Once the queen of comfort food and buttery delights on the Food Network, Paula Deen was renowned for dishes that celebrated decadence over restraint. Who could forget her infamous Lady’s Brunch Burger, a towering creation with bacon, a fried egg, and donuts as buns? Yet, despite her culinary indulgences, Paula’s philosophy, according to her son Jamie, was all about moderation. As he told Good Housekeeping back in 2008, “Mama believes in having good things in moderation. Everything’s probably okay for you if you don’t have too much.”
However, moderation wasn’t exactly Paula’s kitchen mantra. It wasn’t until 2012, during a candid moment on the “Today” show, that she revealed her battle with Type 2 diabetes, a diagnosis she had kept under wraps for three years. “It’s not a death sentence,” she assured viewers, emphasizing her journey towards healthier choices without completely abandoning her beloved flavors.
Post-diagnosis, Paula faced a pivotal shift in how she approached food. “Practice moderation, y’all,” she proclaimed, now with added emphasis, acknowledging the need to balance her Southern comfort fare with healthier options. She added more fresh vegetables to her diet, cut back on starches, and celebrated the benefits of a lighter plate.
Her efforts paid off. By 2013, Paula shed 36 pounds, citing better health and increased energy as rewards for her lifestyle changes. While she’s swapped out fried chicken for salads and scaled down on carbs, she still allows herself occasional indulgences like macaroni and cheese, albeit in controlled portions.
Today, Paula manages her diabetes with daily medication and a mindful approach to meals. Her culinary repertoire now features leaner meats and fewer high-calorie favorites like buttery biscuits and chicken-fried steak. Yet, she hasn’t forsaken her Southern roots entirely, still savoring moments with a glass of sweet tea by the pool.
In essence, Paula Deen’s journey post-diagnosis proves that even the queen of butter can embrace change, showing that a balanced approach to food doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—it means savoring it wisely.
