Kelly Clarkson says she lost weight by 'listening to my doctor' and eating a 'protein diet'

• Kelly Clarkson discussed her recent weight loss in an interview with People magazine.
• She said leaving Los Angeles for New York City has improved her mental and physical health.
• "I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor — a couple years I didn't," she said.

Kelly Clarkson opened up about her health in a new cover story for People.

The "Breakaway" singer recently left Los Angeles for New York City, which she credited with improving her mental wellness.

"I was very unhappy in LA and had been for several years. I needed a fresh start," she told the magazine. "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."

Clarkson's two children, 9-year-old daughter River Rose and 7-year-old son Remington Alexander, have also enjoyed the move. She said exploring the city has encouraged a more active lifestyle.

"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 said. "Walking in the city is quite the workout.

Clarkson also eats a "healthy mix" of foods, which she said helped contribute to her recent weight loss.

"I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor — a couple years I didn't," she explained. "And 90 percent 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!"

On top of her Emmy-winning talk show on NBC, Clarkson's latest album, "Chemistry," was recently nominated for a Grammy Award.

She said the creative process helped her work through negativity, especially in the wake of her split from Brandon Blackstock. (Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020 after seven years of marriage.)

"I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet," she told People. "Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard. You feel alone, and it's just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming."

"I'm taking my power back,'" she added. "That sounds very therapy, but that's because I love therapy, and I think it's important to have those tools to navigate your life and relationships."