Carrie's Weight Loss Secrets

Carrie Underwood reveals that she gained 20 pounds during her time on American Idol, and, for the first time, discusses how she slimmed down in the February issue of Shape magazine.

Carrie knew that she would need more than just a low-calorie, healthy diet to lose those 20 pounds. So, she bought a notebook and started a food diary, keeping track of her daily food intake. "I discovered that writing down everything I eat makes such a difference, because you never realize how much you're consuming until you read it later in the day," Carrie tells Shape. Carrie also set up a mini-gym at her home in Nashville and hired a personal trainer to help her with her exercise regimen. "Working out has really paid off onstage," Carrie reveals. The February issue of Shape, featuring Carrie on the cover, hits newsstands Monday, Jan. 14.

• published January 14, 2008