MovieChat Forums > Down Home with the Neelys (2008) Discussion > Smart choices

Smart choices

posted 16 years ago by KennethMcBrayer
10 replies | jump to latest

I was shocked after the first two episodes of this show. We were so excited about watching it and perhaps trying out some new and healthy dishes from the south but half way through, my wife and I were quite disappointed. One of the first things my wife said was :Butter in the dessert too?"

We both agree that Gina is very well coifed and we love the way she interacts with Pat but she is simply too loud and showy. Even when all the the family was there, at the table, I couldn't believe how loud this woman was. The food is very unhealthy, chock full of sugar and saturated fats.

I thought Paula Deen was the Queen of Heart Attack land but she is now dethroned and must now allow the Neely's to take that position.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] KennethMcBrayer 16 years ago

You can't group an entire race of people as being this way or that way.

"What's wrong with being loud."
Sure. When it is appropriate for example, at a sporting event. But not there.

" We blacks are a very saucy people."
Not all are.

"We are not quiet folk."
It depends on the person. There are some who are very loud and others who are very quiet.

'"That's just the way things are down here."
Not necessarily. Things are changing and many southerners are choosing a more healthy lifestyle as opposed to those outdated artery clogging, high blood pressure raising options the Neely's shove down our throats.

I watched it again this morning against my better judgement, somehow hoping they would have at least incorporated some fresh herbs and less sugar, sodium and fat in the recipes but it's getting worst! This kind of cooking and fast food is killing Americans.

If you like this kind of unhealthy fare, go ahead and enjoy but don't complain once the pounds start adding up and your blood sugar and pressure rises. I would bet you hands down that those diseases plague this family and so many others who eat like this and that is truly messed up.

[–] primechoiceladee 16 years ago

You have a male screen name, but you are a female! If those people did everything right, there would still be someone complaining, and hatin.

[–] SarahMc58 16 years ago

primechoiceladee:
You have a male screen name, but you are a female!

Get your facts straight before you accuse anyone, in this case my husband, of being anything other than who they are.

And not that it is any of your business, we do have several shared email accounts. His mail is my mail and vice versa.

[–] kimkikikim 16 years ago

I think these are special occasion foods or are meant to be eaten every now and again, maximum once per week.

But honestly I think the network hired Paula Deen and the Neeley's specifically for the fatty southern foods that we'd all love but can't eat as often as we'd like to. So don't be upset with them, there are a number of other shows with healthy dishes.

It's like being angry because we only see cakes made on Ace of Cakes, well that's his specialty.

[–] SarahMc58 16 years ago

So don't be upset with them, there are a number of other shows with healthy dishes.

I think you may be misinterpreting 'upset' for genuine concern. Most of the dishes featured on the Food Network channel are geared for special occasions as opposed to everyday fare, depending on the show. I'm sure that most viewers know that.

However there are people who still prepare food this way quite frequently and it is evident that far too many Americans are not making healthy choices. Diabetes is at an all time high nationwide.

There are many variables as to what causes so many health concerns, particularly that of our youth therefore it stands to reason that diet does play a crucial role regarding these issues. I'm a teacher and I see the problems of obesity in our youth and yes I am concerned.

It's like being angry because we only see cakes made on Ace of Cakes, well that's his specialty
No, anger is not the correct term here.

[–] nikkikoko1913 16 years ago

Well write a letter to the Food Network then, you're not going to solve anything here. People who watch and enjoy the Neelys or Paula Deen are probably people who like southern food, which historically has been fattier and less healthier fare. That does not mean people are going to abandon their culture because America is getting fatter. For example, I was counseling a patient and recommended she replace hamhocks in her collard greens with turkey necks and she said "Sweety, I have been eating hamhocks in my collard greens every Sunday for 83 years and I aint gone start changin nothin now". She made a great point. Some people can live long lives eating less than health food.

Anyway, start in your school. If you are in fact a teacher talk to your administration about d/c'ing contracts with Pepsi and Coke and fast food restaurants that allow placement of sugary hi-cal foods in the vending machines and on the lunch menus. Work with your administration about increasing PE and bringing back recess. But for crying out loud, don't try to change the world on a message board!

[–] jenjen1960 16 years ago

Amen nikkikoko1913!!! I completley agree!
I wish certain people would stop lurking the message boards pretending to be the food police!!! If I like fattening food that's my business..if youu like sauteed tofu that's your business...STOP TELLING PEOPLE WHAT THEY SHOULD EAT...YOU ARE NOT MY MOMMY AND YOU ARE NOT MY NANNY!! If you dont' like what they are serving up dont' watch!!! You can tune into Ellie Krieger's show...her stuff is pretty good!

The so called "Healthy lunches" in my kids school usually end up in the trash..

[–] JohnnyRed2121 15 years ago

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the way the Neelys and Paula cook. I cook like them everyday and will continue to. I'm southern born and bred and proud of it. In my opinion, nothing compares to southern cuisine. If you don't like it, turn the channel. There are plenty of other cooking shows for you to watch.

[–] nutsberryfarm 14 years ago

not all the food they make is greasy. they made grilled vegetable hero sandwiches today! looks way good.

I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"