The Stunning Transformation Of Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is almost as famous for her toned legs as she is for her stunning voice. But she confessed to Women's Health that she didn't always prioritize her fitness or nutrition until she read a message board online criticizing her weight while she appeared on "American Idol." While she knew she shouldn't care what other people think, she also realized the carb-heavy diet she was eating didn't make her feel good. "I knew I could be better for myself, and I let my haters be my motivators," she said. 

She started paying more attention to her food intake and fitness and soon noticed she felt better. So, she kept pushing herself by exercising more and eating less, admitting to consuming as little as 800 calories a day. "As soon as you start making little tweaks, people immediately go, 'You look so great!' Then you start wondering, 'How bad did I look before?'" she told People. "Then it's like, 'Well, I guess I should keep on going.' Then you start eating less."

In November 2005, she started to binge eat after skipping meals, telling Women's Health, "​​Your body is screaming out, 'I need more calories, I need more carbs!'" When asked by People if she had an eating disorder, Underwood said she did not because she wasn't trying to starve herself intentionally. "I just didn't know how many calories I should be eating," she said.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).