Former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Kim Alexis is spilling the tea exclusively to Closer about embracing her body changes after having children in her 20s. At 63, she shares her wisdom on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how it goes beyond just dieting. Let’s dive into her journey and tips for staying fit and fabulous at any age.
How Kim Alexis’ Body Changed Over the Years
Closer: Kim, you’ve always been known for your incredible physique. How have things shifted in the past decade?
Kim Alexis: Honestly, the changes started way before that. My body began evolving when I became a mom at 25. As women, our bodies go through so many transformations throughout our lives. It’s a natural part of aging and motherhood. For me, the biggest shift happened during pregnancy, especially around my waistline. I used to have this tiny 24-inch waist, but now it’s closer to 29-30 inches. That’s just part of the package when you bring children into the world.
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Closer: Did those changes affect your confidence?
Kim Alexis: Life is all about adjustments. When I had kids, I realized that every change in my body was a trade-off for the incredible gift of being a mother. Back in the '70s when I started modeling, we didn’t have access to the wealth of health information available today. There weren’t gyms or health food stores on every corner. So, I was always searching for the best ways to take care of myself. My advice? Assess where you are, see if there’s room for improvement, and work on it. If not, accept it and keep moving forward.
Staying Active: Kim’s Favorite Exercises
Closer: What keeps you active these days?
Kim Alexis: Running used to be my go-to workout back in my 20s. If I indulged in too many chocolate chip cookies, I’d simply lace up my sneakers and hit the pavement for 10 miles. But as I aged, my stamina changed. By the time I turned 46, running marathons became my challenge. Unfortunately, a recent knee injury from an unexpected encounter with a big dog at the park has forced me to adapt. My doctor said my knee is close to needing replacement, but I’m determined to avoid surgery. Instead, I’ve transitioned to low-impact cardio workouts like rowing, elliptical machines, and spin classes. I also incorporate weightlifting into my routine, though I’ve had to modify some exercises due to neck pain. Machines seem to be gentler on my body than free weights.
Consistency is Key: How Often Does Kim Work Out?
Closer: How frequently do you exercise?
Kim Alexis: Life gets busy, especially with business responsibilities pulling me in different directions. Ideally, I’d love to work out twice a day, but that’s not always realistic. Instead, I focus on moving my body daily, even if it’s just walking our dog for a mile each morning. Physical activity not only boosts my energy levels but also sharpens my mind and lifts my mood. Whether it’s a quick walk or a full gym session, staying active is essential for overall well-being.
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Kim’s New Book and Healthy Eating Tips
Closer: Tell us about your latest book, Cheat Eat.
Kim Alexis: Actually, Cheat Eat isn’t my latest book—it’s been around for a while. My newest release is Skin Within, where I explore the importance of skin care and the potential dangers of toxic ingredients in beauty products. But let me explain the concept behind Cheat Eat. It started as a way to rethink traditional recipes by substituting healthier ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Modeling often involved restrictive eating habits, which can be mentally exhausting. I wanted to create a mindset where people can enjoy their food while making smart choices. The book teaches you how to tweak recipes to fit your dietary needs, whether it’s reducing sugar, eliminating gluten, or incorporating nutrient-dense superfoods.
The Secret to Low-Calorie Cooking
Closer: Any secrets to creating lower-calorie versions of your favorite dishes?
Kim Alexis: It’s less about counting calories and more about choosing quality over quantity. For example, I love fatty foods like cheese omelets, but I opt for healthy fats that keep me satisfied longer. Instead of focusing on calorie counts, I emphasize the nutritional benefits of ingredients. A cheese omelet might be high in fat, but it’s packed with protein and essential nutrients. Similarly, I enjoy stir-fries made with olive oil, avocados, nuts, and plenty of vegetables. These foods may be calorie-dense, but they’re also incredibly nourishing for your body.
Sharing a Favorite Recipe
Closer: Can you share a favorite recipe from your book?
Kim Alexis: One of my go-to creations is black bean brownies. They’re gluten-free, made with black beans, and you’d never guess the secret ingredient. Another favorite is sweet potato muffins, which I recently baked for a road trip to Vegas. I added flax meal and soaked old cereal in oat milk to create a moist, nutritious treat. Experimenting with ingredients is half the fun, and it allows you to customize recipes to suit your preferences. Whether it’s sweet potato bread or hard-boiled eggs, there are endless possibilities for healthy, delicious meals.
Skincare Secrets: What Kim Swears By
Closer: Any tips for maintaining healthy skin?
Kim Alexis: The skincare industry is overwhelming, with thousands of products and chemicals to navigate. Did you know the FDA in the U.S. only bans about 11 harmful chemicals in skincare products, compared to Europe’s ban on over 13,000? As consumers, we need to be vigilant about what we put on our skin. Thankfully, there are now apps and websites dedicated to helping us make informed choices. I rely on resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Think Dirty, which rate products based on their safety and purity. Some products you might assume are safe, like Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning supplies, can surprise you with less-than-ideal ratings. Always read labels and prioritize non-toxic, cruelty-free options for both your skin and the environment.
What Kim Knows Now That She Wishes She Knew Earlier
Closer: What’s one piece of health advice you wish you’d known sooner?
Kim Alexis: Reading labels and understanding what’s in the products you use is crucial. I probably wouldn’t have cooked with Teflon pans or eaten food prepared in aluminum foil if I’d known the potential risks. It’s important to be aware of the long-term effects of the things we consume and apply to our bodies.
Kim’s Ultimate Tip for Feeling Your Best
Closer: What’s your top recommendation for looking and feeling healthier at any age?
Kim Alexis: Surround yourself with positivity—inside and out. That means choosing wholesome foods, listening to uplifting music, watching feel-good shows, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. Avoid toxic relationships and environments that drain your energy. Focus on feeding your mind, body, and spirit with pure, nourishing experiences. When you prioritize health and happiness, you’ll naturally radiate confidence and vitality.
