Christie Brinkley has long been committed to the vegetarian lifestyle. In fact, back in 2014, she told Harper’s Bazaar that she hadn’t “touched a piece of meat” since she was 12 years old, after reading “a graphic description of Chicago’s slaughterhouses.”
More than a decade on from that interview, the 72-year-old American model and author revealed in an Instagram post that she has been vegan for two years.
“People seem to think that [it’s] hard to do,” she said. “But it’s really not.” She added that there are now “all kinds of things” for vegans, but that she prefers foods made with ingredients from her own garden.
In the post, Brinkley shared images of some of her favorite plant-based dishes, including broccoli bean pesto, avocado on toast with fresh herbs and olives, steamed zucchini and garlic, and organic oats with berries and walnuts. “Simple, clean, delicious, healthy.”
Christie Brinkley / Instagram
Healthy plant-based eating doesn’t have to be complicated
Indeed, research suggests that eating more plant-based whole foods can be beneficial for health. In fact, it may help reduce several chronic disease risk factors, including inflammation, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar. Plant-based whole foods are typically rich in essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Of course, not everyone has the same access to plant-based, organic foods as Brinkley. Back in 2014, she told Harper’s Bazaar that her “great luxury in life” was having access to a “private chef, who is trained in healthy cooking.”
That said, the model’s Instagram post states she likes to cook for herself now. And if you lack kitchen confidence, she has a tip: don’t skip the herbs.
“Now I don’t love spending a lot of time in the kitche, so everything I do is quick and easy,” she wrote. “One of my biggest secrets to making everything taste delicious and so [gourmet] is fresh herbs on [everything.] They’re so good for you and they’re a flavor explosion.”
Christie Brinkley / Instagram
Brinkley’s plant-based lifestyle goes beyond food
Brinkley isn’t just an advocate for healthy, plant-based living; she’s passionate about the environment, too.
In another social media post, she urged people to take care of the pollinators around them by rewilding, using fewer chemicals, and leaving weeds alone. “There [is] so much magic on our beautiful planet,” she wrote. “But nature needs us to nurture our Mother Earth. And you can help by actually doing less.”
She added: “Let’s all give each other tips and ideas about how we can help nurture nature!”
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
