Kelly Clarkson Explains How She ‘Dropped Weight’: ‘I’ve Been Listening to My Doctor’ (Exclusive)

Kelly Clarkson is building a new life — and a new look — in the big city.

As a single mother to daughter River Rose, 9, and son Remington Alexander, 7, Clarkson, 41, now calls New York home. “I was very unhappy in LA for several years. I needed a fresh start,” he tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story.

Kelly Clarkson covers this week’s issue of PEOPLE.

Weiss Eubanks

In moving her hit talk show from LA to NYC, “we told NBC, ‘I’m not trying to sound ungrateful, I just can’t stay here anymore for my mental health; for me and my kids.’ It wasn’t going well for them either. For the past few years, I’ve just been showing up and smiling and doing what I’m supposed to be doing, but you can only share until you break.”

Typical non-work days now revolve around exploring the city with her children (whom she shares with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, 47). “We’re going to walk the dogs in the park a few times. We will go for ice cream because my daughter will tire me out. We’re going to make slime and we’re going to the museum,” she says.

Kelly Clarkson performs on the Today show on September 22, 2023 in New York City.

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Clarkson credits their exercise activities with helping him get in shape. “Walking around the city is a real exercise,” she says. “I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just caught a cold because everyone wore me out.”

As for her diet, “I eat a healthy mix. I lost weight because I listened to my doctor – I hadn’t for several years. And 90 percent of the time I’m really good at it because my protein diet is good for me anyway. I’m a Texas girl, so I love meat — sorry, vegetarians of the world!”

Kelly Clarkson attends the SiriusXM Next Generation event on November 8, 2023 in New York City.

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The move to NYC allowed Clarkson the opportunity to “be present” on her show, which was just nominated for a Critics Choice Award for Best Talk Show (the only daytime show and host in the category).

“I’ve been going through some very difficult years, and even in the first season it was difficult behind closed doors,” she says. “Just to be able to go into season five feeling good and knowing my kids are feeling good — and the dust has settled. Season 5 is my first season where I’m actually enjoying every minute of it.”

What would you advise your 15-year-old self now? “It’s going to get easier,” Clarkson says. “I’ve always been the kind of person who is a bit hard on myself. I would say, ‘It’s not going to happen anytime soon, but eventually it will be easier. Around 41, you’ll really get your act together.’ ”

The Kelly Clarkson Show broadcasts on weekdays. Check local station listings and times.

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