Miranda Lambert told reporters backstage at the 2013 CMA Awards that her upcoming 30th birthday inspired her new, slimmer, healthier figure. Her secret isn't so secret -- exercise and better eating habits allowed her to shed unwanted pounds.

"I just feel like I needed to get ahead of the game," Lambert says, according to People. The above pictures show her at the 2012 CMA Awards compared to Wednesday's 2013 CMA Awards.

"I'm going to be 30 on Sunday (Nov. 10) and people say, 'Are you OK about turning 30?' and I guess I am, but I guess I’m not because I feel like everybody always says 'It goes downhill from there,'" Lambert explains, "So I just thought, maybe if I get ahead of it a little I won't have to work so hard later in life."

Naturally, life on the road often means fast food and booze with very little sleep. Lambert implies that she cut only one of those vices from her diet: "I didn’t give up drinking. I refused. You have to drink to put up with my husband!"

She was joking, of course.

Almost lost in Lambert's weight loss conversation was the star's confession that she has a new album coming out in the spring. She wants people to know that she cares about all aspects of her career. Plus, the 2013 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year winner really didn't have to give up too much.

"Just Cheetos mostly!" she assures. "But I might have some tonight, just to celebrate."

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