Paula Deen was widely criticized earlier this year when she revealed that she has type 2 diabetes and had been diagnosed with the disease three years earlier. After her announcement, she landed an endorsement deal for a diabetes drug, so there was backlash about her motivation for speaking out in the first place. In addition, her sons Bobby and Jamie both got cooking shows presenting healthier food offerings vs their Mom's high calorie fare.
"I was surprised by the depth of hate," Paula, 65, said about the backlash to People. "This is not something I chose. I had been given lemons and I had to try to make lemonade — without sugar!"
Six months later, Paula has completely overhauled her diet, dropped 30 pounds and is talking about how she lost the weight. Since January, the 5-foot-6 cooking show "chef" has gone from a size 18 to a 10. She takes daily injections to regulate her blood sugar.
Paula told People magazine she is definitely making healthier food choices. "I double up on greens — whether it's salad
or vegetables — and my carbs are just a spoonful." Her shopping cart is now overflowing with
broccoli, sweet potatoes, and fruit instead of regular potatoes (her weakness)
and bread. Once
a week she allows herself to eat whatever she wants (think: a cheeseburger in a
wrap). She also hasn't completely given up fried chicken; now she has it
monthly instead of weekly.
Paula says incorporating exercise into her routine has been another factor in her
weight loss. She walks 30 minutes a day but doesn't love it. "I heard that
exercise is addictive," she said to People. "So far, it's not
like cigarettes." Speaking of cigarettes, she still smokes but says
quitting will be her next challenge.
Although
her goal is to lose an additional 15 pounds, Paula already feels like a million
bucks. "I feel a thousand times better," shetold the magazine.
"I have more energy. I sleep better. The weight loss has made my health
issues better."
You can check out People's full interview with Paul in their July issue.
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