She came second place on the biggest TV competition on earth. But even that did nothing to help singer Katharine McPhee get over her issues with her body - until now. Looking tanned and relaxed, the 26-year old American Idol runner-up showed off her toned and healthy bikini body as she rested in the shade on a sun lounger while on holiday in Santa Barbara, California this week.

The singer recently opened up to Shape magazine about her seven-year battle with bulimia and claims she is now 'in the best shape ever,' having discovered exercise. 'The more I focused on my weight, the worse my bulimia got,' she said. 'Now I’m more easygoing. I stopped fighting myself and became more forgiving of my body. Ironically, the weight came off naturally through exercise but no dieting.

The actress puts this change in priorities down to the importance of feeling healthy. 'At my last physical, the nurse took my vitals and said, "Wow, you must be taking care of yourself! Your blood pressure is perfect. You’re very healthy."

'Hearing her say that made me feel better than seeing an "ideal" number on the scale. McPhee married her boyfriend of four years Nick Cokas in February 2008 and claims this was a big influence in her growing up. 'For the last year and a half, I've taken the time to really slow down and remove myself from the whole Hollywood thing,' says the singer.

During that break, she gave herself a makeover, resulting in a stronger, sleeker body and an improved attitude about everything from her diet to her relationships. 'Three years ago, I thought I knew so much,' says Katharine. 'Now I have the maturity to understand I still have so much to learn.'