Heidi Klum: ‘The Myth That Models Don’t Eat Is Totally Not True’

Heidi Klum takes good care of her body — which means she doesn’t starve herself.

“The myth that models don’t eat is totally not true,” the supermodel, 43, tells SHAPE in the December issue. “I just think that because we’re in this business, we have to choose more wisely. It’s not just about doing the cardio so that you’re nice and fit, and slim and trim, but your heart needs to pump, too, and that is very important.”

She stays motivated to live a healthy lifestyle by “thinking of the big picture.”

“I remind myself that I’m staying active and eating right to live a better and healthier life,” says Klum. “I want to be as healthy as possible for myself and my family.”

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That means being active as much as she can, but not beating herself up if she can’t fit a workout into her busy day.

“Being the mother of four kids is a workout in itself!” says the Project Runway host. “Balancing my work and their schedules makes it hard to find time for a traditional exercise routine, so we try to do as many outdoor activities as a family as possible. We love to go on bike rides, take our dogs hiking, or jump on the trampoline. That’s the best way to stay fit and healthy — do things that don’t feel like work.”

Klum keeps a positive body image by reminding herself that it is her body and no one else’s to judge.

“I love my shape because it’s mine,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s not what anyone else thinks about my body but how I feel about myself. I’m working it and owning it!”