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| Did y'all hear? Soon I'll sell the pills with my cookbooks- no need to change a thing. |
Paula Deen, the queen of fried everything, has diabetes and a lot of people are fired up about it. Janet Helm, on her Nutrition Unplugged site, wrote that the size of Paula's following comes with a certain responsibility. Initially I disagreed. Though Paula takes unhealthy to new heights, that’s her shtick. I don’t necessarily feel chefs have a responsibility to cook the way I do. And whether it’s Paula Deen, Mario Batali or Ina Garten (who loves olive oil as much as Paula loves butter) I often adapt recipes keeping the flavor profile and cutting the calories. I don’t think Paula is any more responsible than the cupcake shop on my corner for my health.
I wouldn’t wish diabetes on anyone but, if anything, this reminds me of the 80’s Partnership for a Drug Free America commercial with the fried egg (this is your brain, this is your brain on drugs). If Paula was previously this smiley sugary chef now she’s the “this is what happens when you cook (and eat) like this.” The Paula Deen diabetes headlines will do more for people rethinking her cuisine then any adapted recipe ever could.
Many feel Paula has withheld this news. She has had diabetes for three years but hasn’t shared it publicly. On Today she told Al Roker “I wanted to wait until she had something to bring to the table.” What she meant is, she wanted to wait until she could announce her relationship with Novo Nordisk (her diabetes drug). Oh yes, there’s a website too “diabetes in a new light” but let’s be clear the lifestyle filler is on the drug company’s site and they are paying her as their spokesperson. When asked about her style of cooking Paula downplayed the food connection and said it’s “part of the puzzle” and then talked up genetics and stress as cofactors. This could’ve been spun so well. Paula could’ve said, “I cooked like this for years and now I’m making some changes.” Instead, it’s I’ve cooked like this and now I’m taking a drug. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make my favorite Bobby’s Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime (using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise) ever again.
What do you think of the Paula Deen news? Have you ever made her recipes? Isn't a chef working for drug company like a distillery teaming up with a liver transplant unit?
UGH. I'm angry. I won't lie. She kept cooking normally, and feeding America crap, while this whole time she had diabetes. So annoying. And now she gets to make money off of it. So lame. I realize we have responsibilities to take care of ourselves, and we can make what she makes, or not, but still. I can't stand Paula Dean. I'll be honest.
ReplyDeleteLove the emotion gina, the person who brought this to my attention felt the same way. I didn't initially as I said but watching her clips on Today etc there was something that reminded me of a politician "caught". She wants to keep making money more than she wants to help people make changes.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read much about this but I'm in complete agreement w/ you. While she has zero effect on what I choose to put in my body, she has chosen to be in a leadership role and has a large following -- I believe there is a responsibility that comes with that. It reminds me of athletes that chew tobacco.
ReplyDeleteOne look at the covers of Paula Deen's magazine and it's clear her developing diabetes was a foregone conclusion. She certainly never claimed to be making health food.
ReplyDeleteAnd while I'm disappointed with relationship with a diabetes company, I think this discussion is positive. It shows eating the way she espouses will eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.
Dan while she never claimed to be making healthfood (fine) she made sickfood after getting sick and hid that she was sick. Cook junk (fine), get sick (sad, unfortunate), hide it and not see connection between food and sick- revolting. Lisa, good call with the athletes although they don't chew professionally or sell their "chewing tips" or get cancer and say "many factors lead to this".
ReplyDeleteyes... to quote a line from my favorite comic book (Spider-Man), "With great power comes great responsibility".
ReplyDeleteSomeone in her position, someone with the amount of influence she has does have a responsibility to those that follow her.
She could learn a lesson or two from her fellow Food Network host Alton Brown.
Mcnee, great quote. What is the Alton lesson? You mean about changing habits?
ReplyDeleteLove the analogy about a distillery teaming up with a liver transplant unit. I agree that the creepy PR glow around her recent announcement irks me, but I also am irritated by the way people seem to be happy she has diabetes and quick to bust out the hurtful comments. I have enough day-to-day annoyances to deal with to waste my energy hating celebrities.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I am not a fan of the "eat crap, get diabetes, and take this medicine without having to change your lifestyle" message that people may take away from her announcement and new program. If nothing else, I feel like the whole thing highlights a need for better education about what contributes to diabetes in the first place and how to manage the disease if you do have it.
Jess- agreed no time for hating although the tactics use do make me sick. Paula Deen has said she'll give up sweet tea but really not change her eating, seriously? I think she will change her eating but still wants people to buy her books and support her brand. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the sweet tea comment made me roll my eyes too. Sheesh is right.
Deletei agree with above can't believe she is on a drug companies payroll oh my
ReplyDeleteIt isn't a surprise that Paula Deen is highly motivated by money. Her celebrity must be more important to her than her health although I doubt she would agree. Instead of seeing this as an opportunity to turn things around and bring a lot of Americans with her, she chose the lazier option.
ReplyDeleteThis way, she doesn't have to do the hard work. Pop a pill, unwrap the butter and "manage" her diabetes. I agree that it's revolting. Losing weight and cleaning up the act means she has to rebrand herself, which costs money; work really hard, which means getting sweaty; and the eating/exercising formula, which takes investment of time & energy & devotion. We'll see how this plays out.
I am not incredibly surprised about her announcement but I agree with you ... given her status this would be an incredible opportunity to be an advocate for change and raising awareness to diabetes. Although not exclusively responsible, poor eating habits, unhealthy weight gains, and lack of exercise are huge risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is often reversible when following a healthful diet and exercising regularly. She could have been doing those things and showing others it CAN be done. Instead she promotes a drug. Medicines help diabetes but they aren't a cure.
ReplyDeleteThat being said ... we are each responsible for our piece in the world. If that's her piece, so be it.
I heard about this yesterday as well. I am not sure what to think. She is one of the most unhealthy chefs out there. I do think people may take a look at her cooking and step back. But like you said, I often look at recipes and will try to make healthier adjustments. People could do the same or just limit how much of her cooking they do.
ReplyDeleteAnd if we step away from Paula Kristen maybe all chefs should keep obesity, diabetes and heart disease on their radar and see what they can do to teach the public to cook in a reasonable way. I especially dislike Paula's stance that her cooking is for "everyman" and that Bourdain etc are elitist.
ReplyDeleteIt's unfortunate that she started taking medication right away to treat her diabetes. I bet if she started working with a nutritionist, tweaked her recipes, and started incorporating more healthy foods her diabetes would go away (if it's Type 2). As a public figure she could make a big statement to the general public about healthy living. It seems like a missed opportunity for the health of Americans, but a found opportunity for Paula as the new spokesperson for this drug ($$$)
ReplyDeleteI disagree with any celebrity being involved in promoting medications. One part of controlling health care costs is using lower priced generics when available....messages from celebrities will influence people to want brand name drugs.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I think it was her choice to withhold the information or not. Now that she has disclosed the information she is fair game.
To @Madeline...type 2 diabetes really isn't reversible....it is simply controlled. Neither diet or medication cures it.
We can't really know outside of her TV show what she did or did not do to control her diabetes.
I don't really know the history of her diabetes and when she started taking medication. If you are diabetic though and your blood sugars are skyrocketing why wouldn't you use medication?
I have diabetes, and it was diet controlled for a while. After a certain point though, I had to be incredibly careful about what I ate....I could eat almost no carbs. Controlling diabetes isn't simply about eating healthy foods. Not everyone's Type 2 diabetes "goes away".
A friend of mine who has always been thin was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in her forties. Initially she had vision changes due to her blood sugar being so high. In less than a year she was taking insulin. My one concern in the backlash is that perhaps people misunderstand the role of medication.
Fleur, good points. My sister actually developed diabetes as an offshoot of her MS and was on meds for a while, she isn't any longer (just food for thought). To me, it wasn't withholding info but withholding until you come out with your contract with a drug company. Additionally the denial that food plays a roll in glycemic control makes me nuts. Good point though, it's not always weight related and also some people can eat like Paula cooks and not develop diabetes. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteholy cow...she grabs every opportunity to make money, doesn't she? I wonder what her royal fans would react this time.
ReplyDeleteyes and she compared her getting $ from the drug company to al roker getting money from NBC "just like they pay you" no not really. He's doing his job informing people and she's taking advantage (and getting paid).
ReplyDeleteShe is laughing all the way to the bank. She still wins. The losers are all of those who decide to follow in her footsteps and ignore the giant pink elephant in the kitchen. Boo.
ReplyDeleteLauren, I absolutely agree that people can get off meds. My point is that blood sugar control doesn't happen instantaneously for everyone after adopting healthier habits..sometimes it is a slower process. If obesity/excess fat is thought to increase insulin resistance...it might take a long time before someone loses enough weight to counteract those effects. One just can't run around with a blood sugar in the two or three hundreds while waiting for the effects of increased exercise to take effect...they might need medication in the short term.
ReplyDeleteI have never made her recipes and she's definitely not one of my favorite Food Network stars. However I am sad for her that she has diabetes.
ReplyDeleteI don't think she should have kept it from her fans for so long however. Her association with the drug company and her lack of disclosure to her audience about her diabetes is distasteful and tacky to say the least.
Sam
I think Paula Deen is a fabulous person, and I admire her for all that she's accomplished! But really, her recipes? I could never eat/make them in a million years - the amount of fat and butter in just one dessert of hers is the amount I eat in an entire month!
ReplyDeleteThe diabetes news is really not that surprising to me!
I have never watched Paula Deen on TV or made any of her recipes, so I really have no background information on her or what she stands for. From the one interview I read just now and the Novo Nordisk website, I get the impression Paula is in this just for the money, but that's just my impression. I don't think she has a responsibility as a celebrity chef to promote healthy eating, but I think it's a huge shame she isn't doing more to promote good nutrition as the first defense against Type II Diabetes.
ReplyDeleteEA- I used to like her/her personality and humor (not her food) but she seems to have turned there is something very suspicious like a child that was "caught" doing something.
ReplyDeleteYes I have made some of her recipes but like you "tweak" them so they will be a lot healthier.
ReplyDeleteCome on People. You do realize that the chefs on the Food Network probably are hiding diseases also. Why all the attention on Paula Deen? She's gotten popular by the food she cooks. Why all the haters? The chef at you favorite restaurant probably has some sort of disease also... high blood pressure... high cholesterol.... diabetes. Are you going to stop going there? No. Get real.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Lauren. I have to say that I agree with you !
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren. Good post. Not everyone agreed with my post either! It just struck me when I watched Paula's show on the day the news first broke over the weekend. She's laughing about how much fat she's using in a recipe, the dishes were so extreme, she's joking that's it's so "devilish." It's just not funny anymore to me (and I also don't think food should be demonized that way either). This is her brand, her schtick. But now that she has diabetes, doesn't she have a different type of responsibility? There's a new opportunity. She's all about Southern food, and I love Southern cuisine...but it doesn't have to be quite like that. Does Paula deserve all the dissing? Not to this extreme. But I would love to have her use her power to show how her Southern favorites can still be delicious but not quite so decadent.
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed in the way that she handled things. Honestly, it just makes her look kind of foolish.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree that she has a new or different sort of responsibility just based on her diabetes diagnosis. I'm sure there are food celebrities that also have conditions that might be affected by dietary habits, just as someone else pointed out.
ReplyDeleteFleur, I think once you disclose (or as I heard are forced to disclose once it leaks) using your platform to say you aren't making food changes is irresponsible. Stephanie- foolish good word (or bad PR company).
ReplyDeleteOh for goodness sakes. Really people? Anyone who makes Paula's recipes KNOWS they are cooking with a lot of fat and sugar and they are making the choice to do so. So she has diabetes and chooses to take drugs instead of change her eating habits. So what? That makes her typical. If she jumps off the proverbial bridge, it doesn't mean the rest of us have to jump off a bridge, too. Paula is a human being. Flawed like the rest of us. She is funny. If you don't like her recipes - don't make them. (I don't!) But got off your high horses and quit judging the woman as if she has done something terrible. She hasn't. I'm sorry she has an illness, but I'm not surprised by it. I can enjoy watching her show without cooking any of her recipes. If she has made money - and continues to make money with her unhealthy lifestyle - who cares? The people who choose to cook and eat this way aren't going to listen to you anyway!
ReplyDeletePaula has a new website. It does promote her diabetes drug, but also offers lighter recipes and lifestyle tips. For her fans, this is a good way to begin offering changes.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.diabetesinanewlight.com/the-story.aspx
anonymous (always interesting) I don't take food advice from drug companies and other anonymous. As a public figure there is more scrutiny than "typical" person and thus the expectation or disappointment. Plus, to cook in a certain way post diagnosis sets her up for judgement. I also disagree that "the people who chose to eat this way will not listen". True, Paula's audience and mine are not the same but Paula, trusted by many, as a "call it like it is" woman could affect change and the missed opportunity saddens me. Flaws are humor are great but this, to me, feels money motivated, sneaky and deceptive.
ReplyDeleteLike I said before.... there are alot of other chefs on tv that make money and I'm sure are not healthy! Quit bashing Paula Deen. There are alot of people that love her show, me included. Look into the other chefs and enough with Paula already!
ReplyDeleteLauren, I think that is a fair point. However I don't think that just because a celebrity has a certain condition means they are obligated to be a spokesperson or to disclose information about the disease.
ReplyDeleteI do think that no matter how she proceeded it was a sort of a no win situation for her.
It's tricky but I do think honesty would've worked.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry but butter does not cause diabetes.
ReplyDeleteNor does the fact that she has diabetes indicate that her cooking was damaging to anyone.
It is the additives that are put in our commercial products that cause the damage. Things like polyunsaturated oils, instead of olive oil, and other saturated fats. Don't believe me, do the research yourself. Big Pharma wants you to eat damaging oils and additives...more money for them. Don't be fooled, butter, coconut oil and other natural things are not bad for you.....look up coconut oil and diabetes. See for yourself what the real truth is.
Great post. I just hate the message Paula is sending to many unhealthy Americans...eat crap, then take drugs. It's disturbing. oy!
ReplyDeleteThis new is getting as much coverage as that Italian cruise ship disaster. I think Paula Deen dropped the ball on this one. She had a wonderful opportunity and she chose to take the money and run. I was flabbergasted by her answer on The Today Show when asked what advice she'd given someone newly diagnosed: Take the medicine you doctor recommends. If nothing else, she's a public relations specialist's dream.
ReplyDeleteThe advice Paula gave on the Today show was absolutely correct. A person newly diagnosed knows that diet change will help also but the most important thing to do is control it with the medicine you're prescribed.
ReplyDeleteFirst I going to state that Paula Deen is a nice person and for people to stop being so judgemental. I have diabetes and I'm not going to blame her for my diabetes everybody is responsible for what they put in thier mouth is not her fault for you getting sick.She did n't do no wrong except eating to much of sweets and most people do that by theie own choice. All I saying lets all try to understand and put us in her shoes what have you done if you was on her shoes.Nobody likes sharing information about their health that is very personel.
ReplyDelete