Paula Deen gives healthy alternative

Home Culture Paula Deen gives healthy alternative

With a dash of southern hospitality, chef Paula Deen now dishes up diabetes-friendly recipes.

Deen is known for her “butter, butter and more butter” mantra, so some readers find it hard to stomach the switch from the stereotypical fried foods of the South to more healthy options.

The southern belle and her two sons, Jamie and Bobby, created the website www.diabetesinanewlight.com after Deen was diagnosed with type–2 diabetes.

In a letter on her website, she states that she also started the website to answer requests from fans who liked her food but wanted a healthier alternative.

She offers recipes and their calorie count so readers can know how each portion will affect their diet.

In the introduction before Deen presents her recipes, she underscores the importance of portion control and reveals that she worked alongside Diabetes Care and Education in creating the site.

The healthy suggestions are not aimed solely at diagnosed diabetics –– rather, Deen’s new system is for Americans across the board. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise in America, and Deen’s health-concious efforts draw attention to the problem.

“She is trying to encourage a more hands-on approach, and that is great,” freshman Shaun Lichti said. “If this is successful it might lead other cookbook manufacturers to include carb and calorie counts. At least she is trying to raise awareness.”

The recipes that Deen offers are also easy to prepare. These recipes are not cliché cardboard recipes –– there is chicken divan for a cozy night and artichoke dip for the weekend tailgate.

Except for the lasagna and chicken divan, the few recipes she has up on the site take less than an hour to prepare. The ease and accessibility of these recipes give busy people an option other that take-out.

There are only a few recipes, though, so the at-home chef will have to be creative to avoid boredom. We can only hope that in the coming months she will add more to the site.

The new website has it pros and cons, but all-in-all Deen is doing her best with the cards she has been dealt, and her best is helping others in the same situation.