Britney Spears admits 'dieting is tough' as she shows off her incredible bikini body on the cover of Shape magazine (with a little help from the airbrush)

PUBLISHED: 22:16 EST, 7 May 2013 | UPDATED: 08:43 EST, 8 May 2013

She was snapped just last month displaying the dreaded curse of cellulite on her thighs.

But somewhat suspiciously, Britney Spears shows not a hint of it on the cover of the June issue of Shape magazine.

The 31-year-old shows off her incredibly toned figure in a white bikini on the cover of the fitness publication, but as is routine at most magazines nowadays, she appears to have got a little help from the airbrush.

Looking good: Britney Spears showed off her incredible body in a white bikini on the June cover of Shape Magazine

Quite a change: Britney may have had help from the airbrush as she was spotted just last week in LA displaying the dreaded cellulite on her thighs

But there is no denying the pop star looks back to her athletic best on the cover, wearing an elaborate white bikini as she poses with one hand behind her head and the other on her hip.

Her bronzed skin looks smooth and taut, and she flaunts a belly button ring, a throwback to her early days when she first hit the music scene.

She wore her hair in long tousled waves over her shoulders, and highlighted her lips with a dark pink lipstick.

Britney also sizzles in an inside spread in the magazine, including one shot where she is seen standing next to a punching bag wearing a black bra and figure-hugging skirt.

The star opened up about maintaining her famous derriere, telling the publication:

'I like it, then again, I hate it. I’m in my 30s now, so I have to work harder to keep it "up."'

Britney credits yoga and the Nutrisystem weight loss programs to keep her weight in check, but she said she is struggling to remain healthy.

'Dieting is tough… because my specialties are spaghetti, brownies and chocolate chip cookies,' she admits.

Britney was clearly excited about appearing in the magazine, tweeting a picture on Tuesday from the shoot and urging her fans to watch a behind-the-scenes video, airing later that night.

But proving she is just like most women, Britney revealed that she too suffers from cellulite as she arrived at a gym in Los Angeles last week.

Dressed in a pair of checked shorts and a brown vest top, there was no mistaking Britney's orange peel thighs in the harsh sunshine.

Ready to fight: Britney tweeted a picture of herself from the Shape inside spread standing next to a punching bag wearing a black bra

Like the old days: Britney's Shape cover was reminiscent of the star's lithe dancer's body when she first hit the music scene, pictured at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2000

Outing: Britney and boyfriend David Lucado were seen holding hands, smiling and laughing after eating lunch in Westlake Village, California at Pookie Thai restaurant on Tuesday

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Having babies changes your body. Let's keep it real rather than show unrealistic pictures !!

- tam , milton Keynes, 08/5/2013 21:30

Click to rate Rating 111

Her current bf is a kook. Big and goofy- looking

- valemay , valemay, 08/5/2013 21:23

Click to rate Rating 12

Gorgeous girl!! Keep up the good work!!

- valemay , valemay, 08/5/2013 21:22

Click to rate Rating 22

Maybe the cellulite was airbrushed

- Renee' , My Little Bubble, 08/5/2013 21:12

Click to rate Rating 33

I like Britney. She has never hurt anyone I dont think. She doesnt have a nasty diva reputation etc. She does look good for a Mom with two kids. Let us all have direct noon sunshine hit our thighs...

- Marie , Panama, 08/5/2013 21:05

Click to rate Rating 78

....'With hours of help from the airbrush.' ..Jocelyn Wildenstein could be n the cover of Shape and look this good with this amount of airbrushing.

- t harlow , los angeles, United States, 08/5/2013 20:57

Click to rate Rating 5

So she has a bit of cellulite? Please, find me a woman who doesn't. At least she's a normal sized person not a stick thin underweight bobble head!

- SouthernSub , Manchester, UK, 08/5/2013 20:22

Click to rate Rating 60

Shape magazine is notorious for it's dire photoshopping and airbrushing. I think Britney looks fantastic considering the things she's put her body through over the last 10 years - for a lady who has had two kids, many strenuous tours, and numerous mental health issues, she looks damn good, cellulite and all.

- MB83 , Ireland, 08/5/2013 19:52

Click to rate Rating 136

For a 31 yr old mother of two she looks fab, but NOTHING can beat that incredible un airbrushed yr 2000 body, but that's being 18 for you!

- mrted , Glasgow, 08/5/2013 19:40

Click to rate Rating 117

Always be proud of you Brit Brit :)

- Speechless , UK, United Kingdom, 08/5/2013 19:29

Click to rate Rating 67

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