At the peak of her career, Lauren Conrad took a risk and quit The Hills...and, in the process, discovered happiness—and love.
When we last checked in with Lauren Conrad for Shape's January 2008 cover, she seemed to have everything going for her: She was the star of the hit reality show The Hills, and her high-end clothing line was in chic boutiques around the country. Yet, despite her outward success, Lauren now admits her confidence was really flagging. "People I thought I could count on were undermining me, and my self-esteem took a hit," she says. Fast-forward 18 months and it's a very different Lauren who bounces into a New York City photo studio. Despite dramatic changes in her career, the natural beauty is glowing with energy and confidence.
Curb your cravings
Despite her hectic lifestyle, Lauren's been
eating healthier than ever before. She's gone from calorie
counting to a more flexible approach: She gets plenty of fruit,
like watermelon and grapefruit; organic salad greens; and lean
protein, like turkey, tuna, and beans. "I've found when
all I'm eating is really fresh, healthy foods, I stop craving
pizza and burgers," she says. Lauren's even switched to
super nutritious nibbles (what she calls "snack plates"):
hummus, sliced turkey, cucumbers, and apples. "When I have
these foods in front of me, I find it easier to avoid high-calorie
binges," she says.
Get your "heart" rate up
One of the best things to happen to Lauren this year was starting a
relationship with actor Kyle Howard. But after just a few months of
dating, Lauren found she was getting soft around her middle.
"I call it the 'boyfriend layer,'" she says,
laughing. "We were having more
romantic dinners out, and I was exercising
less." To get back on track, the couple started working out
together. "We like doing outdoor stuff: tennis, bike riding,
kayaking, stand-up surfing, hiking in the canyons around
L.A.," says Lauren. "I just ask Kyle, 'You feel like
working out?' It's more fun than hitting the gym
alone."
Visit Shape.com to find out how LC stays strong and confident.
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