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Paula Deen Back On Track: Promotes 30lb Weightloss In People Magazine

When Paula announced she had diabetes, the reaction was a bit…well…ummm…

‘DUH’.

And it caused a bit of a scandal, despite not being a shock to anyone really. Afterall, we’re talking about the butter queen. And her delicious unhealthy recipes had been criticized for years as being some of the most obesity causing choices on the block. 

True: deep fried butter donuts are NOT healthy choices. But Paula’s not the one force feeding them to America. If you choose to eat them, YOU choose to eat them. I found it funny that people called her hypocritical: she was not. She was open about what she was eating and the consequence of those choices (along with potential other factors: genetics, weight, stress, hormones, family history etc) was diabetes. It’s not as though she was selling health food or low calorie fare. And while it took a long time for her to make changes after the diagnosis (3 years she kept it hidden), it’s not something I begrudge her for. Personal health is a private matter, and it’s possible she was in denial. Like many, MANY others. 

Being accountable and taking responsibility for our choices is important on so many levels. I like that Paula’s making different ones for herself now. The message is a good one: even if your choices haven’t always been stellar, you remain in control of making positive changes for your body at any time. That’s power. Claiming responsibility for our own choices empowers us. 

While many begrudged the star, I simply viewed it as an opportunity for discussion. Paula is a person and, like millions of others, may not have taken her health seriously until illness reared it’s ugly head. Everyday, thousands of people are diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes and other obesity related illnesses. Sometimes, that’s the wake up call they need. And they’re the lucky ones. They’ve been given a second chance. 

In the spirit of second chances, I think it’s commendable and important to celebrate Paula’s efforts and let people everywhere know that it’s never too late to make a change for the better! You are not defined by your past and can make healthier changes to better your life at any age, at any weight and in any circumstance. 

Go Paula! You take care of yourself girl! 

And let’s lay off the buttered donuts for awhile. :)

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