Paula Deen and Diabetes

Frank Bruni's op/ed piece in the New York Times said it best. The "I told you so." response to her announcement at first blush seems warranted. But on closer examination, the same charges could be leveled at many a cooking show. The chef's involved peddle food that almost literally stands the healthy food pyramid on it's head, all the while living a different lifestyle themselves. They prepare a multi-course feast that is steeped in calories, only to take small bites of it themselves and then go hit the gym. If they are eating the food and look thin, bulimia is another possible explanation. Bruni had a dietitian take a peek at Deen's recipes compared to other chef's and found they were comparable, and at times even less caloric. Deen's announcement about her diabetes came off as self-serving (she should have tried for a lapse between sharing her diagnosis and her contract to promote an oral hypoglycemic medication. That might have helped a bit), but at least it was an honest portrayal of the consequences of eating the food she prepares--and she always looked like she ate food. I also bristle at the condemnation of someone for not making their personal medical history public information. It isn't actually our right to know. In any case, it allows for an open dialogue about food and contributions to obesity.