Lauren Conrad confides the true state of her self confidence in January 2008 – and more.

When we last checked in with Lauren Conrad for our 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 self 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 self confidence.

Curb your food 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 to fight food cravings. "When I have these foods in front of me, I find it easier to avoid high-calorie binges," she says.

What's Lauren’s source of inner strength?