Diabetes and Paula Deen

Dear Readers:

Diabetes is widespread epidemic that exploded in the United States and recently throughout the world. According to the US govenment, there are almost 26 million adults and children in the USA that have diabetes.

There are two major forms: type 1 and 2. Type 2 accounts for more than 90 percent of the cases. In people with diabetes, the body does not make enough of the hormone insulin, or it doesn’t use it properly. Insulin helps glucose (sugar) get into cells, where it is used for energy. If there’s an insulin problem, sugar builds up in the blood, damaging nerves and blood vessels.

Factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 include a family history, obesity, inactivity and age.

Some of these factors we can have control over. We can choose to be active or not. We can choose to eat that brownie or steak or not. We can choose to make dietary changes so that we can prevent or delay the onset of certain diseases.

Today’s working families often lack time to prepare wholesome and nutritious food. They eat fast food, drink a lot of soda, and don’t get enough exercise. People do not know the proper food proportion to consume because most restaurants serve super-sized meals. It’s sad but true. Everyone wants more bang -or in this case-food for their dollar.

We are conditioned to think that 12 ounces of soda is just one serving but if you read the label, it’s almost two servings. A regular serving of soda is anywhere from 6 to 8 ounces.

Media attention has been filled with stories of how obesity, diabetes and other health problems have been on the rise. We are still getting bigger, fatter and sicker.

Celebrity Chef Paula Deen has developed type 2 diabetes a few years ago. It’s scary to think that fact just surfaced recently. A lot of people are appalled that she concealed that fact from public as she gleefully cooked such monstrous dietary pitfalls as deep fried butter or sugary diabetic treats after she developed diabetes.

Fellow celebrity chef Anthony Bourdian basically slammed Paula for concealing her diabetes while she waited for a lucrative offer to promote her new cookbook.

Is it the responsibility of the viewer or reader when they watch or read these over the top cooking shows or books to moderate their own dietary needs and intake? Yes. And that the same time, I think that all cooking shows and books should have healthier recipes featuring low fat and low sugar versions.

You are the owner of your body. Respect yourself and eat in moderation. Exercise. Drink more water. See your doctor and dentist more often. Make a conscious decision to take better care of yourself for you and your family.

Start by reducing your intake of processed foods. Eat more grains and whole foods. Drink only water and skim milk. Juice and diet soda in moderation. Use less fat, salt and sugar in your foods. Smaller portions. And of course, lay off the fried Oreos and twinkies that a certain chef likes.

~ by mamaeve on January 26, 2012.