Should you cut carbs? What about fat? We went to Hollywood’s hottest heavyweights to find out how they keep off the weight. Check out what the stars told us they do to maintain their sleek physiques.

Rule 1: No Starvation Diets

New York nutritionist Barrie Wolfe says starvation diets are the worst way to shed weight: "They slow down metabolism, they decrease muscle mass and they're impossible to maintain."

Sexy "Las Vegas" star Josh Duhamel told us he tried one and went bust. "I can't do it for more than one day or two. You end up gorging yourself afterward," he admitted.

Rule 2: Don't Skip Meals

Barrie recommends eating 3 to 5 times a day. This serves to rev up your metabolism and prevent over eating.

"The Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic says small meals get him fired up: "I just balance it out, I try to eat healthy!"

Rule 3: Stop Eating After 8 p.m.

Barrie also says to forget those late night snacks: "After 8 p.m. your metabolism is slowing down and all those calories will go with you straight to bed."

Rule 4: Don’t Cut Carbs Completely

Surprised? Don’t be. Low carb diets may be all the rage, but as "Everwood's" newest star, Scott Wolfe, knows, you shouldn't cut them out completely. "Anytime you’re taking something out of your diet that your body actually utilizes and eats, that's not so good," Scott insists.

And Barrie agrees, saying the answer is to choose good carbs like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Rule 5: Plan to be Bad

Let a little of the pressure off and enjoy yourself -- having fun food will make it much easier to stick to your diet and reach your goals. Nicolette Sheridan is all about the bad, admitting, "We love to eat pizza, French fries!"

Barrie says Nicolette is on the right track, "Allow yourself a treat once in a while. It's the key to long term success!"

The Bottom Line

So after all that, what's the best way to lose the weight? Barrie’s recipe for success is simple: "Exercising, watching your portions, allowing yourself to have your favorite foods, and I suggest you eat your protein first."

Sounds like a plan!