Are there really no carbs before Marbs? Get the TOWIE diet secrets
The Only Way Is Essex returned to TV screens last night, with the cast making their annual trip to Marbella for some sun, sand… and a lot of drama.
Even the most confident among us would shudder at the thought of being in a bikini on TV, so how do the TOWIE girls prep for their annual televised holiday?
With serious training, clean eating and the odd indulgence, it would seem.
Here's how your favourite female cast members ensure their bods are camera-ready.
Ferne McCann
Vegetarian Ferne gets a lot of her protein from fish and veggies, but she doesn't write off carbs altogether… at least not according to her Instagram page.
Recent pre-Marbs meals for the star included a prawn, squash & turmeric risotto, and chickpea falafel with feta cheese and courgettes.
Now that's a diet we can get on board with.
Self-confessed exercise addict Ferne had to take some time out earlier this year when she collapsed from exhaustion during a gym session.
"I didn't realise that I was addicted to exercise, it was more commitment to be honest and my body just overdid it," said the 25-year-old.
Lydia Bright
Recently returned from a trekking holiday in Peru, Lydia is well prepared for baring all on the beach in Marbs.
She has spoken before about her intense training regime and "restricted" diet, and says she works hard to maintain her physique.
"I train five times a week and do an hour and a half each day – one hour cardio and half an hour weights," she told Reveal magazine last year.
"I eat six times a day – so a little a lot. I eat loads of protein and go through a pack of chicken, pack of salmon and can of tuna a day. And lots of eggs. Most of my diet is protein but I do have carbs as well," she admitted.
Indeed, she was pictured filling up on a burger and cheesy fries on a "cheat day" before heading to South America last month.
Jess Wright
After breaking her wrist in late July, Jess has had to focus on diet rather than exercise to get her Marbella-ready.
"I try to cut carbs totally out and drink as little alcohol as possible," she told OK! Online this week.
"On the lead up I generally just eat better and try to train as much as possible.
However with my broken wrist and my busy schedule it was quite difficult to get many sessions in."
Lauren Pope
33-year-old Lauren has found the right balance between strong and skinny, after dropping to a tiny size 6 in 2012 following her first split from Kirk Norcross.
Nowadays she trains hard in the gym but isn't afraid to chow down on the odd pizza either.
Lauren trains regularly with PT Emma-Louise Burrows, using a mix of TRX, high intensity interval training and acrobatic-style Pilates to maintain her shape.
