Miranda Lambert dropped a dress size by cutting back her portions and working out prior to the 2013 CMA Awards. Cardio, circuit training and store-bought, prepared pressed juices are her secret. The result is a body she's glad people are noticing, but especially husband Blake Shelton.

"He said, 'I have never had a problem with any way you look at any point -- you are beautiful to me at any size and every size,'" Lambert tells People. "But he has been proud of my hard work on this. He brags on me. That makes me feel great."

Fans and friends really started to notice during 2013 CMA Awards week. That's when Lambert said she started realizing people were paying attention. “You want people to notice when you’ve worked hard and feel good," she shares. "That’s part of the reward. It’s a great motivator."

Previously, Lambert confessed that she gave up a few sin foods -- like Cheetos. “I didn’t give up drinking," she adds. "I refused. You have to drink to put up with my husband!”

Instead, everything got cut in half. She also brought a trainer on tour with her. They do lunges and resistance band exercises in addition to cardio work. Assures Lambert, "The stuff nobody loves, but it works!"

Sunday was the country superstar's 30th birthday, and that was one of the things that motivated her to get in better shape. She says she felt like she needed to get "ahead of the game" and prove she's dedicated to her career in every way possible.

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