Oh, Paula...

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Well, it's time to get all serious on you. {Hey, you in the back, please stop giving your neighbor bunny ears.}

I know, I know. You came here for cake, not for a lecture. But bear with me since this relates to our favorite topic around here: yummy food.

As I'm sure you've probably heard, Ms. Paula made a big announcement last week that has really set off an interesting reaction from the masses. She shared publicly that, three years ago, she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Now, I have to tell you that I actually am quite fond of Paula Deen. She is loveable. She is flawed. She is real. She seems like the type you'd want to be around for a good laugh or a great buttermilk biscuit. Like a sweet, nutty Aunt or neighbor that knows exactly how to cheer you up.

That said, I also realize that the food she has built her multi-million dollar industry upon leaves a lot to be desired in the nutritional department. She turns the food pyramid upside down on it's head and suggests creamed corn and fried okra count as healthy vegetables. {I wish they did, too, friends.}

But let's be real. We know that the woman cannot possibly believe that. We know that throughout the years, there's a good chance that she has been advised and counseled on her personal eating habits and has quite possibly been given access to professionals that help direct her in not keeling over live and in person on the set, with a stick of butter in her hand. {That might drop ratings, huh?}

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So, why are people freaking out about her so-called "dishonesty"? Is it because she should have come clean about the true effect of years spent eating Southern fare?  Is it because she is now profiting from being the spokesperson for a pharmaceutical company that sells diabetes medication? Would her honesty really have stopped anyone from making poor food choices? We have known for years that junk food = unhealthiness = medication unless you commit to change. Yet, obesity in our nation is still at an all time high.

The expectation for her to bring her deep-fried image to a halt after years of success bolstered by that very premise puzzles me. She was hired to come into our living rooms and weasle her way into our affections with warm, cheesy grits.  When I turn on Paula's show, I watch knowing what I'm about to get. It's the place I go when I want to get recipes for something naughty. {And half the time, I don't even use as much butter as she calls for!} Changing from Paula's Home Cookin' to Paula's Wholesome Cookin' just wouldn't have the same ring {or quite frankly, credibility}, and let's face it, the same viewership.

Being mad at Paula is like pulling through the McDonald's drive-thru daily and then getting upset when cholesterol levels rise and pants don't fit. Or like putting celebrities who drink, smoke, and do drugs on trial for giving the impression that their bad behavior is safe for us to mimic because you can still be rich, famous, good looking AND stoned out of your noodle. {Ahem, Mr. Sheen}

Perhaps what has really caused this reaction to Paula's news is fear. A sinking feeling of accountability that has struck hearts and stomachs around the nation. The realization that even if we are eating copious amounts of fat and sugar because that's just what Southerners do or because someone told us it tastes real good, we are still putting ourselves at higher risk for illness. The thought that we have to take personal responsibility for our actions or we may be in real trouble.

So tell me, should I put a warning label on every recipe I share on this blog that exceeds daily caloric limits? {Sometimes I actually do. Despite all the sugar and fat, my husband & I are actually pretty healthy eaters.} I give my readers the benefit of the doubt because I feel like they're smart enough to know that "treat" really means treat.

I know not everyone feels the same, and I can understand the other points of view, but I just thought I'd bring up an important topic and see if anyone cares to chime in.

Regardless of your opinion, I hope you will always continue to do what is right for your situation so that you can live your best life. Make it count, y'all! ;)