The Food Network – A Healthy Obsession?

February 15, 2009     Posted in Buzz, Cool Stuff

foodnetworklogo.pngI am absolutely obsessed with the Food Network. My friend Rachael even goes so far as to refer to their cooking shows as “my porn.” Ironic, considering that some say that the Food Network uses angles and editing similar to that of pornography to make it more appealing. I don’t know if it’s the food, the angles, or the fact that my parents refuse to buy the full cable package, but I just can’t get enough of the Food Network. Here are some of my favorite shows/top reasons to check out the most addicting of television networks. What’s your excuse?


By Elizabeth

Paula Deen’s Home Cooking: You see, I’m a nutrition major. This (in theory) means that I should be a pretty healthy eater. The thing I love about Paula Deen’s cooking is that she makes the unhealthiest food possible. I have yet to see one of her southern dishes prepared without butter, mayonnaise, shortening, or some combination of the three. Watching her make disgustingly delicious food makes me feel like I’m indulging without actually consuming and subsequently gaining ten pounds of lard.

Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade: Sandra Lee basically embodies who I want to be when I’m in my 30s. Why? Because she’s hot, knows how to enjoy a good cocktail (or five), and can whip up an amazing meal without actually doing any of the dirty work herself. Plus, she makes the cutest little “tablescapes” out of practically nothing. Basically, watching her show gives you hope that you can be old and still have a life (and good looks to boot).

Barefoot Contessa: First of all, the host of this show is named Ina Garten. (I’m a sucker for a good name pun). Secondly, you get to watch her make amazingly complex food that you would never dare to prepare yourself without a culinary degree. The real kicker about this show, however, is its attempt to include acting along with food preparation. There is nothing better than watching Ina make an obviously fake phone call to a “friend” that she probably met minutes before filming the show. Purely hilarious – you really gotta see it to believe it.

Good Eats: Now, I’m usually not a fan of the nighttime shows, but this one really does have its moments. Alton Brown takes a quirky science-y approach to all types of food ranging from cole slaw to beef jerky. Most of his comedic attempts are a tad over the top, but Mr. Brown does have his moments. For some real entertainment, I strongly suggest you check out the episode on gumbo. Seriously, it’s a winner.

Some other shows to check out while you’re flipping through the channels: Everyday Italian with Giada De Laurentiis, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Throwdown with Bobby Flay (hottay), and Unwrapped. Oh, and don’t miss the newest show, Will Work for Food, coming out January 19th. Word on the street is that the star, Adam Gertler, is quite the looker (for a Food Network host, of course).

12 Comments on "The Food Network – A Healthy Obsession?"

  1. leebee says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20099:40 am 

    LOVE the Food Network.

    I'm totally into cake/cupcake decorating so I really enjoy Ace of Cakes (Duff is really kickass) and all of the competitions.

  2. Kathe says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 200911:00 am 

    Sandra Lee has never once shown herself capable of an "amazing meal". BTW, have you seen her Kwanzaa cake? How about her marshmallow-filled eight-pointed Star of David cake?

  3. Lauren, University o says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20091:44 pm 

    OMG Sandra Lee is the most annoying person. Maybe even worse than Rachel Ray. She's too crafty to be on the food network and, for the love of god, stop matching your outfits to the freaking DRAPES.

  4. Sam says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20092:04 pm 

    "for the love of god, stop matching your outfits to the freaking DRAPES." haha I couldn't agree more!

  5. Kelsy says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20092:22 pm 

    Food TV = the only reason I can cook. :D

  6. Audrey says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20094:07 pm 

    I'm addicted to the Food Network. I totally get what you mean about being able to "enjoy" the food without the calories. Just watching the shows satisfies me sometimes.

    Ace of Cakes is one of my favs. I LOVE Duff. If you haven't seen it, definitely check it out.

  7. Jacks says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20094:17 pm 

    PAULA DEEN Y'ALL!

    I LOVE her.

  8. Ali says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20094:49 pm 

    Just in case you have yet to come across this site.

    http://foodporndaily.com/

  9. AmandaISU says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20095:31 pm 

    UNWRAPPED!

  10. nance says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 20096:26 pm 

    If you like the food network you should check out http://www.FoodNetworkHumor.com — they parody the food network hosts and shows and it's so funny!

  11. Michelle says:
    Tue, 17th Feb 20096:47 pm 

    ALL i EVER watch is the food network! (or john & kate +8) I'm absolutely addicted to Good Eats, because I always feel a little bit smarter after watching it. I like Barefoot Contessa because the meals she makes are AMAZZiNG, but I really can't stand the acting thing she has going on in that show. I always try to convince myself that her pretend lunches with pretend friends are actually real, but it's just too reharsed to be believeable.

  12. Whitney says:
    Sat, 28th Feb 20091:27 pm 

    Rachel Ray is perhaps the most annoying person, nvm chef, on the face of this earth… not only is her nasaly Yankee accent enough to make me contemplate murder, but her ridiculous "kid-friendly" meals and abbreviated words make me cringe. Olive oil is really too hard to spit out?? But of course! E.V.O.O. is so much easier… AND it saves tons of time… can't forget she only has 30 min to teach us how to prepare a meal!

    Ina Garten is an awesome chef, but who really makes lunch for random strangers and their families?? noone… unless, it's part of her community outreach intentions…

    The only thing that would make Food Network better, would be to air Take Home Chef on it, instead of TLC… he's my own Australian orgasm!!

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