Paula Deen Weight Loss: Sheds 30 Pounds From Size 18 To 10 With Diabetes-Friendly Diet Plan [BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS]

Just six months after announcing that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Southern cuisine chef Paula Deen sported massive weight loss on the cover of People magazine, admitting that she shed 30 pounds and dropped from a women's size 18 to a 10 with a diabetes-friendly diet plan.

"I do think differently now," 65-year-old Deen told People, regarding food. "I'm more aware."

So what kind of foods are on the Food Network star's radar? Which clearly have worked to help her slim down?

Deen said she has ditched some of her favorite foods, like potatoes, and developed an appreciation for Greek salads and baked fish, which can be attributed to the 30 pound drop.

"It took me a couple of years to get to this point," Deen said. "If you make a few small changes, they can add up to big results." 

The Food Network chef also said she ditched her infamous sugary tea, opting for water instead. She satisfies her sweet tooth with "a bowl of sugar-free ice cream with strawberries and blueberries on top."

In May, Deen also said that changing her portions has helped.

"I'm arranging my plate differently," Deen told Prevention. "(Before) I would have had a lot of ham and just a little bit of squash. But the night before last, I had lots of squash, a little slice of ham, a nice serving of green beans and a tablespoon of fresh peas."

Deen said her diet with just "a spoonful" of carbs isn't completely healthy; She told People magazine that once a week, she allows herself to eat whatever she wants and still has her favorite dish of fried chicken monthly, instead of weekly.

She also told "Entertainment Tonight" in May that she spends 30 minutes walking on a treadmill each day.

Deen announced to the world in January that three years prior she had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She had kept her diabetes a secret until an appearance on the "Today" show when she decided to come clean about her condition, which stemmed from obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle of fried foods and lack of exercise.

Paula Deen was under heavy criticism for keeping the condition a secret and announcing it the same day she signed a $500 montly deal to endorse a diabetes drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk, namely from Anthony Bourdain of "No Reservations" who called her "greedy."

"I find that in excruciatingly bad taste," Bourdain told ABC's "Good Morning America" in April. "It's unconscionable, cynical and greedy. Thirty million dollars a year. How much money do you need?"

But Paula Deen didn't let the backlash get to her.

"I was surprised by the depth of hate," Deen told People. "This is not something I chose. I had been given lemons and I had to try to make lemonade -- without sugar!"

And Paula Deen isn't done losing weight, as she plans to lose an additional 15 pounds.

"I feel a thousand times better," Deen said. "I have more energy. I sleep better. The weight loss has made my health issues better."

View the slideshow to see before and after photos of Paula Deen. 

Just six months after announcing that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Southern cuisine chef Paula Deen sported massive weight loss on the cover of People magazine, admitting that she shed 30 pounds and dropped from a women's size 18 to a 10 with a diabetes-friendly diet plan. View the slideshow to see before and after photos of Paula Deen.

Paula Deen responds to lawsuit allegations.

Paula Deen found out she had type 2 diabetes three years ago, but wanted to keep it quiet. She publicly announced her condition on Tuesday, and said that she is working to make life easier for everyone with diabetes.

Director Cameron Crowe (R) and actress Paula Deen pose for the photographers as they arrive for the premiere of the film "Elizabethtown" in New York, October 10, 2005. The film directed by Cameron Crowe will be released on Friday.

The food fight continues on. Paula Deen has obviously not taken Anthony Bourdain's comments with a grain of salt, as the Food Network star has fired back at some rude comments made by Bourdain.

Food Network chef and Southern comfort celebrity Paula Deen has been slapped with a lawsuit detailing shocking allegations including the use of a racial slur against President Barack Obama, pornographic content shared at work and segregation of the restaurant's bathrooms.