Kelly Clarkson Explains How She Lost Weight: “I’m Taking My Power Back”

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Kelly Clarkson revealed details about her recent weight loss, explaining the methods she employed to shed pounds.

Now a single mom, the singer is fully embracing her new life in New York City for the fifth season of her popular talk show.

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Upon the return of The Kelly Clarkson Show in the fall, fans promptly observed Clarkson‘s smaller physique. She seemed to remain quiet on the subject until a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

Relocating her hit talk show from L.A. to N.Y.C., she told PEOPLE, “I’m not trying to sound ungrateful, I just can’t stay here anymore for my mental health; for me and my kids. We need a fresh start. They weren’t doing well either. For the past few years, I’d just been showing up and smiling and doing what I’m supposed to do, but you can only compartmentalize so long until you break.”

Now that she has moved and is prioritizing her mental health, how did she achieve such significant weight loss?

Kelly revealed the regimens she’s followed to shed pounds in recent months.

Living in the Big Apple has led to her walking more than before, a factor she attributes to her weight loss.

“Walking in the city is quite the workout,” Clarkson remarked. “I woke up the other day and I was like, ‘What did I do?'”

After being worn down by colleagues, she also admitted that she is really into infrared saunas and cold plunges, which can both aid in significant weight loss.

“2 minutes, 10 seconds the infrared sauna I love sweating. It’s weird, but I really like it.”

According to Perspire Sauna Studio, weight loss from infrared sauna use is attributed to the fact that sweating profusely allows your body to rapidly eliminate the toxins that are essentially trapping fat cells inside of your body. And according to Urban Ice Tribe, when you plunge into an ice bath, your body releases norepinephrine, which plays a crucial part in transforming white fat cells to metabolically active brown fat.

“I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor,” Clarkson stated. She then added humorously, “You know, you should probably do that.”

Clarkson attributes her and her children’s active lifestyle for aiding her in achieving fitness. “We go walk the dogs a few times at the park. We’ll go for ice cream because my daughter will wear me down. We’ll go make slime and we go to the museum,” she says.

As for her diet, Clarkson says she eats a healthy mix. “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…”

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Kelly made it clear that she and her children are happy and loving their new life in the city.

“I’m extremely happy. I’m in such a loving environment; my kids are as well. We’re just doing really well and we’re happy about the move.”