Christie Brinkley Reveals Her Beauty Secrets and Fitness Wisdom at 71

At 71, Christie Brinkley is still embracing life as an ‘Uptown Girl.’ The iconic former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model has recently published her memoir titled ‘Uptown Girl,’ which recounts her monumental rise to fame while candidly discussing the challenges she faced along the way.

During a recent appearance on ‘FOX & Friends,’ the celebrated model shared how she has maintained her camera-ready physique over the years. With self-assurance, Brinkley opened up about her dietary choices, revealing her commitment to health and fitness.

The Vegetarian Journey

Brinkley identifies her long-time adherence to a vegetarian diet as her primary beauty secret. ‘First of all, my number one beauty secret is that I have been a vegetarian since I was a little kid,’ she stated. ‘I truly believe that if everyone could at least try being a vegetarian or vegan, they would feel better.’ Currently, Brinkley has embraced veganism, a lifestyle she adopted about a year ago.

She passionately encouraged viewers, ‘Try it. You’ll love it. You’ll never feel better. And you will be helping our planet, which is vitally important right now.’ Her dedication to a plant-based diet is part of a broader trend emphasizing healthy eating for overall wellness.

The Rainbow Diet Philosophy

Brinkley has previously shared her enthusiasm for what she calls the ‘rainbow diet’—a colorful array of foods loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. This dietary approach fortifies her body, as she believes, ‘You are truly what you eat.’ She expressed, ‘I treat myself to good nutrition, and I never feel like I’m denying myself.’

Eschewing traditional dieting, Brinkley emphasized that her eating habits are about making healthier choices without restrictions. ‘The more you learn about food, vitamins, minerals, and exercise, the better choices you will make,’ she said. ‘I want to fuel my body with good stuff, and that’s what I do.’

Moderation Is Key

In her early modeling career, Brinkley was placed on an all-fish diet to swiftly shed weight for photoshoots. However, she has now adopted a more balanced approach, insisting on the importance of enjoying food in moderation. ‘If I happen to be on a trip or it’s someone’s birthday, I allow myself a piece of cake. It’s not good luck to skip the birthday cake,’ she chuckled, emphasizing the joy in treating oneself. Afterward, she adjusts her sugar intake for balance, all while keeping her focus on body positivity.

A Shift Towards Veganism

Having been a lifelong vegetarian, Brinkley now finds great satisfaction in her vegan diet. ‘About a year ago, I became a vegan, and I am really thrilled that I did, because I have never felt better. I eat plenty of grains, beans, and colorful foods,’ she said.

Advice for the Young

When reflecting on advice she would offer to her younger self, Brinkley quoted her ex-husband Billy Joel’s iconic song ‘Vienna.’ ‘Slow down, you crazy child. You’re so ambitious for a juvenile,’ she sang. Her advice to savor life moments resonated deeply as she added, ‘But seriously, slow down. Enjoy it all. Savor it all. But live.’

Weight Management Without Scales

Brinkley believes in managing her weight without stepping on a scale. Instead, she opts for a more intuitive method—trusting her ‘Honest Jeans’ to guide her awareness of her body. She explained, ‘I try those on to see where I’m at. If they fit, I feel good. When they’re too tight, that’s okay too.’ By focusing on smaller portions and incorporating more movement into her daily routine, she embraces a mindset rooted in gratitude over numbers.

Embracing an Active Lifestyle

In earlier interviews, Brinkley emphasized the importance of physical activity throughout her life. ‘I’ve always loved sports and doing things outdoors,’ she remarked, citing a variety of activities from tennis to paddleboarding. ‘I just love being active and engaging with life.’

Especially at her age, Brinkley underscores the necessity of movement. ‘My enemy is sitting. It’s a big mistake to think one needs to sit it out as they age,’ she cautioned. Instead, she advocates for seeking help when necessary. ‘You need to get yourself to a physical therapist, discover the cause of aches and pains, strengthen your muscles, and keep going.’

Final Thoughts on Health and Wellness

Christie Brinkley’s journey through health, beauty, and fitness offers valuable insights into maintaining vitality at any age. Her commitment to a thoughtful diet, active lifestyle, and self-love provides a compelling narrative of resilience. As living proof that age is just a number, Brinkley continues to inspire her followers to prioritize their health, stay active, and savor life’s pleasures. Embracing wellness through mindful choices can transcend age, creating a fulfilling and vibrant life.