Moderation is key.

You’ve probably been hearing that for years now from your parents, gym teachers, on TV, etc. In a country that’s known for being obese thanks to its love of fried, fatty foods, the health trend is all around us.

In the wake of my girl Paula Deen’s announcement about having type 2 Diabetes, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to discuss the importance of moderation.

I know I don’t always post the healthiest of recipes. What with: Oreo Balls,

Sriracha Mac and Cheese,

and Baked Potato Dip.

But, like Paula has also stated since her announcement, I don’t eat like that all day every day. Why? Because moderation is key.

People like Anthony Bourdain have commented saying things like “No wonder she has diabetes with the way she cooks,” to which she has responded the same way. Moderation. You can’t eat chicken fingers and french fries with honey mustard dipping sauce 5 days a week. Sure, I’d love to but I’d also probably have a heart attack by the age of 30. Not on my list of things to do.

You have to find a balance between what you love to eat and what your body needs you to eat. The human body thrives on balanced meals that do not consist of processed foods. Obviously that’s not to say you’re never going to eat fast food again or have a slice of pizza. If you completely cut out your favorite foods you’ll end up binging on them and counter acting what you’re going for. However, if you have them in moderation, you can still have your cake and eat it too.

I’m not trying to be the food police here but as many of you know, good Southern cooking is not the healthiest. And while I love to recreate the food I grew up on, I do not by any means eat this way all week long. Sometimes I’ll take my leftovers from a recipe to work, sometimes to a friends house, etc. All so I don’t end up eating my weight in cookies, stuffed shells, and pumpkin cake.

I’ll get off my soap box now but I just wanted to share my thoughts with y’all.

And, of course, to support my girl Paula.

Tomorrow is Friday. Yay!