CHRISTIE BRINKLEY reserves of confidence and optimism.
Not that Brinkley’ s life has been all rainbows and unicorns. She has had her share of challenges over the years, including her four failed marriages that were marked by admissions of infidelity by more than one of her exes. She also suffered the death of boyfriend and Moët & Chandon champagneheir Olivier Chandon de Brailles in an auto-racing crash and experienced serious helicopter and boating accidents, miscarriages, and a relationship with third husband Billy Joel colored by his constant touring and heavy drinking.
By all accounts, however, Brinkley maintains a close family network, highlighted by the strong relationships she shares with her three children: Alexa Ray Joel with Billy Joel, Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook with Richard Taubman( subsequently adopted by fourth husband, Peter Cook), and Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook with Peter Cook. These relationships help inspire Brinkley to live life to the fullest.
Here’ s a peek into some of Brinkley’ s deeply engrained lifestyle habits that keep her constantly on the go and in great physical and mental condition:
DIET
Brinkley’ s healthy eating habits date back to her childhood when, at the tender age of 12, she renounced a carnivorous diet in favor of vegetarianism. And she has said that she is well on the vegan side of that spectrum. She even raised her children as vegetarians. Not only is Brinkley committed to a meat-free diet but she also reads food labels carefully, painstakingly avoiding unnecessary additives and hormones. Instead, she favors a natural“ rainbow diet” derived principally from deeply colored plants, which are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Foods in this category include salads, spinach, sweet potatoes, juices, and berries. She is also a huge fan of grain-based dishes, which are not only wholesome but also hearty and filling. Brinkley puts little stock in outlandish diets that are so narrowly defined or restrictive that they can increase cravings and actually backfire on people, causing them to gain weight. Her“ live and let live” philosophy encourages a judgment-free lifestyle, in which her frequent chocolate indulgence goes with the territory.
FITNESS
In the fitness area, Brinkley likes to shake things up with a variety of challenging— but fun— workout activities. A spokesperson for the Total Fitness gym system, she swears by its wide-ranging capabilities, from abs and Pilates exercise to exercises for arms, legs, chest, shoulders, and virtually any body part that can be stretched, squeezed, or strengthened. It seems that every article one reads about Brinkley alludes to another one of her many exercise routines, from yoga and kayaking to cycling, paddleboarding, and running. When she has“ down time” like blow-drying her hair or chopping vegetables, she can frequently be found doing squats, lunges, stepping, or isometric contractions. A big believer in pet health too, she takes frequent jogs with her dogs to keep them— and her— motivated and engaged.
SKIN CARE
When it comes to skin care, Brinkley leaves little to chance. Working with scientists, she developed her own line of skin care products, which contains a proprietary blend of amino acids, plant extracts, copper, and other natural ingredients. Now, her products proliferate on the internet and Home Shopping Network, designed to appeal to women concerned with the effects of aging and sun damage. Brinkley herself laments the days she spent as a sun worshipper growing up in Malibu and is now a strong believer in constant SPF sun protection, which is an important component of many of her products. She also focuses on exfoliation of dead skin cells and overnight skin renewal— all in an effort to combat fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, and make skin appear more luminous.
SPIRITUALITY
Brinkley seems to find and project optimism and positivity wherever she goes— a“ little pocket of sunshine,” according to daughter Alexa Ray. Brinkley is quick to eschew age-related labels and biases, preferring to live and enjoy life in the moment, not as an aging Baby Boomer lamenting her advancing years. To her, a smile is an instant calling card, regardless of age. An invitation to get closer and share a precious moment together; as simple as a night out with her son or a play session with one of her beloved fourlegged friends. She turns to a tight circle of friends for support and advice, always keeping the bright side of things foremost in her mind. When not busy with her gym equipment promotion, skin care line gigs, and occasional acting jobs, she can be found sharing her joie de vivre and financial prosperity with the less fortunate. Active in Democratic organizations, animal welfare groups, and environmental causes, she has been honored by the March of Dimes and other charitable organizations.
Now that Brinkley has scored another well-received Sports Illustrated cover, one can only wait to see what will become her next act. While her striking appearance has been widely lauded for decades— since she first emerged as a supermodel in the 1970s— it is her inner beauty, too, that draws instant notice.
Even for the rest of us mortals, Brinkley’ s tips for healthy living make sense and may just help give us some of that same supermodel sparkle. After all, what could be wrong with a little sunscreen, some exercise, and a positive attitude?
Christie Brinkley has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers worldwide. She is also an artist, writer, photographer, designer, actress, philanthropist and environmentalist. Combining her modeling experience with her artistic talents and diverse interests, Christie ' s career over the years has been interesting and dynamic. She has been photographed in six continents and more than 30 countries.
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