When you think of Paula Deen, you probably picture the beloved chef who once ruled the airwaves with her rich, Southern comfort food. But today, the 77-year-old is a different person altogether. After shedding a significant amount of weight and grappling with diabetes, she’s emerged as someone who’s not just focused on cooking but on living her healthiest life possible. Exclusive sources tell Closer that she’s transformed into a much more grounded, humble individual compared to the days when her career was at its peak.
Back in June 2013, Paula's world turned upside down when a former employee filed a lawsuit accusing her of racial and sexual discrimination. Judge William Moore dismissed the racial discrimination claims, but allowed the sexual discrimination allegations to proceed. Eventually, the lawsuit was dropped. However, during Paula’s deposition, it came to light that she had used the "N-word" in the past, according to Newsweek. This revelation sparked a massive backlash, leading to the cancellation of numerous contracts and her eventual dismissal from the Food Network.
Despite her heartfelt apology, the damage was done. The backlash was fierce, and Paula found herself at a crossroads. Yet, instead of letting it break her, she decided to channel her energy into a healthier lifestyle. “She would love to turn back the clock and undo the mistakes she made, but since that’s not possible, she’s now focused on living her best, healthiest life,” an insider confides to Closer.
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Diagnosis as a Turning Point
In 2009, Paula received a diagnosis that would change her life forever: Type 2 diabetes. For someone whose career revolved around rich, indulgent meals, this was a wake-up call. “It was at that moment that I realized I had a choice to make,” Paula wrote on her website. “I could either make some important changes or risk leaving this wonderful life far too soon. Believe me, the choice was easy—and it turns out the changes weren’t as hard as I thought they’d be because I’m taking it slow and steady, like a turtle.”
A New Approach to Cooking and Living
Paula’s transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. According to Closer, she’s lost at least 50 pounds by cutting out unhealthy carbs, butter, and grease—the very ingredients that made her famous. Yet, she hasn’t given up her love for Southern comfort food entirely. “She can still whip up a classic Southern meal with all the fixings—biscuits and gravy, peach cobbler, banana pudding, or chocolate pound cake—but now she only takes a small bite to taste it and show her fans how delicious it is,” explains an insider.
Living with diabetes for years has made Paula more cautious about her diet. “Over the years, I’ve rearranged my plate, making more room for the foods that are good for me,” she shares. “I started learning how to improve my diet by watching my starches and cutting back on sugar and fats. Sure, I still treat myself to the occasional comfort food I grew up with, but more often than not, I enjoy a big salad or lean meats and seafood for dinner, followed by a leisurely walk.”
A New Chapter in Paula's Life
Today, Paula leads a calmer, more modest life than the one she lived before the scandal. “She’s humbler now, and people have noticed,” says the source. “Her YouTube cooking show is gaining traction, her restaurants are still thriving, and she continues to publish cookbooks. It’s a testament to her resilience and determination to reinvent herself.”
While her YouTube channel boasts over 554,000 subscribers, Paula isn’t focused on competing with others in the culinary world. “She’d love to surpass someone like Martha Stewart, but frankly, she doesn’t have the time or energy for that kind of rivalry anymore,” the insider adds. Instead, Paula is content with her new life—one where health, family, and peace take center stage.
