Paula Deen – I Challenge You To Speak Out
& Save Thousands Of Lives
I've had a lot of feedback about my last blog in regard to Paula Deen and the announcement about her Type 2 diabetes. Once again, I would like to say, I am truly sorry to hear about Paula Deen's diagnosis, but I would also like to discuss a potential silver lining. Paula Deen has an amazing opportunity to save thousands of lives by encouraging her fans not to make the same mistakes she did and live a healthier life-style starting today. She could begin this by re-inventing her famous high fat, dairy rich recipes with plant-based alternatives. I took a look at some of her most popular recipes like her fried mac and cheese which calls for a pound of bacon, butter and six eggs, and know there are so many other ways to enjoy macaroni and cheese without all that sodium and fat. So I challenged myself today to create a vegan version of Paula's famous Grilled Cheese and Bacon Jalapeno Poppers. I thought they were pretty good for a low-fat, low sodium, dairy free version and I know Paula Deen could probably re-invent them even better then me.
At any rate, today I would like to challenge Paula Deen to take this opportunity to let her fans know that a future without Type-2 diabetes can exist by :
1. Losing weight – I don't like promoting a plant-base diet for weight loss but the fact of the matter is – the pounds melt away and stay away.
2. Watching your cholesterol – For over fifteen years, I took a medication for my high cholesterol. After only six months on a plant-base diet, my cholesterol went down to 156. My doctor commented that I had some of the best good cholesterol he has ever seen and I was taken off my medication
3. Changing your diet – Eat foods high in fiber including fruits, vegetables, beens, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Try to avoid or cut back on foods like red meat and all dairy. You won't believe how different you will feel.
4. Enjoy your new healthy life by taking a walk, playing ball with your kids, ride bikes etc – Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week and have fun.
Vegan – Day 261 – wish me luck
Grilled Cheese and Bacon Jalapeno Poppers – Ordinary Vegan Style
Ingredients
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Daiya cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
6 large jalapeno peppers
6 strips of vegan bacon – I used Smoky Maple Bacon Tempeh strips, but Smart Bacon is thinner and less crumbly and may be a better choice
Prepare a medium-hot grill or preheat the broiler. If using the broiler, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
In a small bow, mix together the cheese and cilantro
Using a paring knife, cut off the top of the peppers. Scoop out the veins and the seeds, discarding both. Stuff the cheese mixture inside the peppers, packing it tightly. Wrap a slice of back on around each pepper and secure with toothpick. Put the peppers on the grill, or if broiling, put them on the prepared baking sheet. Grill or broil, turning occasionally until the vegan bacon is crisp and the peppers are charred a little and tender – about 10-20 minutes.
I also wrote to her and said almost the same exact words. She could change so many lives if she would promote healthy living to avoid the disease she herself now fights. Her following is huge. What an example she could set.