Kelly Clarkson, the celebrated singer and talk show host, has captivated audiences not only with her vocal talent but also with her inspiring journey towards better health. Her weight loss transformation has been a subject of public interest, and Clarkson has been open about the lifestyle changes, medical support, and mindset shifts that have contributed to her success.
From Los Angeles to New York: A Fresh Start
In 2023, Clarkson made a significant move, relocating her talk show from Los Angeles to New York City. This decision wasn't just a career change but a pivotal step towards prioritizing her mental and physical well-being. "I was very unhappy in L.A. and had been for several years. I needed a fresh start," Clarkson told People. She emphasized that this move was essential for her mental health and the well-being of her children, providing them with a more positive environment.
Embracing an Active Lifestyle
The move to New York City brought about a more active daily routine for Clarkson. She embraced the city's walkability, incorporating more steps into her day simply by navigating the urban landscape. "Walking in the city is quite the workout," she noted. This simple yet effective change contributed significantly to her weight loss journey. Beyond the practical benefits, walking also provided an opportunity to spend quality time with her children. "We go walk the dogs a few times at the park," she shared. "We'll go for ice cream because my daughter will wear me down. We'll go make slime and we go to the museum."
The Power of Protein and Balanced Eating
Alongside increased physical activity, Clarkson also revamped her diet, focusing on a balanced approach with an emphasis on protein intake. "I eat a healthy mix," she explained. "I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor - a couple (of) years I didn’t. And 90% of the time I’m really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I’m a Texas girl, so I like meat - sorry, vegetarians in the world!" This high-protein diet helped her feel fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods.
Clarkson also emphasized the importance of not depriving herself and allowing for occasional indulgences. "I still splurge. The other night I had a frozen yogurt with my daughter, and it was magical," she added. This approach to dieting ensures sustainability and prevents feelings of restriction, making it easier to maintain long-term.
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Addressing Prediabetes and Health Concerns
In January 2024, Clarkson revealed that she had been diagnosed as prediabetic. "They were like, ‘You’re prediabetic. You’re right on the borderline.’ And I was like, ‘But I’m not there yet.’" This diagnosis served as a wake-up call, prompting her to take her health more seriously. In addition to prediabetes, Clarkson has also been open about her struggles with autoimmune and thyroid issues. These health challenges have significantly influenced her approach to weight loss and overall well-being.
The Role of Medication
Clarkson made headlines when she revealed that she was taking medication to aid in her weight loss. While she didn't specify which medication, she clarified that it was not Ozempic. "Everyone thinks it’s Ozempic - it’s not. It’s something else," she told Whoopi Goldberg. "But it’s something that aids in helping break down the sugar. Obviously my body doesn’t do it right." She explained that her doctor had been encouraging her to try medication for two years, but she was initially hesitant due to concerns about her thyroid. Ultimately, she decided to try it after noticing a significant change in her appearance on camera. "All of a sudden I paused it, and I was like, ‘Who the f*ck is that?’ You see it and you're like, ‘Well, she’s about to die of a heart attack,’" Clarkson recalled.
Navigating Criticism and Embracing Body Positivity
After sharing her experience with weight loss medication, Clarkson faced criticism from some who felt she had previously attributed her weight loss solely to walking. Whoopi Goldberg defended Clarkson on "The View," pointing out the hypocrisy of the comments. "They kick her behind when she's bigger, they kick her behind when she's lost the weight, and now they're kicking her behind because she said it out loud."
Clarkson herself has consistently emphasized that her weight does not define her happiness or self-worth. "I was never insecure about it, I was happy," she said about being at her heaviest. She has also spoken out against the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. "I fought more when I was thinner than I do now, because now I just walk in and I just look at them like, ‘I dare you to say something. I'm happy in my life. I'll work on me in my time!’”
Wellness Trends and Self-Care
In addition to diet and exercise, Clarkson has also incorporated wellness trends into her routine, such as infrared saunas and cold plunges. Infrared saunas are known for their potential benefits in muscle recovery, stress reduction, and metabolism boosting. Cold plunges are believed to improve cardiovascular health and boost metabolism. Clarkson has also emphasized the importance of mental health, revealing that she has been going to therapy. "They give you so many tools for how to navigate certain situations and also to have somebody outside your circle that doesn’t know anything, but just knows what’s happening in the now," she explained.
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The Lectin-Free Diet
In 2018, Clarkson credited her weight loss to a lectin-free diet, inspired by Dr. Steven Gundry's book, "The Plant Paradox." Lectins are proteins found in many plants, and the diet involves eliminating foods like legumes, beans, whole grains, dairy, and certain vegetables. Clarkson stated that following this diet helped her manage her autoimmune disease and thyroid issues. "I literally read this book, and I did it for this autoimmune disease that I had and I had a thyroid issue, and now all my levels are back up," she told Extra.