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 champagne-heir 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 , where 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 contain 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 four-legged 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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