Paula Deen Loses 30 Pounds, 'More Aware' of Food After Diabetes

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, June 28, 2012

Almost seven months after revealing that she had Type 2 diabetes, Paula Deen has spoken about her recent weight loss.

The Food Network star was lambasted by the media for concealing her disease for over three years, and admits she was forced to change her trademark cooking style.

"I do think differently now [about food]," the Georgia native told People. "I'm more aware."

Covering the magazine's July issue, the 65-year-old displayed her 30-pound weight loss and talked about her health.

"It took me a couple years to get to this point," said the slimmed-down chef. "If you make a few small changes, they can add up to big results."

A specialist in southern foods, Deen has previously divulged her favorite foods that include butter, salt, cream cheese, and all things deep-fried. Deen listed healthier fare such as baked fish and Greek salads as her new favorite foods.

Deen revealed her diabetes three years after having been diagnosed with the disease, soliciting criticism that her announcement was financially motivated. Around the same time of her health announcement in January, the celebrity chef signed a multi-million dollar deal to be a spokesperson for Victoza - a Type 2 diabetes drug.

Fellow celebrity Anthony Bourdain was among those criticizing Deen for the decision.

"Thinking of getting into the leg-breaking business, so I can profitably sell crutches later," the chef famously posted on Twitter.

Deen vehemently maintained that she concealed her diabetes for reasons of privacy.

"I am who I am, but I what I will be doing is offering up lighter versions of my recipes," she told the Associated Press in February. "I've always encouraged moderation. People see me cooking these wonderful, Southern, fattening recipes … it's for entertainment. People have to be responsible."

The 2-time Emmy Award winner has penned 14 cookbooks, including "Paula's Best Dishes," which have sold over 8 million copies.

Deen's son, Bobby Deen, is the star of "Not My Mama's Meals" on the Cooking Channel and features healthier variations of his mother's recipes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. As of January of 2011, there are 25.8 million children and adults living with some form of the disease.