Rocco DiSpirito: Healthy eating doesn't have to bust budgets

Healthy food means expensive food, right? Rocco DiSpirito says that’s a myth in need of busting.

In an interview with CBS News, the celebrity chef and author of  “The Pound A Day Diet,” argued that “pound for pound,” healthy whole food is cheaper than processed meals, and worth the extra time it might take to prepare.

DiSpirito, author of "The Pound A Day Diet," embarked on his own battle to lose pounds in 2006.

 His New York Times bestselling diet promises to help participants “lose up to five pounds in five days" until reaching their goal weight, by following a series of menus for four five-day plans and four weekend plans. DiSpirito says he based the recipes -- which total about 850 daily calories on weekdays and 1,200 calories on weekends -- off the Mediterranean diet, which has been tied to health benefits.

He added that seeing the pounds come off motivates dieters to maintain healthy habits. However, calorie-restricted diets often raise questions over the safety and long-term effectiveness of rapid weight loss.

DiSpirito defends his plan as “a diet that’s built on a foundation of medicine, science and deliciousness."

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