A new book gives advice to how returning alumni can look their best in time for a high school or college reunion. NY1's Health reporter Kafi Drexel filed the following report.

Kathleen Silloway's 40th high school reunion is right around the corner, and before she takes a trip back down memory lane to the miniskirts of 1970, she wants to make sure she's looking her best in 2010.

"When I was in high school I was extremely overweight. I got up to 240 pounds, so I had a particular identity at that point," says Silloway. "I've been back at 20 years and I just had a baby, so I was still a little round. But at this point, I'm feeling more in control of my life and other things, so I want to have how I feel represented by how I look."

She's following "The Reunion Diet," a new diet book from registered dietician Lisa Dorfman. There may be no better motivator than the fear of facing the judgmental vibe of old peers one hasn't seen in years, but why not treat every day like an upcoming reunion?

"You are always going to bump into someone you know somewhere, so why not look your best all the time?" says Dorfman.

To take some of the pressure off the possibility of running into that old boyfriend or frenemy while looking like a schlub, Dorfman says dieters should focus on specific foods that actually help lose weight. Two dependable diet staples are foods that are rich in fiber and proteins.

"Typically diets are constipating. I don't want my clients to be, you know, uncomfortable when they are trying to lose weight," says Dorfman. "Something like strawberries and oatmeal are very high in fiber, nutrient-rich breakfasts."

Fill up on needed protein with portion-controlled and nutrient-rich lunch and dinner options like salad with tuna, or chicken with brown rice and some greens.

"I want my dieters to exercise and so they might feel a little sore along the way. So in terms of helping them to recover better, we're looking for good, lean protein sources," says Dorfman.

To slow down dieters' eating rates and to help stick to smaller portions, Dorfman has also created her own version of chopsticks.

Silloway says the plan is already starting to work for her.

"I feel better. My clothes are fitting better too," says Silloway.

So eat your hearts out, Class of 1970, but make sure to keep the dressing on the side.