How She Does It: Heidi Klum

You know her best as the larger-than-life Victoria's Secret supermodel and savvy fashion critic who aufs less-than-impressive fashion designers from the hit Bravo program, Project Runway. Now, model, television star and businesswoman Heidi Klum has turned her golden touch to a new cause: women's heart health. We caught up with her to get the scoop on her involvement with The Heart Truth campaign, a national effort sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and supported by Diet Coke. Read on to learn about the inspiration behind the limited-edition Diet Coke Red Dress Charm she designed for the campaign (She'll be wearing it at the Academy Awards come February 22!), as well as an inside peek into her life with Grammy award-winning husband, Seal, and their three children.

Why is heart health important to you?

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America, but it doesn't have to be. By keeping a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce the risk of heart disease. I want women to start thinking about their own health and the things they can do to stay heart healthy.

How did you get involved with Diet Coke and the NHLBI campaign?

I partnered with Diet Coke last year to bring attention to the issue of women's heart health. I reached a lot of people last year, and this year my goal is to reach even more women! It's important that they get tested in order to stay healthy.

What inspired you to create the Red Dress Charm?

I designed the Diet Coke Red Dress charm in the shape of an hourglass to remind women that it's time to take steps to lower their risk factors for heart disease. Take care of your heart--today! You can enter to win a limited-edition version of the charm on DietCoke.com, and also get information on heart disease, risk factors and ways to start improving heart health.

What other types of charity work are you involved with?

I've worked with the American Red Cross, Baby Buggy, Nelson Mandela and a small orphanage in my hometown in Germany. It's always great to be involved, whether it's by donating or creating awareness for something people don't know about. I have the ability to do both, so I do. I'm hoping that other women will get involved and join me in getting the word out on heart health. I'm asking them to go to DietCoke.com where they can forward the message of heart health to friends and family.

What other projects are you currently working on?

I'm taping the next season of Germany's Next Top Model and another season of Project Runway.

With three kids, a husband and a full-blown career, how do you manage your time?

It's a challenge for any working mother. I make a point of spending quality time with my family as they are my top priority.

What is your go-to last-minute meal?

Anything I can make quickly that is healthy but delicious. I like to try out different recipes on my family; they always give me very honest feedback. Plus, I always have healthy snacks like hard boiled eggs, carrots, wheat and gluten-free crackers and bananas in my bag. In terms of meals at home, there is always a fully stocked fridge since we cook every day. I cook everything from meatballs and homemade chicken soup with vegetables to kale salad and schnitzel. You name it, we make it--and it's all fresh and organic!

Has your diet become more or less strict since you've become a mother?

It's all about moderation and balance. I love healthy food--it's part of my lifestyle and now it's part of my children's lifestyle, too. Just because they are kids doesn't mean they need a different diet. They eat everything [we do], which makes me very proud of them.

What's the last thing you do before you go to bed at night?

I put on my In An Instant serum and eye cream. Then, I kiss my husband!


For more information on heart health, check out WomansDay.com.