we have endured the same things, just different stories. I am now a 60 year old woman and have raised both of my children pretty much alone. Although I was born in Chicago, IL, my heart belongs in Tennessee where my family is from. I lived there as a child. I grew up on good down home cooking. Yes, through the years I have had to change my diet due to Diabetes. My 23 year old son with Down's Syndrome was diagnosed 13 years ago with Juvenile Diabetes. I have type 2. In part this was inevitable because of hereditary factors. However, in spite of this, I've learned through many resources, including our medical team, that one does not have to totally eliminate sugar, and fats from their life. Yes, we do have to limit them. We can allow ourselves that pleasure of comfort food now and then. I have enjoyed your recipes and so has my son. Guess what...our A1c's are in the perfect range. :) Yet, when I eat a piece of cake at functions, we get stared at, or someone not so educated states an ignorant remark. Instead of people sitting back and being so judgmental on what someone else is doing, they need to educate themselves before speaking. My mom always said, " don't point your finger because you have 3 pointing back." Scripture states to take the beam our of our own eye first. Matthew 7 3-5 kjv :) Like mentioned in another post, you are not FORCING people to COOK what you cook, or EAT it. While I love your food, I applaud you for who you are, not what you eat. I am proud that you are taking better care of yourself. We want you around a lot longer. Hang in there girl. This too shall pass. :)
OK I got it everyone makes their own decsions to eat and diabetes is hereditary and all that crap, but why did she have to roll in the dough and be prostituted by a drug company? That is my problem she lost her values from her previous years. She had enough money – that wasn't good enough!!!
Jealous her? Her size? She has hidden her diabetes and continued making the unhealthy food to her supporters, until she found a sponsor for the medication. She's so speculated, calculated, sly, and greedy. Her next move will be a spoke woman of a funeral home.
To argue that people can make a their choice, why we don't let cocaine be legalized if people know how to make a smart choice.
She is right on that point. We are a free people. Just don't ask for everyone else to pay for your mistakes. I say legalize all drugs, like Portugal, save billions on enforcement and incarceration, none of which have worked, and just bury the abusers. It won't take long and drugs will not be so popular.
Portugal is a small country with population of 10mil vs the State of 311mils. We cannot afford to legalize drug, I agree that there will eliminate a few crimes but simultaneously will bring too many problems in our the society. For instance, import the cocaine from Afghanistan? It's a directly way to fund the Al Queda to attack the west and the US?
"To argue that people can make a their choice, why we don't let cocaine be legalized if people know how to make a smart choice."
Yeah, so your whiny pathetic argument is that you shouldn't have to take any responsibility for your own choices and you think it's okay to pass blame off on other people because you're to f***ing dumb to eat healthy on your own?
"eah, so your whiny pathetic argument is that you shouldn't have to take any responsibility for your own choices and you think it's okay to pass blame off on other people because you're to f***ing dumb to eat healthy on your own?"
Are you muffling top much greasy food in your mouth? She's half dead and should have apologized for her unhealthy recipes to the public, instead of hiding her health condition. Right, her supporters will be buying the same drug as she's taking. Smart move!
I've never liked Deen. Her recipes are the same as ones found in the many Southern community cookbooks I inherited.
I also detest her cackle but she didn't force people to make her recipes. She didn't force people to put butter and bacon grease in corn.
Why is she polarizing?
Paula Deen is not polarizing. Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann and Rick (Frothy Mix) Santorum. They are polarizing.
Go ahead, cut butter, sugar and fat out of your diet. You won`t live longer, it will just seem like it.
At least I would not die of complex of conditions and won't be a burden of others b/c of the insurance bills.
Hey "ZnHcats", P.J. didn't say to eat a pound of butter every day, sit on your rear, watch t.v. and become an immobile couch potatoe, but if that is your choice, so be it but don't blame others for you poor choices. I bake and cook and I use only real milk, eggs, butter, pie pastry's, fried chicken, fries, and even McD's every so often. You name it, I use real ingredients. I also use MSG in some of my cooking. Guess what? I am 49, healthy, no diabetes, slender, strong heart, go to karate 2x per week and sometimes 3x, I work five days a week and stay busy on the weekend. The difference between me and the obese? I stay active which allows me to eat high fat foods at times. What I don't do is live a gluttonous life.
It's not how long you live, it's the quality of your life
Paula is more than cooking. She is about family and sharing memories and making memories. I love her. She has encouraged families to eat together, cook together, and be together. I can not believe that there are people who go after her now that she has money. Her story has helped many and now a few want to destroy it.
She is only a money grubber of the Palin kind. Stress the obvious benefits of family as though you just discovered it and some of the dimwits will think you invented it!
It's not as if Paula forced anyone to eat her cooking. I have lost weight since I came to know of her. I take full responsibility for my own actions which includes making her fantastic Zesty Cheese Straws whenever I have an occasion to. ...And yes I use butter and real cheese. Screw the haters Ms Deen! You are a treasure and I'll continue exploring your cookbooks, watching your shows, cooking your recipes just the way you do, and eating, and enjoying your food. Let them eat rice cakes – they'll still be just as nasty and rotten as they are now. As for me I'll be contented.See More
Smoker and drinker Anthony Bourdain criticizing P Deen for an unhealthy lifestyle?
Thank-you!
Eat like her and you will have Morbid obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Eating like her does not make you Morbid obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Is it eating too much, too fast, too soon, and not allowing your body to consume its own calories before eating again. In this country a lot of people continually eat throughout the day. The body cannot burn food from two points at once; stomach and fat. It must either feed off the stomach or the fat, but not both at the same time. It is important to allow time between meals before eating. I eat breakfast, lunch at noon and I don't snack or eat anything before I get home at 6pm. Am I hungry when I get home? Yes, and that is the way we're supposed to feel. Then I make dinner and I rarely snack after dinner. This is how we are supposed to eat. It's not what you eat so much as how much you eat. We eat too much. If you allow yourself to feel hungry between meals your body will feed off it's internal energy and eat up carbs and fat before you next meal. Eating at every given moment "just because you feel hungry" is marketed to us by fast food restaurants and now we can eat 24/7 in this country and this is why we are obese.
Would any of us share our private medical information with anyone if the same thing happened to us in the same exact situation. I don't think so. Get off Paula's case! She is the one that will have to live with her health condition the rest of her life. That is punishment enough without all of us beating up on her. She is trying to change her ways now and God be with her.
Peggy, get real. What does sharing ones medical condition have to do with anything?
Paula is our NEW spokeswoman for her Fabulous Paula's Fried Pies-"They are Poopielicious Y'all".
Check your Sunday papers for coupons.
Mmmmmmmmm....... poopielicious
"Poopielicious"
Are you 5 years old you f***ing retard?
that woman is the most irritating ***** I've ever met
Yeah, but she's rich and famous and you're not.
Yeah, Paula Deen should be crucified for making Americans eat unhealthy food while she is diabetic. Now let's all go to McDonalds and stop on the way to get a 64 oz Big Gulp of Mountain Dew.
Here's a chance for her to truly redeem herself and make a difference. I hope that she uses this opportunity to start making healthy food recipes that everyone, including diabetics, can enjoy
I'm going to translate your post for you: "Waaaahh waahhh waaaaaaaa. People are too dumb to eat healthy by themselves so I'm going to blame someone else for them getting fat."
Those who don't like her are likely just jealous!!! Paula, I love you - you are a true entertainer!!
I agree with you completely! Most people who are bad-mouthing her are jealous. No one forces her food down their throats. You go Paula! Keep on smiling girl!
Eat like Paula Deen and you will look like Paula Deen–fat and jowly.
Yup, but it is your own fault, not hers.
She's a BIG FAT Bee-Atch.
Bet she has more money (and probably teeth) then you or your wife....
Yeah, nobody is pointing a gun to anyone's head and making them eat unhealthy. Just more whiny American bulls**t of people blaming others for their own stupidity.
If Paula Dean makes a recipie book, you cook it, you eat it, and you get fat, it is 100% your own Godd**ned fault.
Looks like an obese version of Tammy Faye Baker!
And that comment makes you sound like an even dumber version of George "Dubya" Bush – if that's even possible.
I love Paula Dean and there is nothing wrong with her life story it take alot to tell your life's story and me reading her story will never change the way i feel about her and like some people say the people that are downing her she didn't make them eat the stuff they cook or cook the stuff they do and also the bad stuff people say about her they are just jealous because they can't make the money she does doing the stuff she does I LOVE YOU PAULA DEAN!!!
When you are larger than life there will always be those that will try to take away. Deliousy or for whatever other reason. Also, sometimes you get too big for your britches and need to be put in your place. I love Paula's additude and think she can be an inspiration. Her rags to riches story is very motivating...especially for woman. ONLY GOD IS PERFECT! Love her recipe ideas and I always modify the dressing and butter.
Does cnn cover the news anymore.
Nah, just crap stories like this.
Yes, but not in the section called Eatocracy, which is like the Food section of any major newspaper that has ever existed. Glad I could help with your reading.
First off we as a people have so much more to worry about Paula does. When she first came on the scene everyone wanted everything Paula now because she's a diebetic and still promotes her cooking style they don't want anything to do with her. WELL GROW THE HECK UP ! Paula doesn't tell people to cook or eat her reciepes if they have health problems that's THEIR CHOICE! The woman is a business women she's trying to make a living if you don't like her reciepes don't make them let alone eat them YOU HAVE THE CHOICE. I'm soooooo tired of people hopping on these bandwagons when they haven't got a clue. As for the law suits all these people are after is MONEY when they needed help Paula and Bubba gave them a chance BE GRATEFUL!! Paula KEEP YOUR HEAD UP YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG AND NEITHER HAS BUBBA. I've been a Paula fan from the beginning and I will remain a fan . Remember we are all human and no one has the right to judge us only the man upstairs has that power!!! YOU GO GIRL!
I hate how the beginning of the article is intended for the reader to feel sorry for Paula. I am a fan of her cooking, but this is so unnecessary and it rubs me the wrong way. What significance does this have? There are children out there losing parents at 10, 14, 16 years old!!
""At 44, the newly minted restaurateur had been through a lot: She'd grown up without a real bathroom, living in the back of her family's souvenir shop and gas station, lost her father when he was only 40 and her mother just four years after that, weathered a difficult marriage to her hard-drinking high school sweetheart and begun to wrest herself from the grip of a crippling panic disorder.""
I am a southern girl. I understand southern cooking. It is what it is and Paula is what she is. I love her just the way she is ! And I love her show! She has done nothing wrong. All the jerks giving her a hard time . need to get a life!!!!
She is a piglette who has killed more people than she will ever know.
That has got to be one of the dumbest comments ever posted on CNN.
She hasn't killed anyone. If people died of diabetes from eating her food it is their own fault for being too stupid to manage their own diet.
pj, you a very high level a**clown.
pj, you are a very high level a**clown.
Yeah... that is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard... Peaople make their own choices and if they don't they deserve what they get.... Christ.... ignorance surrounds us... were doomed...
Paula, tell these naysayers to "kiss your grits!!" Rock on Paula!!!!!! You have paid your dues!!!!
As Paula herself has sad, she's not a trained chef. Get a clue folks – she's a good Southern cook and an entertainer. Every chef out there is "selling" something these days. Granted her timing is bad but the decision to admit she has a disease like diabetes coiuld niot have been easy – no matter the circumstances. All these hypocritical TV chefs who have chosen to attack her should look at their own personas. Bourdain didn't admit to being a crackhead until he had a book to sell. Where's the difference? And he continues to smoke and booze it up. Do I still watch him? Yes, he's entertaining. Would I lifestyle regimen? Hell no! Give Paula a break. Too easy to pick on an overweight middle aged woman. Shame on all you holier than thous.
Would never support an obesity creating sloth like her. I hope the government increases taxes on people like her! Stop the 1% now!
get a life.
People kept voting in Teddy Kennedy for decades and he was a fat sloth........oh and a drunk one at that.
And he sure as hell couldn't cook.
she has never missed a meal in her life or said no to food.
I have grown up in the south and I understand the type of cooking which Paula does. If you haven't lived in the south, I don't think you can really understand. She is giving the rest of the country an opportunity to see what classic southern cooking is really like. Any recipes I make are modified to cut calories and sugar but they are still delicious. Paula is a classic and she doesn't deserve the overwhelming criticism of jealous chefs and spiteful people who do not understand what she is doing. Get a grip people, if you don't like the recipes, don't make them, if you don't like the television show, don't watch it. There are lots of other choices out there. One of my choices is Paula Deen.
Don't give me this "it's a southern thing, you wouldn't understand" crap.
I was born in the Carolinas, live in New Orleans, and have no problem saying that she cooks GARBAGE. Paula Deen disgusts me.
And I'm sure there's a number of people out there that find you disgusting, also. I, personally, find your comment disgusting.
umad
Her recipes suck. Thats why I find her cooking gross. I don't give a lukewarm cup of p1ss about the health aspect or anything. I don't care if she has diabetes, is a puppet of big pharm, is a fake, or anything... I seriously don't. The only reason I find her cooking haggard is because it always winds up looking like Boss Hogg threw up in a Pyrex casserole dish.
Also nice ad hominem.... clearly you suck at arguing.
I like Paula and her cooking! It's the kind of cooking I grew up eating. If you do not like her Don't Watch her Show. If you do not like the food she cooks or think it unhealthy,you DO Not have to Cook it!! Free Will People! You cannot blame her for people being obese or eating unhealthy,it's up to you whether you cook her food or not. Damn,leave her Alone already! Any food program you watch can make you think your hungry and by Now Everyone knows what is Good or Bad for them . Just about every commercial you see is for a fast food chain nowadays and That stuff is bad full of preservatives and who knows what. A home cooked meal is better then that stuff any-day.!
Paula's recipes represents her & many other southerners of a certain age (black or white's) childhood memories...Growing up poor isn't easy and Mother's showed their love by taking the only thing they had food ( most of the time what they had raised & slaughtered themselves) and making the most delicious concoctions they could come up with...Food equaled love, it was ALL most could give...SNARKY comments & SNOTTY attitudes aside, Paula doesn't hold a gun to ANYONE'S head & force feed them! ALL THINGS IN MODERATION!! As for Bourdain, HE IS THE TRULY THE EPITOME OF THE UGLY AMERICAN ABROAD, WHAT A JERK! He would need to take a few lessons at a charm school to be downgraded to a horse's arse!
Everyone should leave Paula alone. she is like an adorable grandma. Everyone is responsible for their own choices in what they eat. I make her food occassionally,as a treat. I bake mostly and live her recipes. its great that she OS bringing awareness to diabetes and the diabetic community. She also promotes her son Bobby's healthier renditions of her recipes. I love watching her make decadent desserts then occassionally baking them. I'm smart enough to know you can't eat like that daily. Her openess to share her personal struggles can help others. It reminds us that these are treats.
I so agree with you. I LOVE Paula and I wish people would stop picking on her. Some people are just full of hate. Like you said no one is forcing people to eat like that. We all have choices. Bordain is just bitter and jealous.
Paula, we all love you and to Hell with Anthony Bourdain and his chain smoking A$$.
"Chain-smoking a$$". Very interesting imagery with an array of amusing possibilities.
Very good, infonomics!
Paula does make sure to remind us that the heavy sugar and fat foods should be eaten in moderation. She is a beautiful person both inside and out and deserves respect. Obviously people enjoy her and her cooking or she wouldn't be so famous. Use a little common sense people and use her recipes occasionally. After all, do you eat like you do on Thanksgiving or Christmas everyday?
I've never eaten Deen's food, however most of my family is from the south and I have plenty of relatives and my wife that can cook some pretty tasty yet unhealthy food. Some of you demonize Deen and choose to blame her for some of society's ills, but you're overlooking the fact that each of us have the ability to make decisions for ourselves. I personally love some of the unhealthy dishes out there...but I run often, stay active and only eat that kind of food every once in a while. I don't watch her show...I'm not really into cooking shows in general...but I don't see what she's doing as "immoral" or whatever derogatory term you wish to apply. The fact she's a spokesperson for a diabetes drug and also teaching people about rich foods is more ironic than immoral. Grow up and teach your children and friends about making good choices, not blaming other people for their decisions. You act as though if Paula Deen disappeared, then everyone would eat healthier. Good luck with that logic.
It's all about moderation... and nobody forces you to do what you do in life, so people need to stop blaming a person on tv for their own problems. I'm really not surprised though– nobody wants to take responsibility for their own lives. It's so much easier to blame someone else than to change yourself. If you don't like her, don't watch her, don't try her recipes, and get a life. For all those who are ranting about Paula Deen and what she does or does not do, it would be more constructive to learn some type of lesson from it all and apply it to your own life... because you all look like uneducated idiots and sound like selfish adolescents crying about life.
I couldn't agree more, Angel! Paula herself has said MANY times that the foods she cooks for her TV shows is NOT what she eats on a daily basis. I've made a few of her recipes and I'll admit – they're sinfully good. However, I believe in moderation and will make them MAYBE twice a year. There's nothing wrong with having a special dish or treat now and then, as long as you balance it out with healthier options the rest of the time. And like the article said – nobody is forcing her food down the public's throat. I look at some of her dishes and take a pass, but her personality is AMAZING and I love seeing her cook because you can tell she LOVES what she does. Nont to mention I LOVE Savannah and have an affinity for accents.
I think the general public should step up and take responsibility for their own health issues. Don't blame Paula Deen (or McDonald's, Marlboro, Ben & Jerry or whoever else people are bi***ing about these days) for being overweight or having health issues. YOU are the one making the decisions to consume that stuff, not them. Blame yourself, accept that responsibility, and do what Paula did – take control of your life and fix it yourself.
As for Smithfield, I'm not going to fault a company who donates to those in need. Paula doesn't own or run Smithfield. She's a spokesperson. She doesn't make the decisions about where to donate food, workers' schedules, or the butchering process itself. But when hurricanes and natural disasters strike and that Smithfield truck shows up with food for hungry people – while Kraft, Betty Crocker, Kellogg's, and all the other big guns are nowhere to be found – that says something. I'm sure people would be singing a different tune if THEY were the ones going hungry. If that were the case and the Smithfield truck pulled up and offered you free food to feed your starving family, I doubt any of the haters would turn it down.
The hate spewed here is not really amazing to me, considering the source. Grow up! Try on some personal responsibility and stop bashing someone because they made lemonade out of lemons. I'm truly dismayed and embarassed to say I'm a middle class American, you people give America a bad name! With the exception of a very few, you all should look carefully in the mirror, that person looking back at you is a hateful human.. Shame on you!
Everything is going to kill you one way or another at some point in time. Death is inevitable so you know what you might as well die happy having done the things you love then worrying about what the next health craze is going to be. I love Paula and I love her shows and food (have not tried any of the recipes but would, if given the chance). Yeah I am not skinny but I am not 300+ lbs either but I love to cook for my family and my boyfriend. Some of you are very rude and heartless and need to stop judging because no one is perfect and just because someone isn't living the way you are doesn't mean that they're wrong and should be hated by all. Get off your high horses and grasp hold of reality.
I am a big fan of Paula's, just because she cooks the food she does doesn't mean that the people who watch her have to cook that way and eat that way. I am a type 2 diabetic and even thou I know I am sometimes I would do anything for something buttery or sweet. Wake up people just because someone watches something on TV does not in no way mean that they have to do the same thing, For instance I Love Swamp people but no way would I try to do the dangerous things that they do.
KIss her grits and get OFF HER BACK!!!!
If you do not like her do not watch her, buy her books or cook her recipes. God give us all a brain and the power of choice. Why not use them!!!!
I am southern and we know how to eat healthy but when we want a great meal with homecookin we definitly know how to throw down!!!
Must not be too bad down here for every time I meet someone from the north who has moved down here I meet them and all their relitives from both sides living here and that moved with them.
She cackles too much for my taste, so i mute her alot. People with health problems have to learn to look at a recipe and adapt the idea to their needs, not blame the cook for not using the ingredients they prefer. She also does alot of healthy recipes on her shows. Ridiculous when people refuse to take responsibility for their choices.
Love Paula! Always have, always will
Dang straight I am a fan. I have been a Paula follower since she started. I model my cooking around her on my blog http://www.gregs-kitchen.com and won't take any Paula bashing. I have had my site crashed when I posted support about Paula and got hundreds of hate mails. I have a great Idea for all you people who do not like her. 1. turn the channel. and 2. Don"t cook or eat the things she shows. Grow up people, she is a television personality that we all built. She is only a southern lady trying to share southern cooking with those who care to cook it. I support her 100% and always will.
You tell'm. I have been a fan of Ms. Deens for years. I had only recently found you via the NY Times when you supported her on your foodblog. I have been an undying fan of yours since. Our whole family calls you the male Paula Deen. Keep up the great work and support of Paula Deen. You Rock !!!!!
People always seem to forget that Mrs. Deen mentions frequently that her food is supposed to be an occasional treat, NOT SOMETHING YOU EAT EVERYDAY. She says this on her shows and in interviews all the time.
I think that lots of people are using Paula Deen as a scapegoat to mask their inability to cope with their shortcomings. So she cooks with sugar and fat. Yes there is something called WILLPOWER people. Just because she shows you how to make it doesn't mean you HAVE TO! I applaud her with all of the obstacles that she overcame and her smile and sass is infectious. Her love of her family and friends is awesome too!
I love Paula Deen!
Hadn't even heard of her before this article - and I see that there's no reason for me to pay attention to her now that I have. But hey, if you like this kind of food then all the power to you.
I support Paula Deen. <3
She has fans and her private life is none of our business. She does what few public figures do and she gives back to communities. She isn't responsible for anyone elses actions and again, her private life and personal health isn't our business.
Once again, everyone likes to blame someone else for their own bad decisions and lack of self control. It's just like people who scream about Mc Donald's – I always reply that I've never seen anyone forcibly dragged inside one, or forcibly made to order french fries when there's salad on the menu.
So my Instructor Chef always tells the class..Taste Your Food as you cook it. Will doing this make me FAT like Emeril,Paul Prudhomme who has to sit in a chair to cook,Paula Deen who has packed on the pounds,Mario B.? Need I go on? Moderation People's.
The title of this forum is 'sound off'......fill your boots with the love her or hate her comments. Thanks for some entertaining responses!! In a world where everyone is anonymous but has a voice I will add mine. Althouh I have
only seen a few (portions)of her program, I was left with cring-worthy afterthoughts. I did not once get that 'comfort'
feeling that her fans talk about. I imagine her average viewer is slightly if not very overweight and wonder as their
belly continues to swell(let alone all the other negative side effects)if they take comfort in that?
Then, it seems, you are the exception and not the rule. What she cooks is the epitome of "comfort food", and maybe you just don't know what real comfort food is.
Jiminy– so many hateful nasty & even crude comments. I don't watch Paula Deen (don't have time) and I've never cooked from any of her recipes. I suspect most of the people commenting here fall in the same category. If she chooses to cook with lots of butter & sugar, that's her choice. Just like it's every other freakin' persons choice to eat or not eat certain foods. Good God people, once again it's the old "blame someone else" for decisions you should be making yourself. Grow up!!! When I was growing up, practically every big name actor & actress had a cigarette in their hands constantly in movies & TV shows– and openly endorsed them in some cases. But that didn't mean I needed to grab a pack & follow suit. Sometimes it's a good idea to use your own brain & figure out what's best for YOU. Quit passing the blame to Paula Deen & figure out what YOU should do in your own best interests!
For all the food type networks, stop having shows like Cup Cake wars, and move on to healthier ways of living, if not leave Paula alone.
While I fan of the Food Network I'm disapointed that they appear to have gone in the direction of promoting unhealthy eating the last few years. They use to have a few shows that would highlight healthy eating but most of those were canceled. Most of their new shows do NOT feature healty meals. It is a lot harder to cook good tasting healthy meals and thus viewers could benefit from useful advice on this. Hey, I understand that the rating for healthy food shows might be weak (e.g. Dean is one of their most highly rated shows) but why not have some.
I've never cared for the woman. Her artificially-flavored smile and saccharin acting skills leave a lot to be desired. In some ways, it is almost like those government-sponsored social propaganda pieces that imply, "Why, even you fat middle-aged and older people can still achieve great goals in their lives if you just put their minds to it," when in reality the only jobs they are capable of finding are as shopping cart bees at the local Skank-Mart.
Nearly every single organized industrial nation in the world has its own propaganda ministry – - even pseudo-democracies like ours!
you sir are an ass.
First, have another cupcake, dear. I'm just telling it like it really is. People need to listen to the truth in America, and not some creation of our dear propaganda ministry.
Since when did "fat," "old," and "frumpy" become the ideal image for women to follow?
Paula's recipes seem like she needs to heed Julia Child's advice to use ingredients like heavy cream, butter etc in moderation. As to the money she is paid for shilling the Diabetes drug. It is nice to make a buck but let's not make it on someone elses misery that you encouraged with cholesterol nightmare food you push. Another Deen consideration-several drugs used to treat Diabetes2 have been taken off the market over the years, mainly because one side effect is death. Will she take responsiblity for her new money maker if that turns out to be true for this drug?
Does Michael Jordan have to take responsibility if someone wearing Air-Jordans jumps after the ball, lands wrong on his foot and breaks his ankle? Does Fred Thompson have to pay off someone's reverse mortgage if the family doesn't? Will Rick Santorum have to support all the babies born because he doesn't support birth control? Was the Marlboro Man held responsible for the millions who have died of lung cancer? The answer to all these is NO. Therefore why would Paula Deen be responsible for my diabetes. She didn't force me to use her recipes. I always cooked the healthy way but got diabetes anyway.
you know what you just need to shut the hell up! Im a type 2 diabetic and im taking Victoza too! untill youve walked amile in mine or Paula's diabetic shoes then keep your F***king mouth shut.
your mother should have swallowed!
Krystina, I doubt you've ever walked a mile....
Krystina:
umad
Eat another ho-ho and shut up.
Ignore the haters, Krystina. You go, girl! Take care of your diabetes and hold your head up high, you are a better person than these fools.
In the interest of the public health & wellbeing of American society, including our children & grandchildren, Paula Deen's show should not be aired on public television. It is a matter of responsibility in curbing the out of control, deadly obesity epidemic in America. As the child of an overweight father who died prematurely of a massive heart attack at age 63 (and of his brothers, also all overweight & dead well before their time due to clogged arteries), I say promote healthy living and responsible cooking shows that teach people how to live healthy and still enjoy delicious and nutritious food that is good for your health and wellbeing. Proper portion sizes should also be regularly demonstrated on such shows, too.
There are shows that promote healthy eating. If someone does not elect to make healthy life choices whose fault is that?
Well, I am appalled & concerned when my teenagers watch her show, b/c of our family medical history & the irresponsible fat-laden diet that she is promoting. The kids are not babies anymore, and I cannot control what they watch, so I wish that the ridiculously unhealthy shows (like Deen's) are just taken off the air. I know that Paula Deen's sons have a healthier cooking show, and I have no problem with the kids watching that.
I have never seen her show, but you suggest because you cannot control the viewing habits of your teenagers that others who may want to watch her show should be denied? Maybe you are missing out on a teaching opportunity with your kids. You will not be able to shield them from all things in life that may ultimately harm them.
We better take Nickelodeon off the air, too...otherwise your precious teenagers will think sponges can talk!
Yes, John D, I have taken multiple opportunities to tell the kids that her show is promoting the opposite of a healthy diet. Hope it gets thru to them.
As for poster by the tag of 'me' – stupid post. Nuff said!
ForGood,
I agree with John D. Your comments remind me of the parents who get upset at the video game companies when their 14 year old children play a game with an ESRB raiting of 17/18/M. At what point does personal responsibility play a role? You say that they're teenagers and you can't control everything they do/watch? Sure, her show doesn't fall in line with what kind of eating habits you want for your children and you're trying to make sure they learn otherwise. But since when is it the responsibility of the networks to ensure your children don't watch it? Your house, your rules. End of story. Their job is to secure ratings and revenue for whatever their target audience is for a particular program and if that doesn't fall in line with what you want for your kids, then shut the TV off and make them read Healthy Living. How your children end up, for good or bad, ultimately rests on your shoulders. Don't start skirting responsibility onto something else 'just in case' they don't heed your parenting advice.
I know two people who were healthy and ran marathons...and both died in their 30s or 40s of heart attacks. I live in the South, and I have family members that cook like Deen does. The difference is I don't eat that food daily. It's something I eat here and there. There's nothing wrong with eating "unhealthy" food, so long as you don't eat a bunch of it all the time. The thing that bothers me far more than Paula Deen making a buck off of diabetes meds is this ever-increasingly prevalent attitude of not taking responsibility for the choices you make in life, to include the food you eat or the shows you watch (or let your children watch). It angers me to see people eat McDonalds every day, and then blame them for being fat. The old excuse that "we're poor and we're forced to eat there" is ridiculous because buying healthier groceries and cooking at home is always cheaper than buying a meal at restaurants every day.
you all want to know something back in the day before processed and preservative additive foods all people cooked with was, butter, eggs the whole egg, unless you were whipping up something really fancy, fresh cream, and sugar, that was the way you cooked and that was all you had to cook with besides lard, and no one talked about how unhealthy it was you know why because people work off what they ate for the most part and it wasn't gluttonsville,so I say get off of Paula's back if anything she is just cooking like she says her grandmother did and I know my grandmother did too, as for illness I have it too and it isn't anyones business and I reading these comments and I have to ask Jealous much? Pauls did cook her rearend off before she did not have to any more. and Anthony Boudain is still smoking unless he quit in the last year because he was a year ago and drinks like a fish. oh one more thing People in the south do speak as she does their are women in my family she sounds just like and what does it matter any way. Leave her alone, when all is said and done she has worked very hard to get to where she is.
Those who can't take the heat need to get their butts out of the kitchen, especially when they are fat, frumpy, and unsightly.
All I hear from the OP is whining and crying because you are too stupid to figure out how to manage your own diet so you blame someone on TV. Grow up you failure at life.
I've got this CRAZY idea: people can choose what they eat. If she doesn't want to put out healthy recipes, and you want to eat healthy recipes, then you don't use her recipes! I know this is pretty outside the box thinking, but maybe some of you morons can wrap your heads around this concept.
I'm not a huge PD fan, but it bothers me that people act like she is doing something fundamentally wrong here(racist allegations aside). She is diabetic, likes unhealthy foods and puts out recipes of those foods. Nobody forces you to support her. I do feel for her upbringing, though. Food was her comfort.
You really don't think what Dean is doing shows a lack of character? Taking money from a drug company that is selling a diabetic drug at the same time she continues to promote a lifestyle that increases the odds one will become a diabetic and thus need the drug she is promoting? All just for money. Really is that something a person of character would do?
Her sons now have a show that promotes healthy versions of Dean type meals. They get it. They might make less money but they have character.
Jazzguitarman, I agree. Terrific post. Thank you!
Why does this bother you so much? A lot of people get diabetes despite their health...still others eat horribly and never get diabetes. It's not just the food that drives that, it's also a person's fitness level and many other factors that play into that...plus their family history. I personally don't care. She has a show that cooks up fattning dishes. She is a spokesperson for a diabetes drug. I think it's ironic, but that's about it. I don't lose sleep over it at night, that's for sure.
No, actually what Paula Deen is doing makes good business sense. And I think you are just showing jealousy.
Yes, what Paula Dean is doing is good business sense, which is why I posetd that all all she cares about is making money. Instead her sons have a show about cooking healthy versions of Dean type meals. Their show will get likely have less viewers(since Americans don't like eating healthy meals). Again, her sons have character while all she cares about is making more and more money. Trust me I'm not jealous of her. Having to have your feet or legs amputated isn't something I'm jealous of (this is one of the conditions associated with being a diabetic). I truely feel sorry for her sons.
I agree with you on one level, but I think we're ignoring the fact that many people would love to choose healthy options if they only had the knowledge and willpower. While it looks like people are making free choices, they just end up being slaves to their own ignorance and biological impulses. Look at shows like the Biggest Loser. People like that desperately want to lose weight and need all the help they can get. Unfortunately, after the show is over and the support network provided by the show disappears, most of them end up putting the weight back on.
I agree. Good point!
No free choice? Lack of knowledge? Are you kidding me!?? Seriously...go to a book store. There's a whole section on cooking, and yes, they even have fancy healthy cook books too. Ditto with the TV shows. In addition to shows like Deen, they have healthy ones that air as well. If you are ignorant to what's out there, then that's your own fault and you just don't know how to look for it.
I agree that ignorance is the fault of the ignorant. And, ironically, you've just totally missed my point.
I agree with you Chris. An obese person is spending money on food only it is the wrong food. There are two choices to make; healthy or non-healthy food. I eat both but I want what I eat either way and I do not over indulge. Obese folks only make that one choice and that is to eat unhealthy. They need to find the rootcause as to why they keep making these choices and not buying healthier foods. At lunch I eat a healthy frozen food dinner that is low in carbs, low in fat, and high in protein. The sodium is excessive and I'll get a veggie, potatoes, beef, fish, or chicken. That is it with no snacking. Obese need to find why they eat excessively and I would not be surprised if some of the reasons are caused by a deep seated neurosis. Many grocery stores have excellent sales on many items that one can put together to make a well-balanced meal. Not every meal has to be healthy and it is fun to "go off the wagon" every so often. It's about making good choices and the choices in this country are available. This ain't Russia.
I always thought there was more to here than her obnoxious tag phrase. People over the top like that are more likely than not covering up some kind of issue or insecurity. Maybe she could be a spokeswomen for Phoney as well.
... is this mic on?
Enough already!
Get over it!
Like or hater–she's a darn good business woman!
She's got style, charisma and cooking talent–she's not trying to solve the Palestine/Israel dilemma! So stop it!
We have turned into a bunch of silly-whiners! It's always someone else or some other "thing" that causes us to be fat, stupid, lazy, dumb, have unprotected sex, smoke pot or cigarettes, do drugs, lose a job, drunk, beat up our families...
Look in the mirror will you please? It's not Paula Dean's cooking show or books that is making you fat–it's your lack of will power and your inability to see the benefits of eating small portions or exercising! Stop it!
Get off the couch, put down the slice of pizza, put away your video games or channel clicker and get walking!
Stop blaming!
This goes for all of you whiners out there in this country!
Stop it!
Oh come on moderator
post my earlier message–you're censoring for no good reason
it's all true and not insulting to anyone
I agree-absolutely nothing negative about my post- still in the moderators hands-but just a little irony.
I HEARTILY SECOND THAT COMMENT. Haterade seems all too prevalent in the online world.. Personal responsibility has gone OUT the window.. and yes I'm a southerner and I LOVE MISS PAULA!
Just check your spelling before posting anything you morons... you all sound ignorant when you post stuff and it has the wrong spelling.
Sorry. Don't know much about her food. Maybe she feeds others better than feeding herself? She should look much healthier for that age.
Paula’s cooking has too much sugar, salt and fat. Diabetes runs in my family. I wouldn’t touch her cooking with someone else’s wooden spoon! Besides that she eats over her dishes and tasting with the same utensils or her fingers. EEWWW!!!!!
Right on, Emma!
love paula! dont know anyone she polarizes but boney yankey jews, nazis, and muslims! not that theres anything wrong with that. .... i'm praying for ya! it definitely wont do any good, but even so...ya might live longer but look how sad you are : (
Aren't you late for your KKK meeting?
Nice troll
For some reason I don't thing god will answer your prayers. Now go stuff your face with food full of fat and your soul with hate.
REALLY??? I think that a lot of the people here have forgotten what we are posting about. Paula Deen is in "Character" when she does her show. I have seen a few where she admits that she uses too much butter and advised people to use other products. Yes, she is homey and right down southern...that's her schtick...would John Wayne do the same? Of course he did...His personal life is different...he did things we as fans wouldn't see. Paula, for all her faults and wrong choices, did admit to frailties,. I have many my self and no one blasts me for it...Encouragement is better...Get of the bitter wagon and make a change...It's crap if you think you are better than anyone else..
Can't stand the woman or her rotten food.
Look at those teeth and her girth! If they ever hold a corn-on-the-cob eating contest, my money is on her!
Money on her to win the contest or die trying....
Superplus, my money's on you. Your name says it all hon...
leanjeans? I bet that's YOUR fantasy, right? I'm a dude BTW, don't call me hon – Superplus refers to gasoline FYI.
I was very disappointed and disgusted that she hid her diabetes while promoting an unhealthy diet. She should have admitted the issue, then worked on cooking healthier versions of old favorites. BUT that would have caused a huge problem with the sale of her existing cookbooks and food products. So, she hid the truth for money. It's a simple as that. How can anyone respect her for that? I think it also speaks poorly of the diabetic drug she is working with. They are telling us to go ahead and eat that way. They'll be there waiting when we develop diabetes. What's next? Will McDonalds team up with Lipitor?
I agree. Great post!
I know the media loves it when things are polarizing, but I'm sorry, not every topic is. Us commoners actually know how to talk to each other unlike, our governments.
I'm waiting for the day (which I believe is in the near future) where she dies from eating her cancer and diabetes causing monstrosities. I will clap.
When you phart you clap,take it to Oprah!!
she's a fake, and the ultimate opportunistic overeater... feeding fat, butter and sugar to her legions of fan's, all the while taking insulin, behind closed doors. Just think of the countless people she hurt with her outrageous menus? she makes me sick.
Since when is it her responsibility to choose what people eat? There are thousands of unhealthy recipes, people need to realize it is their own responsibility to choose(or not) a healthy lifestyle.
You are right that she doesn't have to care that she is promoting an unhealthy lifestyle. That doing so isn't her responsiblity. But wouldn't a person of character, that has already made millions off the promotion of an unhealthy lifestlye, once they found out they have a serious disease, make a change to help others NOT follow in her footsteps?
So yes, she isn't responsible. But she also isn't a person of character. Even her sons understand this which is why their new show promotes healthy versions of Dean classics.
exactly, Jazz!!
So should Texas roadhouse, o Charlie's, waffle house, or any restaurant be held accountable or shut down? Lord knows they have horrible food for people but yet people keep going. It's ridiculous to hold her responsible for people's dumb choices. Don't want health problems? Don't eat her food. Or eat it in moderation or alter it. Secondly, its ridiculous to say you would applaud someones death just because you don't like her cooking. Who sounds like a horrible person then?
Paula Deen and Rush Limbaugh. 700 pounds of southern "culture".
LOL
You mind your business and I'll mind mine chef whoever you are. Who really gives a jack C_ rap? Why does anyone care what I eat? Please don't tell me that you're paying for my poor diet indirectly either because I'm sure I can find plenty of things you do that I don't want to indirectly pay for. Like the knee and hip replacements you're going to need from all that running or shoulder surgery you're going to need from all that weight machine junk or the pace maker you're going to need after arobics puts you into a situation where your heart rythem can't be regulated any other way. I'll be dead a long time before you so you'll suck up more resources due to your over the top wacko eating and fitness habits that will eventually leave you a mass without enough reserves to fight even a relatively common illness.
With Obamacare fat \ unhealthy people are going to have to pay more in premiums. This is right since their overall health care cost are more. I guess you don't care about the massive increase in type II diabetes over the last 20 years and how that impacts the health of your fellow Americans. Dean isn't to blame for that, but she clearly isn't helping. She could you her fame to promote good. Instead she just cares about making money.
Congrats on the part about being dead before me. And best of luck in that process.
Nice try, Ed. But you get a FAIL for trying to equate bad habits with healthy habits.
Um, runners don't need knee replacements. People who have lived for decades 50+ pounds over weight need knee replacements. People who lift (intelligently) don't need shoulder/other join replacements...I have no idea where that came from.
You are right, Mr. Ed. You are free to eat whatever you want. Eat a cube of butter for breakfast, and wash it down with a glass of heavy whipping cream for all I care. But you have to take accountability for your actions, one day. One day, when there is a just health care system, the burdens of the price of your health care won't be spread amongst the masses, they will be solely your responsibility. You are the one that lacks the will-power to not eat healthy or exercise, you are the one who will pay the financial and health price. Nobody else, only you.
That is, one day when we have a just health care system.
With regards to running; while running is better than NOT getting exercise for many people it can be an unsafe for of exercise. The biggest problem is untrained people that run marathons. Marathons have become a fad and thus instead of promoting an overall healthy lifestyle they get push the unwise into pusing themselves too hard and that leads to injuries. All because of ego; i.e. to tell the people in the office 'hey, I ran a marathon'. For most people it is better to do low stress exercise than it is too run. But again, running clearly beats doing nothing (which sadly is what most Americans do).
Many studies and surveys alike have proven that there is a higher incidence of incest among southern evangelicals than any other group that participated in those studies.
Reading this makes me want to drink a tub of lard in front of a bunch of vegans. People are so stupid. Let me put it this way. To each and everyone of you, I don't care about you. I don't know you, some of you I don't want to know, and I have no desire to take care of you. So do what you want, sell what you want, eat what you want, drink what you want, and if anyone says anything, don't even look at them. Because what people think, means nothing. You think I care your dad died from cancer from smoking a cigeret? No!! You think I care your aunt or hubby or wife had their legs amputated because they got diabetes from eating bad? No!! I don't care if you live, I don't care if you are happy, I don't care if you are sad, I don't care I don't care I don't care. I don't care because I'm living my life, I'm doing what I think is right, and I ultimatly make every decision for myself, myself. When I was unhealthy, I felt bad. So I did research online, improved my eating, and now I feel great. If you don't want to do that, good for you, if you do, good for you, I don't care. So do what you want, but leave me the hell alone all you nosey annoying idiots.
Big teabagger rally tonight at the nascar track. You going?
You are not palintwit, but an absolute moron
Brad, you are aware that your heath insurace premiums are higher because of the massive increase in the percetage of people that have Type II diabeties and obesity. I don't wish to pay for other people's unhealthy lifestyle, and I'm going to assume you don't. So promoting an healthy lifestyle not only helps are fellow citizens have a better life but also saves us money. I call that a win-win
Southern conservatives: Willing to pawn off the healthcare costs of their poor eating habits onto insurance ratepayers or taxpayers. Socialism.
Nice to see a member of the GOP chiming in. Go away hater...
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on others' lives." – Jackie Robinson
Well, it seems the health freaks have aquired a new target. Hang in there Paula, I for one love your style of cooking. BTW, to the health freaks, live your own lives and eat your own way, leave the rest of us alone to be fat and happy if we choose to be.
Feel better? Did you want a side dish of cold lard with that happiness?
Sounds like you're the one bothering the 'health freaks' not the other way around. If you think that being in good health is bad, no one's going to trouble you. Hopefully you don't have kids.
We would leave you alone if it weren't for the fact that the lard coursing through your veins increases our healthcare costs. If you truly weren't impacting others, you likely would be left alone. But the fact of the matter is it's lardasses like you that make the rest of us pay more for our premiums.
Are you really that clueless? One is a health freak for wishing their loved ones doe NOT get diabeties? Are you aware of the major increase in the percentage with this disease and the harm it causes people? Wow, what a radical point of view.
kosh, try to imagine an overstrained heart attempting to push blood through fatty clogged arteries.
You can be a fat and happy as your pudgy little cheeks can stand to grin. You go girl/guy.
But the onus of tending to the financial costs accrued by your unhealthy habits will one day be yours to bear. Only yours. That is not how it is today, which is likely why you and the corpulent legion of other Americans shrug your boulderous shoulders and snap at anyone who retches slightly at your belly poking out from under your xx-L t-shirt. Any medical costs you accrue are minimal due to an insurance system that doesn't account for your unhealthy lifestyle; the behind the scenes costs are spread out among everyone else.
I would love to eat HER!
I think she is disgusting. Her voice can give one diabeties. Shame on her for lying about her health. The only thing she should be a spokesperson for are bed pans. She and her fat family should be banned from tv but then again most of her fans are overweight and think the way she cooks is the way people should eat. She is a joke and hopefully she will prove to the world that her way of cooking is wrong. Shame on her and her overweight family
Don't include her sons as part of this fat family. They have made lifestyle changes and they are not promoting healthy meals. They have a new show that does that and a website that shows the healthy versions of the meals Paula makes on her show. To me this is a direct slap in the face of their own mother. Her sons get it. Paula doesn't. It must break their hearts to see their mom continue her unhealthy lifestyle.
Don't include her sons as part of this fat family. They have made lifestyle changes and they are not promoting healthy meals. They have a new show that does that and a website that shows the healthy versions of the meals Paula makes on her show. To me this is a direct slap in the face of their own mother. It must break their hearts to see their mom continue her unhealthy lifestyle.
YES! Any way of cooking other than you believe to be right is evil, disgusting, wrong and unacceptable! Deen should be made to stop forcing people to watch her. She should be forced to stop manipulating innocent consumers into buying her books and making her recipes. She must be hypnotizing or coercing people into eating huge portions of her recipes!
We all know that the public are weak, mindless zombies incapable of making their own choices about what to eat! They can't be trusted to make such important decisions. Eliminate the disgusting enemies of the people who suggest anything other than what you think is best. Free choice leads to health disasters. The Deen's and McDonalds and Burger Kings of the world are to blame! Their food is so tempting that it is like holding a gun to the head of the innocent, stupid populace of America.
We need someone to police this – to restrict the ones offering unhealthy choices. Who could do that for the unwashed zombie masses? Who can save them? Ah, YES! The Federal government must be put in charge of food. It is the only way. They will decide what is healthy. They will control choices. They can demonize free choice. The consumers do not know best – poor bastards. The FDA must make choices for them.
Deen and anyone else who offer free choices other than what is best for our heath are our enemies! They must be gotten rid of. Disgusting cretans. Let the cleansing begin!
"One of the best loved food personalities in the world"??? No one knows who she is outside of America.
To those who are beating up on Ms. Dean, may I give my two cents worth? First of all, no one is twisting anyone's arm too eat foods that are 'considered' unhealthy for you. When food is concerned, it ain't what you eat as much as 'how much'. Some people just simply cannot control their intake; thus the healthy concerns. Ms. Dean is presenting a way of cooking that tastes good, nutritious and showcases a way of life I've known most of my life. Beating up on Ms. Dean is like suing the person or persons who invented ice cream. Why would anyone do that?
Personally, I relish knowing of Ms. Dean and her restaurant. I am happy to know her Southern Charm is accepted and appreciated for what it is; down to Earth and comforting. No, not the food. Of course it is comforting to eat something that tastes good. But why in the world are there so many people willing to pounce on such a sweet lady? There are many times in my kitchen when I say 'Ya'll'. And ya know who I think about when I say it? Paula. That's right. And it always brings a smile to everyone's face in my house. Her personality is one I can relate too. I come from a small Georgia town where people waved to you on the road. Even if they didn't know you. And Paula brings this warmness to the screen wherever she goes.
There needs to be more 'real' people on TV. And Ms. Dean is the best of the best. I look at her and think how easy it would be to reach over and give her a hug. She's like everyone's Momma. Here's a hug for Paula. I love you Paula. Don't change a thing girl!
Have you been living in a cave???? Are you unaware of the massive increase in Type II Diabeties? How that disease shortens one life? There is a direct connect to Dean's lifestyle and her the fact she has health issues. Instead of promoting a healthy lifestyle she is being paid to promote a DRUG.
Of course no one blames Dean for the unhealthy American lifestyle, but Dean could do somethiing to help promote a healthy lifestyle. She has made millions promoting an unhealthy one. A person of character wouldn't promote drugs(and take money for doing so) over a lifestyle change.
I'm diabetic and I can eat just about anything I want to and it doesn't do all that much to my blood glucose levels. The reason why is can do that is because I watch the total carbs and calories, and I ride my bicycle for an hour and a half to two hours every day. (To the tune on 14,600 miles since June of 2008.) Since I was diagnosed as being diabetic I have lost 85 pounds, and reduced my A1c (a test to determine estimated average glucose over the previous three months) from 12.6% to 5.3%. How diabetes effect you is highly dependent on what you do. You may not be able to cure it, but you can control it.
Nice try at spin but sorry, Jerry. Deen bears some responsibility for the consequences of the increasingly poor eating habits in the US.
"She's fake." Unless you've lived down south, you don't understand the mentality. Nothing fake I can see.
"She's not a trained chef." Work one week as a line cook. I dare you.
"...promotes unhealthy eating...." from learning from her southern grandmother. Cholesterol was a foreign word in the south back then.
If her recipes do not appeal to you, don't eat them. If you want to eat southern comfort food, at least know what you may be in for. As far a her backing a diabetes drug she now takes....I'll put this as a generational thing. I'm sure millions of people who ate bacon and eggs every morning without realizing the sodium and cholesterol implications are in the same boat. Now we know better, how to eat healthier, and hopefully the need for these drugs decreases with time.
Who the #%^€ cares if she features junk/comfort food?!? The viewer needs to make the decision whether or not to eat it. Not all cooking shows can be twigs and leather low sugar, low fat fare.... Pretty boring. Be your own example instead of getting worked up over someone else's example!
Oh, I totally agree. Because as we all know, if it ain't butter, lard, bacon and white sugar in lieu of a palate or a shred of integrity, it's tree-huggin' twigs and %$#@^&& hippies. That whole world of, I dunno', regional French, Italian, South American, asian, west-coast, tex-mex...all that stuff, really doesn't exist. Now, click our heels and pray: there's no place but Aunt Paula's lard bucket, there's no place but Aunt Paula's lard bucket, there's no place but Aunt Paula's lard bucket...
Below the fame and fortune is a human being. She's not perfect. Accept her for who she is..with faults just like everyone else. For those of you that think you're better than Paula, get off the cross. Someone can use the wood.
It's lard to the core. Without a doubt.
unless you want to ban saturated fat and sugar of all types, you're a hypocrite for blaming a chef on TV for high rates of diabetes and obesity.
and if you want to ban saturated fat and sugar of all types, well then you just hate freedom.
I used to think Paula Deed was just a nice old lady who liked to make horribly unhealthy food (no, you do not need to garnish that sundae with a full-size Snickers bar). But now I think she's become one of the many personifications of what's wrong with America.
If you don't like it, get out of the kitchen. Who cares how she makes money, Paula has done well and I commend her. I read a lot of criticism from people about her cooking habits. Create your own show and try to become a success as she has done. Why don't we focus on serious situations like a nuclear Iran and Korea instead of bitching about how unhealthy her cooking is? I personally do not eat food that she cooks, but i do like to watch her show. Its fun and reminds me of my grandmother. GOOD FOR PAULA.
Enough already. Leave the woman alone. She's just on TV. She's not really news.
We as adults have choices. My questions is" Why all this attention is paid to this woman? She made a ton of money doing what she does and never missing a trick. That is good business. Do you think fast food restaurants give a flip whether their food is good for their customers or not? They only care about the bottom line. I'll bet the executives of these junk food restaurants and their families wont eat the very food that have made them rich. The difference here is that Ms. Dean ate what she cooked and is paying for her poor choices. Just like many of the people who make here recipes.
I have to assume you know why all this attention is being paid to her; She is a celebrity. She made her millions by getting a lot of attention. By selling books, by having a TV show. The MEDIA helped make her. Well now that this other side of her has come out, doesn't this same MEDIA have a duty to expose that side also. This is what happens when you are a celebrity. (see Whitney Houston).
It is silly to say the meida should ignore this. IF that is the case than the Food Network should cancel her show.
Yes! The Food Network should cancel her show. The media reported on this last month. Enough is enough!
Southern cooking is about butter, fying, fat, and sugar. Way it goes.
Because southern also use to mean a lot of other negative things but many in the south have changed. They have made progress. Southern cooking can evolve into healthy cooking. To assume otherwise is to assume southern people are morons.
I love her personality and appreciate her strength and resilience. I've never made any of her recipes but I have purchased her cookware line. I just like her. Also, McDonald's, White Castle's, Pizza Hut, Cake Boss (and all neighborhood pastry shops) candy shops, ice cream shops and the list goes on & on – ALL sell crap that can make you sick and fat, yet their brands are strong and for the most part continue to grow, so why can't Paula do "her thing"? Folks, just ration and be sensible about how much and how often. Love you Paula with that hardcore Southern accent. Keep going special lady. Proud of you.
If the toothbrush had been invented anywhere else but the southern bible belt it would've called a teethbrush.
During all of 2006 I was teated for two deadly forms of cancer...I survived on liquid nutrition via a feeding tube. I shrank from 180 pounds to 120 pounds and nearly died. During that year I watched hundreds of cooking shows ...including Paula's . I did this to remember the "joy of eating " and to get my mind off myself. All cooking shows feature human beings who are far more than their "cooking styles and preferences" . I came to "know" a bit about Paula and many other celebrity chefs and cooks. They helped me keep my "hope'.... Six years later I am cancer free.....I eat a healthy balanced cancer survivors diet....and on occaision I will indulge in High Fat unhealthy foods...and while doing so I am celebrating life.
I love Paula not because of her cooking skills or style....I love her because she raised two little boys by herself and worked hard to give them and herself a better life. I love her because she is a courageous, loving , genuine human being who is an excellent example of survivorship. Paula can teach many lessons far beyond cooking.
We are all blessed beyond measure....none of us are perfect....but all of us need to be more loving and grateful and try to give thanks for all of our blessings.
The attacks on one another need to cease and we all should learn how to look past mistakes.....
I thank God for the cooking channel and all of the wonderful people ....and I thank God for folks like Paula Deen who despite her flaws is an inspiration who is full of love.
Teach only love , for that is what you are..........ACIM
If we could just try this the world would change .....for the better.
Jim
I heartily agree with this comment. Paula is a great personality. We are all free to watch or not. Bless her.
Well said, Jim.
Paul Dean from the You too can become one of the millions of morbidly obsese people in America channel.
SHOULDNT WE BE WORRIED ABOUT ISRAEL TRYING TO TAKE AMERICA TO WAR ?- RATHER THAN A WOMAN WHO IS AN ENTREPRENEUR?
IF PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW WHAT BEST FOR THEIR HEALTH, THEN THAT IS THEIR PROBLEM. WE CANT BE THE NURSE FOR THE WORLD.
NO MORE AMERICAN BLOOD FOR ISRAEL'S WARS!!
Wow. Your comment is about as welcome as a fly in my puddin.
I'll bet you can ask 100 people what is the most concerning thing to them and get 100 different answers. Why should you assume your concern is the most important, either?
Can't read when you SHOUT
Silly, Silly person.