With the help of recent documentaries, TV shows and legislation, Americans are becoming more aware of just what really is lurking in their favorite foods. But, even with this knowledge, people are still being served processed foods full of chemicals, preservatives and artificial flavors, all deemed safe by the government.
On Monday, February 27, The Doctors, with special guest and celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, will take a closer look at the harmful additives and processes used to prepare many of the foods we eat every day.
Amongst the foods spotlighted are:
Burgers. Fast food burgers are comprised of “pink slime,” the term given to the mechanically separated meat that has been treated with ammonia hydroxide to kill bacterias like E-coli. Top fast food restaurants say they have discontinued their use of this meat, made from discarded cow parts, but schools still serve it up daily to our kids.
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I count calories. I’m not always happy about it, but since the magic thin pill hasn’t been perfected just yet, and I like my skinny jeans, I count those pesky calories. I’ve entertained many fad diets, metabolism boosters, and have literally run myself until I’ve broken. None of these tools have been as effective in maintaining weight as a notebook and a food scale.
This Tuesday, November 15, 2011, celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito will join the cast of The Doctors to discuss this very issue on the show. DiSpirito is also giving away some great calorie cutting tips, many I plan to be marking in my trusty little notebook.
The episode will be themed, “Thinner, Younger, and Sexier in 30.” DiSpirito will be revealing 30 calorie savers from his new book, Now Eat This- 100 Quick Calorie Cuts. These cuts are surprisingly easy and impactful. For example, using all fruit jam instead of butter on your morning toast will save 370 calories a week. Other great tips include doubling the celery in tuna salad, ordering half the cheese and doubling the veggies when you get pizza, or substitute salsa for queso dip at a party. All of these simple ideas will save hundreds of calories and sacrifice no flavor.
The general idea is to honor those pesky calories yet not become a diet food eater. DiSpirito says this method is for the person who doesn’t want to diet and who doesn’t want to exercise. He hit the nail on the head when it comes to weight loss. It’s not about the latest gym group exercise class or a rigid diet plan, it’s just about calories.
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When we heard that Chef Rocco DiSpirito has a Now Eat This food truck making its way around the West Village earlier this week, we knew that we had to try it for ourselves. When I arrived, I was surprised to see Chef Rocco himself taking orders and dishing out healthy meals.
Despite the lunch crowd, Chef Rocco answered my questions between orders with good cheer. “I want to change how people eat, by showing them how good healthy food can taste,” said Rocco. The truck serves up a selection of dishes featured in Rocco’s Now Eat This! cookbook, all of which are less than 350 calories.
I was told to come hungry, and I wasn’t disappointed. I devoured the Mama’s meatballs over kamut pasta. For dessert, Rocco offered up a gluten-free chocolate brownie cupcake, which is made with black beans. The kamut pasta didn’t have the too-chewy texture that most whole wheat pastas are guilty of, while the cupcake was amazingly moist and fluffy for a gluten-free product. The whole meal contained just 454 calories. The day’s menu also included chicken soup with Shirataki noodles and cheesy turkey or vegetarian enchiladas.
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Memorial Day is one holiday almost everyone looks forward to. What’s not to love? The last Monday of every May, we honor our fallen U.S. soldiers and their families on a weekend when the weather starts to heat up in most parts on the country. Barbecues, camping trips and outdoor parties are how most people celebrate Memorial Day, the sunshine, and show their patriotism.
Memorial Day is tons of fun, but barbecues are notorious for being full of calorie and fat packed foods, so plan ahead. If you are taking advantage of the long weekend and going camping, indulging in 3 days worth of this indulgent food can really do some damage. If you are hosting, you have full control of the menu, but if you are a guest, bring your own “safe” dish that you know is healthy, and you already know the calories and fat per serving.
Whether you’re planning to usher in summer at the beach or with a backyard cookout, there are a lot of tempting, warmer-weather treats that might appeal to you no matter how much you want to stick to a healthy diet. Fend off cravings by making slimmer versions of your favorite meals and treats.
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Tune in to The Rachael Ray show on Friday, April 22nd for some tips on how to make Easter a healthy holiday from chef Rocco DiSpirito. Easter candy doesn’t have to be bad for your family, that’s why chef DiSpirito will help you build an Easter basket that’s fun and healthy! Plus, he’ll share a decadent recipes for silken chocolate mousse that’s way fewer than 350 calories.
Rocco DiSpirito is the author behind Now Eat This cookbook and the Now Eat This Diet. The cookbook features 150 of your favorite comfort foods, made-over to be more nutritious and lower in calories. He’s also frequently a guest on The Biggest Loser, where he helps contestants learn to cook healthy yet delicious meals.
Check your local listings for exact show times.
