Confessions of a Dietitian
"I'm a Registered Dietitian and I enjoy a glass of wine 2-3 times per week" - Melissa Rifkin, @confessionofadietian.
Meet Melissa Rifkin (MS, RDN, CDN). She is the brains, recipe innovator and powerhouse behind the popular Instagram account @confessionofadietitian. While we're on the topic of "confessions," we have to admit that when our wines earned Melissa's stamp of approval, we were blushing.
We're excited to share our recent Q+A with Melissa plus her recipe for a FitVine Aperol Spritz.
What inspired you to start @confessionofadietian?
Back in 2012, I joined Instagram just for fun and started sharing some recipes and nutrition tidbits. As my following grew, I became hooked on connecting with so many people and helping answer their questions about food and nutrition.
What’s the motto for your diet?
The key to my diet is balance. No foods or drinks are entirely off limits, but I do practice moderation. If I know I'm going out for a fun dinner where I might want to indulge a little more, I'll cut back on my carbs at lunch so I can fully enjoy the dinner.
How do you balance enjoying a glass of wine in your diet?
This is a question I am asked a lot as enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail is often woven into social interactions. My everything in moderation mindset also applies to alcohol. Personally, I treat myself to 2-3 glasses of wine per week. This works for my body and lifestyle. As I do with food, I always pay attention to what I'm putting into my body. So when I'm choosing a wine, I look for a company that is transparent about what's in their products. That's why I love FitVine Wine! Everything I need to know is easily accessible on their labels and website which is rare for wine companies. And did I mention the Prosecco is delicious!
Where did the inspiration for your FitVine Aperol Spritz come from?
I have always loved an Aperol Spritz and it was the signature cocktail at my wedding. It's a tasty, fun and flirty cocktail. The one downfall is that an Aperol Spritz can be an absolute sugar bomb when it's made with a high sugar Prosecco. Luckily, using FitVine Prosecco makes for a light and delectable cocktail. My Aperol Spritz pairs perfectly with this yummy appetizer dish of mozzarella, crackers, grapes 🍇 mini pickles, olives, carrots🥕 and cashews 😋 Cheers to a great night! 🥂
FitVine Aperol Spritz:
Ingredients (Serves Four):
- 16oz FitVine Prosecco 🍾
- 8oz Aperol 🍹
- 8oz Club Soda💦
- 4 Orange Slices 🍊
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, add FitVine Prosecco, Aperol and Club Soda.
- Mix well and pour into 4 wine glasses or cocktail glasses.
- Garnish with an Orange Slice. Enjoy!
About Melissa:
Melissa is a registered dietitian living and working in NYC for over a decade. While she is a dietitian by profession, Melissa believes that being healthy does not just mean from a dietary perspective. Melissa practices with the belief that your body is a sanctuary and health encompasses eating nutritious foods, exercising, and balancing mental well-being. Melissa encourages small, attainable, and practical goals to help her clients achieve a balance in all three areas. She wants her clients to enjoy the process of change, and to like the foods and exercise they incorporate into their lives. Melissa is also a fitness enthusiast and a certified spinning instructor, who has run two marathons and enjoys cooking and creating new recipes. Connect with Melissa on social media @confessionofadietitian.
