Kristin Cavallari in Bathing Suit is "Proud of My Body"

Kristin Cavallari, the reality star and wellness maven, has a notoriously fit figure. However, she revealed on Instagram that she hasn’t always been comfortable with herself. Cavallari just posted a new photo of herself posing on a balcony in a black bathing suit, overlooking the ocean. She captioned the post, “I’ve been sitting on this picture for a few days going back and forth on if I should post it or not. Ultimately I decided to bc I’ve come a long way from a few years ago and I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made. I don’t even recognize the girl in those other 2 photos..and no, I never had an eating disorder..that was purely stress. I work out really hard and am dedicated to a healthy lifestyle and I think just because I’m a mom doesn’t mean I can’t be proud of my body and be comfortable in my skin. So, here ya go.” How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Kristin Cavallari stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

1. She’s Motivated By Her Kids

Cavallari didn’t always live a healthy lifestyle. She tells Glamour that becoming a mother inspired her to change her diet. ‘‘It wasn't until I became pregnant with my first son Camden that I really changed my lifestyle. I decided to eat real, whole food but to enjoy it and give into cravings as long as the cravings weren't heavily processed."

2. She Works Out Her Lower Body

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Cavallari broke down her favorite workouts to Glamour. She says that she does a lot of lower body workouts, since that is the part of her body she wants to focus on. “Maintaining muscle in my butt is my forever challenge. No matter what I do, it stays pretty small (lol).”

3. She Avoids Certain Ingredients

Cavallari eats a lot of natural, organic food. She tells Glamour that she looks at what ingredients a food has, before she buys them. “I never look at calories, only the ingredient label. If there are crazy additives in it, I stay away. When I'm cooking at home, I cook gluten free and I never use cow's milk.”

4. She Starts Slow

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Cavallari eats a healthy diet. And it took her a while to get there. She advises Glamour readers that in order to live her lifestyle, you have to start slow. “Pick 3 additives you want to stay away from and just start with those until they become second nature. For example, corn syrup, added colours, and MSG are additives I will never eat."

5. She Gives Herself Grace

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Cavallari might live a healthy lifestyle, but she does allow herself breaks. She says that this helps her overall relationship with food. “It’s important to give ourselves grace and not beat ourselves up,” she said to Us Weekly. “For so many years in my early 20s, I was all or nothing. I have the best relationship I’ve ever had with food and health because I’ve let go of a lot of that control. It’s about consistency — just keep showing up.”