We fell in love with Bethenny's wit, charm and fantastic impersonations of her cast mates on The Real Housewives of New York City. Of course, she's also got the moves in the kitchen. AndrewZimmern.com spoke to the Skinnygirl herself about her new best-selling book, her favorite restaurants in NYC, and making healthy, delicious food choices without feeling deprived. 

AndrewZimmern.com:  How did you get your start in the kitchen?

Bethenny Frankel:  As a child I would watch cooking shows rather than cartoons. I have always loved to cook and could make the best scrambled eggs around. My confidence in the kitchen began at culinary school for food and healing.

AZ.com:  Your new book, Naturally Thin: Unleash Your SkinnyGirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting, is currently on the New York Times Bestseller List.  Why do you think this book resonates with people?

BF:  This book is the massive gold key that unlocks the safe to thinness forever with no deprivation, no dieting, no gimmicks and teaches people how to have a healthy relationship with food and turn their food noise into a food voice.

AZ.com:  What are some simple ways to incorporate healthier eating habits into your life without giving up great tasting food?

BF:  Your diet is a bank account and you decide how and where to invest. Good investment foods are higher in fiber, brighter in color and lower in calories. My book contains a toolbox of tips that will guide you through any date, vacation, holiday, mini-mart or any situation in life.

AZ.com:  This August, you’re launching Skinnygirl Margarita, a ready-to-serve, low-calorie margarita. What’s the story behind Skinnygirl drinks?

BF:  Skinnygirl cocktails are the cocktails you can trust. They are bottled cocktails  All natural and lightly sweetened with Agave Nectar, it has only 96 calories in a full serving, (equal to a glass of white wine).

AZ.com:  Summer is always chockfull of parties, barbeques and lots of food.  It can get pretty easy to overindulge. What are some ways to keep from totally pigging out?

BF:  Use my taste everything-eat nothing rule, have a plan for every situation. Spoil your appetite beforehand with a good investment snack and share with others to experience a variety with no deprivation.

AZ.com:  Five favorite places to eat in New York City.

BF:  Avenue, STK, La Esquina, The Little Owl, Tao

AZ.com:  What’s in your fridge?
 
BF:  Several bottles of synergy kombucha tea, bottles from every liquor brand under the sun asking me to test their products and be a spokesperson, assorted nuts, assorted cheeses, limes, every condiment under the sun, firm tofu, an apple, a can of dog food, wine, salad dressing, butter, soy cheese, cocoa powder, flour, oats (they're perishable), flavored extracts, perishable skin care, juice, low-fat icing and low-fat red velvet cake (both are tests recipes for book 2) hummus, an onion, an apple, granola

Bethenny Frankel is the inventor of the Skinnygirl Margarita and author of the New York Times best-seller Naturally Thin, available everywhere books are sold. Information, updates and recipes can be found at www.bethenny.com and www.skinnygirlcocktails.com.

Bethenny is a master fix-ologist, famous for taking calorie-rich foods and revamping or fixing them, making healthier versions without compromising flavor. Her favorite cocktail, the Margarita, became the Skinnygirl Margarita, which she recreated with clear tequila, lime juice and only a splash of citrus liquor, drastically reducing the calories. This summer, Bethenny’s ready-to-serve Skinnygirl Margarita will be available in stores nationwide.  All natural and lightly sweetened with Agave Nectar, it has only 100 calories in a full 4 oz serving. Skinnygirl is 'The Margarita you can Trust'."