Nancy Oakes
Oakes lost more than 20 pounds, in part by eating two to three appetizers instead of one large entrée. To satiate cravings, she picks foods high in healthy monounsaturated fat, like avocados. Plus, she says, "I brush my teeth a lot because nothing tastes good afterward."
Mark Strausman
Strausman lost 65 pounds following a realistic diet regimen of fish, vegetables and whole wheat. Instead of drizzling olive oil into vinaigrettes, he recommends measuring amounts carefully, then mixing in water. His pet peeve? Customers who order dressing on the side. "People almost always end up using more dressing that way," he says.
Jeff Tunks
Tunks didn't lose 110 pounds by taking radical steps. Indeed, his diet plan includes eating three meals a day, all before 7 p.m., and favoring high-protein meats like chicken liver. At restaurants, he recommends eating brothy soups (he especially loves Vietnamese pho), which aren't usually made with butter. How does he manage to taste dishes on the job without overeating? "I use an espresso spoon," he says.
