Rocco DiSpirito is a James Beard Award-winning chef, health advocate and author of 11 highly acclaimed cookbooks, including five New York Times best-sellers.

His newest book, "Cook Your Butt Off! Lose Up to a Pound a Day With Fat-Burning Foods and Gluten-Free Recipes," debuted on Feb. 17, 2015 and features delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, no-added-sugar recipes designed to help readers get ahead of their calorie intake by burning calories while they cook!

This chef is on a mission to prove that healthy and delicious are not mutually exclusive. As such, DiSpirito developed a fresh food meal delivery service and weight-loss coaching program called "The Pound a Day Diet." The service offers the luxury of a private chef experience, the convenience of organic, flavorful meals delivered to your doorstep and one-of-a-kind menu customization. Under the Pound a Day brand, DiSpirito has personally coached, advised and fed thousands of clients as they endeavor to reach a sustainable and healthy weight.

This summer, DiSpirito reprises his role as the Healthy Food Coach on ABC's primetime series "Extreme Weight Loss" and its companion series, "Extreme Weight Loss: Love Can't Weight." Meanwhile, throughout his illustrious career, DiSpirito has starred on a number of popular TV series' including "Rocco's Dinner Party" on Bravo, "Restaurant Divided" on Food Network in the fall of 2013 and "Now Eat This! with Rocco DiSpirito," a weekly, nationally syndicated show, among others.

With a genuine passion for helping others, DiSpirito makes charity work a priority, as he advocates for those who struggle with food security and obesity. He serves on the Entertainment Council for Feeding America and as an ambassador for Dr. Oz's HealthCorps. He also serves as an advisory board member to Hampton Creek, an innovative food tech startup dedicated to reducing the depletion of natural resources with its eggless Just Mayo and other products.

DiSpirito began his culinary studies at the Culinary Institute of America, and by 20 he was working in the kitchens of legendary chefs around the globe. He was named Food & Wine magazine's "Best New Chef," People magazine's "Sexiest Chef" and was the first chef to appear on Gourmet Magazine's cover as "America's Most Exciting Young Chef." His three-star restaurant Union Pacific was a New York City culinary landmark for many years.

DiSpirito is a frequent guest on "Good Morning America," "The Dr. Oz Show," "The View," "Fox & Friends" and "CBS Sunday Morning," among many other programs. When he is not cooking, this health advocate enjoys bicycling and participating in triathlons.