The Ageless Secrets of Maye Musk: How a Flexitarian Diet Keeps Elon Musk’s Mother Fit and Fabulous at 76

Maye Musk, at 76, continues to defy age and expectations by posing once again for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. With a modeling career spanning over five decades, Musk attributes her youthful appearance and vitality to a "flexitarian diet." This diet emphasizes plant-based foods while allowing moderate consumption of meat, making it more flexible than strict vegetarianism.

The Origins of Maye's Flexitarian Diet

Musk’s commitment to a flexitarian lifestyle began out of necessity. After her 1979 divorce, financial constraints led her to feed her children primarily with bean stew. “I couldn’t afford to buy meat, fish, or chicken,” she recalls. Instead, her family relied on a variety of beans, vegetables, and seasonal fruits. In South Africa, brown bread was subsidized, making it a staple in their diet. Musk's creativity in the kitchen ensured her children had a variety of nutritious meals despite their limited budget.

Raising the Musk Children on a Budget

Musk's children—Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca—often joke about their childhood diet. Elon reminisces about wishing for Coco Pops instead of Raisin Bran, and Tosca preferred apricot jam over the more affordable strawberry variety. Kimbal’s distaste for bean stew even motivated him to learn cooking, a skill he later developed into a passion and career. Despite their complaints, Musk’s frugality and emphasis on nutrition laid a foundation for her children’s health and well-being.

Maye's Modern Diet and Lifestyle

Today, Musk’s diet remains largely vegetarian at home, with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables. She enjoys healthy eating to maintain her health and glowing skin. When her children visit, they often prepare meat, fish, or chicken dishes, allowing her to indulge in delicious home-cooked meals. Musk believes that a well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy body and vibrant skin, especially as one ages.

Maintaining Moderation and Avoiding Old Habits

Musk balances her diet with moderation, especially regarding sweets. Having struggled with weight in her past, she understands the importance of managing indulgences. "I used to overdo it," she admits, recalling how stress once led to overeating and significant weight gain. Now, she enjoys desserts sparingly, savoring only those that truly delight her palate. Musk jokes that she cannot keep a box of chocolates at home because old habits are hard to break. However, she does not completely eliminate sweets from her diet, allowing herself to enjoy them in moderation.

Active Lifestyle and Simple Workouts

An advocate for daily physical activity, Musk maintains her fitness through simple home workouts and regular walks with her dog. She incorporates yoga, jumping on the spot, and weight exercises into her routine. Exercising via FaceTime with her twin sister in Canada, Musk emphasizes the importance of staying active without overexerting oneself. "I used to work out hard, but then I would hurt myself," she says. Now, she focuses on activities that keep her fit and healthy without causing injury.

Embracing Age and Beauty Tips

With years of experience in front of the camera, Musk isn’t shy about using good lighting and filters to enhance her appearance. Comfortable with her natural look, she appreciates the value of proper lighting, especially on the red carpet. "I don’t think I have many wrinkles, but in midday sun without makeup on? Yeah, I certainly look my age," she says. Musk embraces the use of filters and good lighting to ensure she looks her best in photos.

Confidence and Wisdom with Age

Musk became the oldest cover model for SI Swimsuit at 74 and continues to embrace new opportunities at 76. She encourages women to be confident and enjoy themselves at the beach, dismissing negative comments from others. "As you get older, you do get wiser," she notes, advising women to make changes if they’re unhappy and to stand up against insults. Musk believes that confidence comes with age and experience, and that women should not let negative comments affect their self-esteem.

Final Thoughts

Maye Musk’s journey is a testament to the benefits of a balanced diet, active lifestyle, and self-confidence. Her story inspires women to embrace their age and beauty while maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. Musk's commitment to health and wellness, combined with her positive attitude and resilience, makes her a role model for women of all ages. Whether it's through her diet, exercise routine, or approach to aging, Musk demonstrates that it is possible to look and feel great at any age.