Christie Brinkley Embraces Life as an “Uptown Girl” at 71

Christie Brinkley, the iconic model, is still radiating the energy of her “Uptown Girl” days at 71. Her memoir, also titled “Uptown Girl,” dives into her journey to stardom and the challenges she’s encountered along the way.

During a recent appearance on Fox & Friends, the beloved model shared insights on maintaining her appearance over the years, quickly attributing her youthful look to her diet. “First of all, the secret to my greatest beauty is that I was a vegetarian since I was a little kid,” Brinkley said. She added, “I’m vegan now. I’ve been in the past, maybe this year.”

She encouraged the audience to explore vegetarian or vegan options for the sake of their health and the planet. Brinkley spoke fondly of her love for the “rainbow diet,” emphasizing her preference for vibrantly colored foods rich in vitamins and nutrients. “It strengthens my body—and you really are what you eat,” she remarked, confident in her nutrition choices and rejecting any notion of denial.

Reflecting on her early modeling days, Brinkley recalled resorting to a strict fish diet before photoshoots. Now, she emphasizes a balanced approach. “Moderation is important,” she stated, laughing about the joys of occasional indulgences like birthday cake. “If I happen to be on a trip or it’s someone’s birthday, you need to have a cake… I’m not going to beat myself up about it.”

Having transitioned to veganism about a year ago, Brinkley noted how great she feels, thriving on a diet rich in grains, beans, and colorful foods. “I was a bit surprised at how I first wore a lot of sweatpants,” she added with a chuckle, noting how exercise has become a focal point in her life. She proudly speaks about her love for outdoor activities, which include tennis, cycling, and kayaking.

When reflecting on advice she would give her younger self, she brought up the importance of savoring life, referencing the song “Vienna” by her ex-husband, Billy Joel. “Slow down, you’re a crazy kid, you’re very ambitious,” she sang, imparting wisdom to enjoy every moment.

Brinkley shared her non-traditional approach to weight management, favoring how her clothes fit over stepping on a scale. “I’ll ask my ‘honest jeans’ to tell me the truth,” she explained, embracing body positivity.

For Brinkley, staying active is vital, particularly at her age. “My enemy is sitting,” she said, emphasizing the importance of movement to maintain health and vitality. “It’s a big mistake to think people need to sit down,” she continued, encouraging everyone to stay active.

With her engaging personality and ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle, Brinkley continues to inspire, proving that age is just a number.