She wears makeup to the gym; she’s a savvy businesswoman with two TV shows, an app and a book; and she’s the rock who nursed her ex through his recent health crisis. Khloé Kardashian is obviously smart, confident and strong. Here’s how she lost 16 kg, tapped into her inner toughness, and became a healthy body champion (haters be damned).
She wears makeup to the gym; she’s a savvy businesswoman with two TV shows, an app and a book; and she’s the rock who nursed her ex through his recent health crisis. Khloé Kardashian is obviously smart, confident and strong. Here’s how she lost 16 kg, tapped into her inner toughness, and became a healthy body champion (haters be damned).
In mid-2015, everything in Khloé Kardashian’s life seemed to be falling into place. She had just launched her lifestyle app; her TV talk show, Kocktails With Khloé, was scheduled to start airing in the US; and she was about to kick off a tour for her book, Strong Looks Better Naked. Plus, she was in her best physical shape ever.
Khloé (Koko to her friends) was hitting the gym five days a week and had recently dropped 16 kg. Her transformation was so impressive that the producers at E! had convinced her to host a new weight loss reality show called Revenge Body – a fitting title for the Kardashian sister who says people used to refer to her as “the fat one.”
But on Oct 13, Khloé got the news that her soon-to-be- ex-husband, former National Basketball Association star Lamar Odom, had been found unconscious from a suspected drug overdose. “I was told he had four hours to live,” says Khloé, 32, who immediately flew to Las Vegas to be with him.
She spent the next two months as his primary caregiver, providing love and support for the man she still calls her soulmate. “I know it was very confusing to the world,” she says. “Because I was with him, everyone thought we were getting back together. But there was no one else to make the important medical decisions. I had to be there to make sure he would survive. I learnt that strength is how you handle the good and the bad, and the situation with Lamar was where I found my strength.”
The one thing she had no time for during that vigil were her workouts. “I didn’t leave the hospital for six weeks straight,” she recalls. “Being away from the gym that long took a huge toll.”
Today, Khloé is back on track with her healthy lifestyle – and feeling better than ever. And she’s ready to share her rules for being strong and happy, and standing up for yourself.
Fierce gaze
Eye makeup that won’t melt during your midday gym dash? Khloé’s a pro at that. “I’m a mascara girl; I wear it at all times,” she says. “But I’m very protective of my lashes, so I’m hesitant to use a waterproof formula.” If you relate, apply a single swoosh of waterproof mascara on top of your favourite everyday mascara so that the harsh, water-resistant polymers don’t come in contact with your lashes.
Try Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara ($34, www.sephora.sg). For even more definition, rim your upper and lower lash lines with a budge-proof eyeliner like K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eye Pencil 24H Waterproof ($19.90, Watsons).
Make Your Health a Priority – No Buts
“When Lamar and I broke up [in 2013], I had all these emotions that I didn’t know what to do with. Some people suggested therapy, but instead I joined my local Equinox gym, where I’d get on an elliptical and watch bad reality TV.
As a result, I started losing weight. Once I realised I could shed some kilos that way, I began working out regularly with my trainer, Gunnar Peterson, and I made a commitment to get healthy. He taught me that the trick to staying motivated is to find what you really love to do. We did cardio, calisthenics, circuit training, pilates and boxing.”
Look Good Along the Way
“When I buy a cute outfit, I’m super excited to go to the gym the next day. And when I look good at the gym, I’m inspired to do an extra squat or an extra lunge. Just because you’re going to work out, you don’t have to look like a slob. I also always wear hoop earrings; they’re like my security blanket.
People laugh at me, but why not? They make me feel more dressed up. I also wear makeup when I work out. I put on a tinted moisturiser, mascara and cherry lip balm, and fill in my eyebrows. If I feel cuter with a little lip colour and mascara, why should anybody else care?”
Dewy skin
Like Koko, you probably skip full-coverage foundation when working out. But you can still go with light coverage to even out imperfections. Just make sure you choose an oil-free mineral-based powder like Youngblood Cosmetics Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder ($68, Asterspring), which won’t trap perspiration and clog pores.
A little highlighter on the high points of your cheeks and below your brows can boost your post-workout glow. We like Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured in Opal ($58, www.sephora.sg).
Burn Off a Bad Mood
“When Lamar was at the hospital, I stopped doing the one thing I really needed: exercise. The gym takes all the anxiety away when I’m overwhelmed or stressed out. Now I’m back to three days a week with Gunnar and turning exercise into a habit again.
Other days, Kourtney and I do ‘sister’ workouts with her trainer, Don [of Don-A-Matrix Training], who is fabulous.If I can’t get to the trainer, I take spinning or yoga classes. And if I don’t have time to go to a class, I use the treadmill I have at home.
This morning, I couldn’t go to the gym, so I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, and now I feel so happy. It clears my mind of all the crap and puts me in a really good mood.”
Think Before You Eat…
“Sticking with a regular workout routine definitely affects my diet. When I’m mindful about exercising, I’m mindful about the fuel I’m putting in my body. And I find that when I work out in the morning, I want to make better eating choices for the rest of the day.
My biggest mistake when I’m really busy is that I tend to skip breakfast and end up starving or bingeing on fast food. That’s why I always keep almond butter packs in my car. Otherwise, though, I am a creature of habit and stick with the same foods.
I like a banana and almond butter for breakfast, a protein shake after my workout, Chinese chicken salad for lunch, and steamed veggies and chicken for dinner. I gave up dairy, and that totally changed my body, but it’s the hardest thing for me to stop eating because I love cheese.”
…but Always Build in Treats
“When it comes to junk food, I’m a kid at heart. I love chicken fingers, french fries and soda. But when someone once showed me what a gram of sugar looks like and told me how much is in a can of soda, it blew my mind and I gave it up.
I’m replacing bad habits with healthy addictions. Now I make baked sweet potato fries, and they taste just as good. I’m also obsessed with flavoured water. I bought a few infusers and always have some in my fridge.
I love lemon, orange, raspberry and blueberry water. Throw in some fresh mint, and they’re delicious.”
"I don’t want to go completely barefaced to the gym, and that’s my preference. If I feel cuter with a little lip colour and mascara, then why should anyone else care?"
Bright lips
To keep your colour in place as you sweat it out, opt for a lip stain that won’t smudge. We like Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain ($54, Sephora), which gives you a just-bitten red hue with a little shine.Khloé prefers a stronger shade, such as Innisfree Vivid Tint Rouge in Summer Sunlight Red ($16). “I’ve totally gone for spinning with a bold lip,” she says. “Sometimes you need a little something to get you through your workout.” Plus, choosing a pink-red tint that matches your workout instantly enhances the effect.”
Make a Road Map to Success
“Experts are always saying to create a vision board, but with all due respect, who has time to cut out pictures and tape them to a bulletin board? So instead, I write down my goals and envision the results. I do believe that if you put something out into the universe, it will happen.
One goal I wrote down was to get back to my exercise routine. I read that goal every day so I stay motivated and on track. These days, I’m trying to find my balance with friends, family, work, and the thing I need most to keep moving forward, which for me is the gym.”
Love Your Shape
“I love my shape because I’ve earned every curve. I work hard at the gym to get it. But I also loved my shape before, when I was even curvier. I was always incredibly comfortable in my skin. Everybody else saw me in a different way, but I didn’t see myself that way.
I still wore bodycon dresses back then; I didn’t cover up with a muumuu. Today, I put in the work to get the curves I have and every bit of firmness. I feel empowered and badass that I was able to accomplish everything I have.”
"I love my shape because I’ve earned every curve. I work hard at the gym to get it. But I also loved my shape before, when I was even curvier.”
Speed round with Khloé
Spinning or running?: “Spinning, because it pushes me and I’m sopping wet afterwards. Also, I’ve had three knee surgeries and I hate running.”
Favourite body part?: “My booty and my legs, because they’re strong and I like how quickly I can see results.”
Body part you’re working on now?: “I’ve had a lifelong battle with my arms. No matter what I do, they always seem flabby.”
Gym pet peeve?: “I hate it when people take secret pictures of me when I’m in really ridiculous workout poses or squats. That’s not cute. Just ask me for a photo!”
Khloé’s workout playlist
Famous, Kanye West, featuring Rihanna. “I was literally singing it so loud just now on my treadmill in the garage, pretending to be a singer,” Khloé says.
Work, Rihanna
Formation, Beyoncé
Make Me Like You, Gwen Stefani
Keep Ya Head Up, Tupac
