Rocco DiSpirito’s Holiday Eating Guide
Afraid your favorite holiday party goodies will have you packing on the pounds? Rocco DiSpirito shares a few words of encouragement as you head into one of the most delicious seasons of the year. "You really have to stick to your guns," he cautions, "because you're really going to tempted with alcohol and all kinds of wonderful tidbits - and all of them are going to be higher in fat, sugar, and calories than you're used to." Check out his go-to choices below for holiday appetizers, drinks and desserts!
Appetizers
If faced with a choice between pigs in a blanket, mini quiche or deviled eggs, your best bet is the deviled eggs. "There's protein," Rocco explains, "and it's most likely to be homemade. Everything else is processed or frozen in a box, thrown in an oven ... at least here you know it's eggs and mayonnaise." Rocco says that he makes a healthier version of deviled eggs using sweet potato puree instead of egg yolks.
Drinks
Rocco advices to choose hot cider over hot chocolate or egg nog for the lowest-calorie option, and notes that for an alcoholic beverage, champagne is your best bet.
Desserts
Pecan, apple or pumpkin pie? Rocco explains that pumpkin pie should be your selection since it has some decent fiber, and since pumpkins are naturally sweet the pie needs a less sugar. "You might think apple pies are better for you since they have fruit," he says, "but they have a lot more sugar and double the crust."
For another of Rocco's healthier dessert ideas, check out his Apple Cranberry Cobler!


