Elon Musk’s mother Maye says flexitarian diet keeps her fit at 76
When Maye Musk was asked to pose for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit again, she did not break a sweat. The 76-year-old, who has had a modeling career spanning over 50 years, credits a “flexitarian diet” for helping her look and feel her best. The style of eating prioritizes plant-based foods while consuming meat in moderation, offering more flexibility than a vegetarian diet.
The mother of Elon Musk was featured in the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as part of its 60th-anniversary celebration. She shared that she follows a flexitarian diet for “two reasons.”
“When I got divorced [in 1979], I couldn’t afford to buy meat, fish, or chicken,” Musk recalled. “So I had to feed my children bean stew. As they say, they did get tired of my bean stew, but I varied it by using different beans and lots of vegetables, along with fruits in season. We couldn’t afford organic produce. We also had whole wheat bread since brown bread was more affordable in South Africa. Cereals and fruits were part of our daily breakfast.”
Elon Musk amusingly recounted, “I always wanted Coco Pops, but we only got Raisin Bran.” His mother explained that healthier options were chosen over more expensive, less nutritious choices. Musk shared lighthearted anecdotes about her children’s preferences and how they joke about her cooking.
“I’m not a good cook,” Musk admitted. “That’s why Kimbal learned how to cook. He loves great food, while some people simply don’t enjoy cooking. I mainly eat vegetarian at home.”
Despite no longer consuming as much bean stew, Musk ensures her diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, crucial for aging well. She emphasized the importance of eating well for a healthy body and glowing skin, a practice she maintains diligently. When her children visit, they indulge in meat, fish, or chicken dishes, often lovingly prepared by her daughter Tosca and son Kimbal.
Musk believes in moderation and occasional indulgence, especially in desserts, which she loves. She recalled a period of overeating due to stress, leading to weight gain and health issues. To manage her weight, Musk follows a balanced diet while allowing herself occasional treats.
“I can’t keep a box of chocolates at home because old habits tend to resurface,” Musk revealed. Nonetheless, she enjoys desserts by limiting portions, savoring the flavors that truly delight her.
Musk advocates for staying active daily, emphasizing simple home workouts to establish and maintain a routine. She incorporates activities like walking her dog and working out at home, allowing her to stay fit without overexerting herself.
Maye Musk, left, is seen here with Ciara, who also posed for SI Swimsuit in 2022.(Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit)
Maye Musk shared her fitness routine, saying, “I do more yoga, jumping on the spot and weights. Our kids wonder what my sister and I are talking about. But we talk about our lives.” She has accumulated tricks over the years to look good in front of the cameras and is not shy to use them.
Maye Musk has been in the modeling industry for over 50 years.(Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Maye explained, “I’m comfortable looking a certain way. I believe I don’t have many wrinkles, but in a midday sun without makeup on I do look my age. I am willing to use filters if needed or if I dislike the lighting of the photo. Typically, I prefer good lighting as it makes life easier. Even on the red carpet, where you can’t retouch anything, there is good lighting as photographers want a good picture. Fortunately, I haven’t faced any insults.”
Maye Musk at the Sports Illustrated Swim Issue Launch Party held at the Hard Rock Hotel on May 16, 2024, in New York City.(Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty Images)
In response to occasional unwelcome comments about her age, Maye shared, “I think once every three months, somebody says, ‘You’re old.’ But I don’t care. I can just delete those comments. It doesn’t bother me. I might be old, but I am doing great on social media, through which I get most bookings.”
Martha Stewart now holds the title for the oldest cover model in SI Swimsuit history.(Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images/Getty Images)
Maye Musk made history as the oldest cover model in SI Swimsuit history when she graced the cover of the 2022 issue at 74 years old. The title was then claimed by Martha Stewart, aged 81, in 2023.
“It’s truly an honor,” Musk expressed. “You don’t expect this at 76, but it’s surprising and exciting… My children are thrilled… When you walk out in a swimsuit, you’re not eager for anyone to see you, but SI encourages you to let go, be content with yourself, and look fantastic.”
Maye Musk told Fox News Digital that she’s busier than ever as a model, thanks to social media.(Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for AHA)
Discussing the wisdom that comes with age, Maye highlighted, “I think women need to understand that as you age, you become wiser. People may still try to take advantage of you, but you can spot it better and faster, preventing yourself from getting into unpleasant situations… Even if you need to outline how you will make a change, you must make one. You don’t have to endure misery your whole life. Yes, it will be tough. Yes, you will be scared. Yes, you may lack confidence. But if you are unhappy with yourself, you must strategize for change.”
Maye Musk attends the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Island red carpet at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on May 18, 2024, in Hollywood, Florida.(Romain Maurice/Getty Images)
For those hesitant about wearing a swimsuit this summer, Maye advises, “Go to the beach and observe the men. Do they care? Are they self-conscious? They flaunt themselves in tiny shorts, thinking they look fantastic. Women should do the same… Have fun at the beach. If someone insults you, fire back that insult.
“It’s strange that a man can criticize a woman when he arguably looks worse. We shouldn’t tolerate that. If other women insult you, then avoid them. However, you must feel good about yourself when you go for a swim.”
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