On TV Now
Full Schedule

Top Holiday Recipes, Lightened Up: Paula’s Rib Roast

Paula’s Foolproof Standing Rib Roast is a holiday favorite. With only 4 ingredients, there’s not much more to the recipe than tossing this bad boy in the oven. Making this recipe healthier is also pretty simple.
By: Toby Amidor, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

Food Network Paula Deen Foolproof Rib Roast

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012,Television Food Network,G.P.

Marshall Troy, FOOD NETWORK : 2012,Television Food Network,G.P.

Paula’s Foolproof Standing Rib Roast is a holiday favorite. With only 4 ingredients, there’s not much more to the recipe than tossing this bad boy in the oven.  Making this recipe healthier is also pretty simple.

Portion Distortion
It’s typical to see a recipe that calls for a 5 pound rib roast for to serve 6. Problem is, even with some of the roast coming from the bone and fat (so you’re not eating all 5 pounds), the portions still end up being about 10 ounces per person. With 75 calories per ounce, that adds up to 750 calories per person (and that’s just for the roast!). Aim for 3 to 4 ounces of beef per person, which is around 225 to 300 calories. Besides, aren't side dishes the best part of the holiday meal?
Trimming the Fat

The bone and fat help flavor your roast, but trim off some of that fat to get rid of a portion of that artery-clogging saturated fat. For some variation, choose leaner cuts of beef for around 40 calories per ounce. This will average 120 to 160 calories for a 3 to 4 ounce portion, shaving off about 105 to 140 calories per person.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

You Might Also Like:

Keep Reading

Next Up

Top Thanksgiving Recipes, Lightened Up: Paula’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

We’re lightening up some of FoodNetwork.com’s top Thanksgiving recipes. First up is Paula’s famously delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake which received top marks from our readers. But if you’re trying to watch your waistline, this dessert doesn’t come without guilt. Here are a few tips you can use to lighten up this bad boy.

FN's Top Recipes, Lightened Up: #4 Paula's Pumpkin Bars

These delectable bars were number 4 on Food Network’s Top 50 Recipes of 2009. Here are a few simple tips to lighten them up (without using lower fat ingredients!)

FN’s Top Recipes, Lightened Up: #2 Paula’s Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

It's no surprise that meatloaf ranks high on Food Network’s Top 50 Recipes of 2009 list -- who doesn't love meatloaf?! And a Paula Deen meatloaf, at that! Ms. Deen isn't known for her low-cal dishes, but we've got some simple tips for slimming this comforting classic.

Top Holiday Recipes, Lightened Up: Alton’s Free Range Fruit Cake

Top Recipes, Lightened Up: Alton’s Fried Chicken

When I taught at a culinary school, the chef’s motto was “fat equals flavor.” Unfortunately, the wrong kinds of fat can also means a bigger waistline along with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Save the real deal for a once in a while treat and try some slimming ways to cook up Alton’s famous chicken.

FN’s Top Recipes, Lightened Up: #3 Good Eats Roast Turkey

To continue with Food Network’s Top 5 Recipes here’s number 3 -- Alton Brown’s Roast Turkey. Don’t wait for Thanksgiving, this turkey recipe (and the leftovers) make a cozy winter dinner.

FN's Top Recipes, Lightened Up: #5 Chicken Enchiladas

We love Food Network’s Top 50 Recipes of 2009. We took a look at the top 5 and found ways to prepare them a bit on the lighter side. Number 5, Tyler Florence’s Chicken Enchiladas -- they’re healthier than you might think.

Top Thanksgiving Recipes Lightened Up: Tyler’s Cornbread Stuffing

FN’s Top Recipes Lightened Up: Giada’s Chicken Piccata

FN's Top Recipes, Lightened Up: #1 Baked Macaroni & Cheese

What's Cooking

Healthy Weeknight Dinners 133 Photos