Paula Deen didn’t know what she was in for when agreeing to appear on “The View” this past Tuesday to promote her new book, Paula Deen’s Cookbook for the Lunchbox Set. Clearly appalled by the fat and calorie laden recipes included as suggested meals for children … host Barbara Walters pulled no punches.
“This is a cookbook for kids. Obesity is the No. 1 problem for kids today. Everything you have here is enormously fattening … you tell kids to have cheesecake for breakfast. You tell them to have chocolate cake and meatloaf for lunch. And french fries! Doesn’t it bother you that you’re adding to this?”
“No, I’m not saying they should eat like this every day,” replied the famous chef, Deen suggesting she promotes moderation.
Barbara didn’t take the bait and shot back, “not when you’re giving them this!” Now, just like everyone else … I think Paula is charming and sweet. But, she’s also both obese and a lover of southern cooking. Not the “role model” one would choose on any sort of health related topic.
I’m a huge fan of Barbra Walters and am thrilled that she spoke up, even though it may have been stating the obvious. My husband stresses because I’m the type to be so bold on topics like this as well. It’s a shame most children are served loads of butter, sugar and oil on regular basis. Paula suggests kids choose a muffin for breakfast when they’re in a hurry, mentioning they contain fruit. I say … bananas and apples are just as quick!
I’ve heard the saying “never trust a skinny chef” and a little extra meat on one’s bones may serve as par for the course when you live and breath FOOD. Having said that, I’d be proud for any parent across the country to serve the incredibly healthy and delicious foods I’ve included in my own cookbook. That just may be the difference though. People looking for healthy food know where to find it. Paula Deen, although lovely, is certainly no source for that.
So I’m sending a big high five to the lovely Miss Barbara Walters for speaking out on behalf of children and sending a warning out to parents that this book is really not appropriate for your little ones. Parents … what are your favorite healthy kid-friendly recipes?
