Faith Hill turns 41- and gives herself the gift of a hot, bikini body

Country singer Faith Hill is turning 41. And she's giving herself a special gift: She's posing in a bikini for the December issue of Shape magazine (on sale October 27).

Why such a gift? Because after years of waffling when it comes to working out, she's been transformed by a good diet and exercise. And she's proud to show the the world -- and herself -- what she's got.

Hill is passionate about food -- she has powerful memories of watching her mom cook Southern meals made from ingredients picked from the garden. She's got her own garden now, and fresh organic veggies and Mediterranean meals are abundant in her household. Greek yogurt with bluberries, whole-wheat toast, and Greek salads with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta are favorites. No low-carb diets for this active girl.

Another one of Hill's passions: Exercise. Typical workouts include pilates, four miles on the elliptical, light weight lifting, crunches, and push-ups. The result? Her core is stronger than ever, her arms are toned, she's sleeping better, and her energy is way up. Nothing like when she was in her 20s and 30s, when she'd work out just four weeks before a big tour or video shoot and then give it all up. Nope, this wife of country music star Tim McGraw and mom to three growing girls (ages 11, 10, and 6), has it all figured out. Yay for her. And a happy birthday too.