Written by: Angelica Monk

She’s a four-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actor.

She was part of one of the biggest groups in entertainment history, her sultry-voiced graced our ears with hits such as “No, No, No,” “Say My Name,” “Dilemma,” and “Motivation.” And on top of it all, she’s a mommy. I was thrilled to get the chance to chat with the one and only — Kelly Rowland.

Kelly has teamed up with Honey Nut Cheerios to support their Happy Hearts initiative, a program aimed at inspiring people to adopt simple, enjoyable behaviors that make their heart happy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 American adults have high cholesterol. People with high cholesterol have about twice the risk of heart disease as people with lower levels. To help keep hearts healthy, medical experts recommend practicing healthy living habits, like maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough physical activity and eating a heart-healthy diet which can include foods made with whole grain oats, like Honey Nut Cheerios. (2015; cdc.gov)

Kelly Rowland discussed how she incorporates the Happy Hearts initiative into her life, how she balances motherhood with everything else, and, of course, her music.

You are multifaceted; you are a singer, songwriter, entertainer, businesswoman, mother, and wife. How do you incorporate the core of your Happy Hearts campaign, finding the balance and doing the simple things that you love?

I am learning how to balance it all. You learn as the days go by. I remember when I first had Titan, I asked someone, “How do you balance it all?” and they’re like, “Honey, you learn every single day.” Because, of course, every woman’s journey in life is so different from the next. You basically learn what works for you.

It was easy to team up with Honey Nut Cheerios because they’re on a mission to inspire happy hearts. Having a happy, healthy heart should be joyful. It shouldn’t be thought of as, “Oh, my God, I have to go work out,” or “I need to meal prep.” Sometimes we think [of being healthy] as a chore, and I didn’t want to think about it like that. I want to encourage other people not to think about it like that. It’s your heart, you know what I mean? It controls everything that you do in life. Whether that’s exercising, having proper nutrition, or even keeping stress levels down, all of that has to do with [your heart]. You have to make sure that you really pay attention to that.

It’s really about encouraging people to adopt easy ways and activities to get them moving, get them outside playing with their kids or grandkids, or walking their dog. Just last week me and some friends went skating, and it completely put me out. That day, I actually didn’t exercise. I was like, “Oh, I just exercised.” We were there for an hour, and I definitely felt I had gotten my hours’ worth of exercise, burned some calories, and got my heart pumping. So you can find what works for you. That’s what I’ve done in my life: finding what works for me and my schedule and making it work.

What was it like transitioning from being in this supergroup [Destiny’s Child], on the road and touring to becoming a mother and a wife? How was that adjustment?

When I got pregnant, I remember starting the whole “cool out.” I called it the “cool out” zone. I had my last show, when I was about six months pregnant. I was still able to hide it, but I was out by that time. After that, I definitely sat down and started nesting and had a really, really good time in that process. I started with my doula, who taught me how to breathe, and I embraced the whole venture into motherhood. I had a great time doing it. I felt like my life was just so fast, it was easy for me to slow down. [Laughs.]

You have the most amazing skin, it literally glows. What is your skincare routine?

Well, first I have to give honor to my grandmother, Ella Mae, who started this whole skincare process. Her skin was amazing, and my mother’s skin was amazing. I definitely think that I got it from them. My mom was a skincare fanatic. She absolutely has to have the new, best facial wash, and serum, and cream and mask, and this, and that. We would do that together — I remember that fondly. We would have masks on together. I got it from her. She’s the one who made me a little excited about skincare. I do love it.

I also drink a lot of water. I do think that what I’m eating helps. I’ve recently been eating vegetables and not a whole bunch of meat, but I’m still a meat girl at heart. I eat meat, maybe once a week, and I see a complete difference in my skin. I think that you have to figure out what works for you. When you do figure it out, it is the best thing because you can actually see what you’re giving your body on the inside basically radiating out.

You’re a such great shape, and you’re a mom on top of it all. What is your workout regimen?

I am definitely in the gym at least four to five times a week. I enjoy it. It’s a part of self-care. It’s time that I get to myself where I get everything out and burn it all off. You know what I mean? It’s break time for myself. I also meditate. My meditation has changed my life

Is there any music on the way? Any new projects? What can we look forward to in the future from Kelly?

Absolutely, new music, movies. A movie that I’m really excited about I can’t talk too much about. Also, I’m really excited about my new Fabletics campaign. I’m actually getting ready to release that in September. Great things happening.

Awesome, so new music is on the way. Just for fun, what’s on your current playlist?

A Tribe Called Quest, Sade, and Lucky Daye are on my playlist.

New music is on the way, a new movie is in the works, more Fabletics, and of course more Happy Hearts. We are definitely looking forward to any and everything that comes our way from Kelly Rowland.

The Honey Nut Cheerios brand is encouraging people to adopt simple, fun behaviors that get them active like gardening with a loved one, or parking further away from the entrance to get your steps in. And of course, eating three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Honey Nut Cheerios, which can help lower cholesterol as part of a heart-healthy diet.  Honey Nut Cheerios provides 0.75 grams of soluble fiber per serving.

Join the Cheerios Whole Heart Challenge on MyFitnessPal! From now through August, consumers can participate in the challenge by tracking their food and fitness for a chance to win badges, points, and prizes worth up to $5,000!  for the chance to win prizes and participate in fun challenges that will help your entire lifestyle. For more information, visit www.cheerios.com/hearts-matter.com