Paula Deen's Cookbook "Paula Deen's Kitchen Classics" Named Unhealthiest of the Decade

Paula Deen has snagged a honor she certainly wishes she didn't win. Deen, Bobby Flay and Julia Child were named authors of books to avoid for people looking to eat healthy meals, at least that's how the Washington-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine feels in its latest list of "Best and Worst Cookbooks of the Decade." Deen's heavy dependence on fatty ingredients catapulted her to the top of the list, with her book, "Paula Deen's Kitchen Classics" named the unhealthiest cookbook of the decade. Ouch. I don't think Paula Deen's intention was to ever eat healthy. We visited her restaurant in Savannah two years ago and I couldn't find anything on the menu that was for the health-conscious diner, though her fried chicken was delicious. Still, the place was packed and there was a long line wrapped around the side of the building.

According to Savannah Morning News, the "Queen of Southern decadence," in essence a heartache-waiting-to-happen, released a statement through her publicist, Nancy Assuncao, stating “As always, I stand by my position that certain foods are meant to be eaten in moderation. One wouldn’t expect to eat dessert three times a day. You have to exercise some common sense.” It's time for Paula Deen to realize that she can tout much more healthy dishes and not the kind that packs on the pounds, no matter if it is eaten in moderation.

“Best and Worst Cookbooks of the Decade”
Compiled by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Unhealthiest
“Paula Deen’s Kitchen Classics,” by Paula Deen
“Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” 13th edition, by Julia Child
“Bobby Flay’s Grilling for Life,” by Bobby Flay
Better Homes and Gardens “New Cook Book: Celebrating the Promise”
“Bones: Recipes, History, and Lore,” by Jennifer McLagan

Healthiest
“The Kind Diet,” by Alicia Silverstone
“Skinny Bitch in the Kitch,” by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
“The Conscious Cook,” by Tal Ronnen
“The Engine 2 Diet,” by Rip Esselstyn
“Cooking the Whole Foods Way,” by Christina Pirello

I think it's safe to say people looking for healthy meals would not consult a cookbook by Paula Deen for such a meal. With that said, I am sure she isn't losing any sleep taking the top spot on this list, though it may be time for a paradigm shift for this Southern belle. 

Photo credit: Paula Deen, (John Carrington/Savannah Morning News)

Posted in: Bobby Flay,Julia Child,Kitchen Classics,Paula Deen,Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,Southern cooking