The One Thing Tim McGraw Gave Up to Lose Weight

From chubby country crooner to svelte southern star, this artist has the six-pack abs to prove it. READ: Tim McGraw's Real Name (And 16 Other Country Stars Who Changed Their Names) Back in March, singer Tim McGraw proudly displayed his 40-pound weight loss by jet-pack flying during St. Patrick’s Day, getting fans hot and bothered on Instagram by his well-sculpted stomach. And while the 47-year-old has been open about how he got into Herculean shape, he recently dished to Men’s Health about the one thing he gave up to not only shed the pounds, but also to make his wife Faith Hill and their three daughters happy. That guilty pleasure? Booze. “I drank too much,” says McGraw to the magazine. “I partied too much. And did other things too much. Chemically. No needles or that kind of stuff, but…use your imagination.” PHOTOS: Tim McGraw Shows Off Abs, Reveals Weight Loss Secrets According to People Magazine, McGraw saw himself heading in the same direction as country singer Keith Whitley, who died of alcohol poisoning in 1989. “Keith Whitley taught me how demons can overtake you if you let ‘em,” says McGraw. “And I was headed down that path. You feel like you’re supposed to be ‘on’ all the time. Then you drink and get onstage, and all of a sudden you feel confident and powerful. “It becomes a habit,” adds the chart topper. “Up until seven years ago, there were not a lot of shows that I didn’t have something in my system.” PHOTOS: Country Music's 10 Hottest Couples It also helped to look at photos himself, where he witnessed first-hand the massive pooch taking over his midsection. “I was looking at some old concert shots the other day,” says McGraw. “Man, my gut! I was up there in a see-through shirt–I thought I was lookin’ good!” But don’t think McGraw has given up on alcohol completely. To maintain his weight loss efforts, he only drinks in moderation. For example, on St. Patrick’s Day, he sipped sherry over beer and hard liquor. His main focus these days is weight training and sticking to healthier eating habits whenever possible, perfect for the man who’s prepping for his summer tour. READ: How to Get Carrie Underwood's Toned Body See the transformation for yourself: