Chefs Rock Serious Weight Loss For American Cancer Society (PHOTOS)

It's hard enough for regular folk to lose weight, but can you imagine sticking to a diet amidst the temptations of a restaurant kitchen?

A group of Washington, D.C-based chefs (and one sommelier) did just that as part of the 12-week "Fit for Hope" challenge to promote the American Cancer Society's Taste of Hope event.

Two participants tied for first place: Pizzeria Orso's executive chef Will Artley, who dropped a whopping 65 pounds, and Restaurant Eve sommelier Todd Thrasher, who lost 45.9. Both dropped about 20 percent of their original body weight. "Top Chef" star Mike Isabella also held his own, shaving 36.5 pounds off his frame, and chef RJ Cooper of Rogue 24 also lost 42 pounds.

“I feel like a different person,” Artley told Washingtonian magazine. He attributes his weight loss to three-a-day workouts, leaving the restaurant at a reasonable time and not denying himself the occasional treat. “It was all about balancing,” he said. “I wasn’t getting rid of things I liked in my life.”

Take a look at 10 of the most impressive "Fit for Hope" weight loss transformations below. Great work, everyone!