Paula Deen -- I Cheat On My Diet Because I'm a Slave to ...

Paula Deen's no better than the rest of us when it comes to weight loss -- 'cause she just confessed she's a low down dirty diet cheater, and her main offense is that golden god ... the french fry.

Paula was at LAX when we chatted about her successful diet -- she's reportedly dropped at least 40 pounds since announcing she has diabetes last year.

But when we asked what food she cooks that she wishes she could eat ... Paula copped to giving into french fries.

So how often does Paula cheat? She does admit to us when she last gave in to fries.