Christie Brinkley’s Secrets to Agelessness: Diet, Exercise, and a Dash of Gratitude

Christie Brinkley, the iconic supermodel who captivated the world with her radiant smile and seemingly eternal youth, is sharing her secrets to a long and healthy life. At 71, Brinkley remains a vibrant and influential figure, proving that age is truly just a number. In her recent media appearances, particularly during her promotion of her memoir, "Uptown Girl," Brinkley has offered insights into her diet, exercise routines, and overall philosophy on well-being.

The former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model’s memoir, "Uptown Girl," delves into her journey to stardom, offering a glimpse into the highs and lows of her career. However, it’s her commitment to a healthy lifestyle that continues to fascinate the public. During her appearance on "FOX & Friends," Brinkley was directly asked about her secret to maintaining her camera-ready physique. Her answer was simple, yet profound: a lifelong dedication to vegetarianism, which has evolved into veganism.

"First of all, my number one beauty secret is that I have been a vegetarian since I was a little kid," Brinkley stated. "And I really, truly believe that if everybody would at least try and be a vegetarian or a vegan… I’m currently a vegan. I have been for the past, maybe a year now." She passionately encouraged viewers to embrace plant-based diets, emphasizing the positive impact on personal health and the planet. "So try it," she urged. "You’ll love it. And you’ll never feel better. And you’ll be helping our planet, which is vitally important right now."

Brinkley’s advocacy for a vegan lifestyle aligns with her broader philosophy of treating her body with respect and nourishing it with wholesome foods. She is a proponent of the "rainbow diet," which focuses on consuming a variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables rich in essential vitamins and minerals. These colorful foods provide the body with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

"It fortifies my body — and you really, truly are what you eat," she shared. "I treat myself to good nutrition, and I never feel like I’m denying myself." Brinkley rejects the notion of restrictive dieting, emphasizing that healthy eating should be a sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle.

"It’s no longer called a diet," Brinkley stressed. "There’s no denying myself anything… I’ve always said, the more you learn about food, vitamins, minerals and exercise and what it does to your body chemistry, the more you will reach for the good stuff because you’ll want to fuel your body. And that’s what I do."

While Brinkley maintains a healthy diet, she also emphasizes the importance of moderation and flexibility. She acknowledges that life is full of occasions that call for indulging in treats, and she doesn’t believe in depriving herself entirely. "If I happen to be on some trip, or it’s somebody’s birthday, you have to have a piece of cake because it’s not good luck to not take a bite of the birthday cake," she chuckled. "I do that, and then I say, ‘That’s fine.’ I’m not going to beat myself up over it. I’ll just watch the sugar intake the rest of the day, but I just want to treat my body right."

In addition to her diet, Brinkley stresses the importance of staying active throughout life. She has always been an avid participant in sports and outdoor activities.

"I’ve always loved sports and doing things outdoors," she said. "Whether it’s running around the tennis court, stand-up paddleboarding, skiing, kayaking, cycling, mountain trails — I just love being active and doing things."

She believes that movement is crucial, especially as one ages. "It’s just so important to keep moving every day, especially at my age now," Brinkley continued. "My enemy is sitting. It’s a big mistake for people to think they need to sit it out. That’s the worst thing you can do. You gotta get yourself to a physical therapist, figure out what’s causing those aches and pains, strengthen your muscles and keep going."

Brinkley’s approach to weight management is also unconventional. She avoids relying on scales, instead using her clothing as a gauge.

"I don’t step on a scale," she said. "I have my ‘Honest Jeans’ tell me the truth. I’ll try those on to see where I’m at. If I fit into those, I feel good. And when they’re too tight, it’s OK, too."

She focuses on smaller portions, increased exercise, and, most importantly, gratitude. "And I choose to focus on counting my blessings, because once you start realizing all the things in your life that you’re grateful for, it becomes no big whoop."

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Brinkley quoted a line from her ex-husband Billy Joel’s song, "Vienna." "Slow down, you crazy child, you’re so ambitious for a juvenile," she sang. "But seriously, slow down. Enjoy it all. Savor it all. But live."

Beyond her healthy lifestyle choices, Brinkley has also spoken about a near-fatal helicopter crash in 1994, where she credits "magic dirt" for potentially saving her life. While the details remain somewhat mysterious, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Christie Brinkley’s enduring beauty and vitality are a testament to her commitment to a holistic approach to well-being. Her emphasis on plant-based eating, regular exercise, moderation, and gratitude provides a valuable roadmap for anyone seeking to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. She exemplifies the power of a positive mindset and the importance of prioritizing self-care. Her story inspires individuals of all ages to embrace a lifestyle that promotes both physical and mental well-being.