The Secret of Melissa Joan Hart’s Weight Loss: Beach Body Diet

Looking at Melissa Joan Hart’s new 113-lb. bikini body, it’s hard to believe it was only last summer she felt “horrified” by the unflattering bathing suits shots taken of her at a Southern California beach.

Her inspiration to finally get back in the best shape of her life? The women in her life, including her friend, actress Jaime Pressly, who has a son, Dezi, 2, as well as her own mom Paula, who gave birth to seven children “and is tiny!” Hart says. “I realized I didn’t have to be heavy just because I have kids.”

Adds Pressly: “She finally took the time to take care of herself. I’m blown away by how amazing she looks.”

Reclaiming her slim figure took Hart 14 months of hard work. “It didn’t happen by magic – it was as hard for me as it would be for anyone else,” she says. The fact that it took a little longer doesn’t bother her. “I didn’t want to take any time away from spending it with my sons,” she explains.

To get back in bikini shape, Hart worked with nutritionist Derek Johnson at New Metabolism to change her diet. She also hit the gym with her trainer Mark Harari at Pulse Fitness Studio.