After a crazy 2007 that involved nervous breakdowns, custody battles and eccentric behaviour, Britney Spears' life is back on track and looking better than ever -- the pop star is back to her hot and happening self. Want to find out how she did it? Here's a page out of her dieting diary.

In a recent sit-down with OK! magazine, Brit detailed how she lost 20 pounds in a month (see her sizzle in a bikini on the cover ). "I'm the healthiest I've been all my life," she says and here's how.

Caption: Back in 2004, Britney had one of the most enviable figures on the planet -- this picture says it all!

Photograph: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

After having two children practically one after the other in 2005 and 2006, Britney's weight began fluctuating. Personal problems also took their toll and she was a far cry from her sexy, svelte self. Here's the regime she's been on this past month:

An intake of 1,200 calories a day and no more -- it may seem like too little, but Brit claims that you can have your fill if you eat the right foods.

The pop star consumes three meals a day, which are very rich in protein -- foods she consumes include chicken, salmon, rice and avocados. Breakfast usually consists of egg-whites.

And here's the toughest part -- no sugar at all! Britney avoids even fruit and fruit juices because of their natural sugar content. She takes artificial sweetener in her coffee.

Caption: Two consecutive pregnancies played havoc with the pop princess' curves, as is obvious from this photograph, taken back in 2006.

The exercise regime One look at Britney's body will tell you that she's always been tough work-outs.

There's a huge commitment involved physically -- you need to train for five days each week.

Britney seems to prefer a toned look, so her workout involves rigorous cardio exercises (read swimming, walking, jogging, cycling) and light weight-training (which always needs to be performed under supervision by a professional).

Caption: A still from Brit's disastrous MTV Video Music Awards performance last year shows how flabby the once svelte Britney became. Critics slammed her stint on stage, but her weight and wrong choice of outfit became more of an issue than her lukewarm performance.

Photograph: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Pros and cons

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of Britney's diet and fitness regimen?

On the plus side, it's not a fad diet -- Brit has lost 20 pounds simply by taking care of what she eats and working out hard. Her regime is obviously effective and healthy -- 1,200 calories a day is not a bad deal, although some experts believe it should go up to about 1,500.

On the down side, no sugar in the diet at all seems to take things a little too far. The exercise part of things also seems extreme -- not everyone has the time to hit a gym five days a week. And in case you're wondering, the popster has reportedly blown a bundle on her training -- reports estimate that it could be as much as $20,000 a month!

Caption: But she's back! The latest issue of OK! magazine shows how Brit is back to her old, sexy self -

JUST CHECK OUT THAT BOD!

Add Post To: | | | | | | | | |