When Maye Musk was invited to pose for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit again, she didn’t break a sweat.
The 76-year-old, who has been modelling for more than 50 years, credits a “flexitarian diet” with helping her look and feel her best.
This eating style has been described as favoring plant-based foods while consuming meat in moderation. It is considered more “flexible” than vegetarianism.
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Maye Musk is a follower of the flexitarian diet. (Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit)
Elon Musk’s mother was photographed for Sports Illustrated’s 2024 swimsuit issue. The magazine is celebrating its 60th anniversary. She told Fox News Digital that there are “two reasons” why she follows a flexitarian diet.
“When I got divorced (in 1979), I couldn’t afford meat, fish or chicken,” Musk recalled. “So I had to feed my kids bean stew. And as they say, they got tired of my bean stew. But I varied it. I used different beans and lots of vegetables. (I also gave them) seasonal fruits. Of course, we could never afford to buy organic produce or anything like that.”
Maye Musk prefers to work out at home while talking to her sister on FaceTime. (Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“We also eat wholemeal bread… In South Africa, wholemeal bread was subsidised by the government. White bread was more expensive, so we only ate wholemeal bread. And of course, it kept us all healthy. And then, in the morning, we had cereal and fruit.”
The 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is now on newsstands. (Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated Swimsuit)
“I remember Elon saying, ‘I always wanted Coco Pops, but we only had Raisin Bran,’” she laughed. “The problem was, Coco Pops were more expensive and less nutritious, so that’s what (my kids) had. And if they complained, I wouldn’t listen. And then (my daughter) Tosca said she always wanted apricot jam, but it was more expensive than strawberry jam. So she didn’t have that either. And then (my son) Kimbal said, ‘I left home to go to college because I got tired of your bean stew.’”
Maye Musk is the mother of three children, including billionaire Elon Musk. (C Flanigan/Getty Images)
“They often joke about my personality, but I’m not a good cook,” Musk admitted. “That’s also why Kimbal learned to cook… He loves to eat really good food. Some people just don’t like to cook and that’s okay. You just eat what you like. I eat mostly vegetarian at home.”
Elon Musk is eating less bean stew these days. She’s stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables, which she says are essential as you age.
“I eat very well,” she explains. “For me, to keep a healthy body and glowing skin, you have to eat well. It keeps me healthy… (When my children come to visit), we usually send them to get meat, fish or chicken. Tosca and Kimbal really like to cook. So I always eat delicious home-cooked food.”
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Maye Musk originally appeared on the cover of SI Swimsuit in 2022. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Still, Musk is not afraid to exercise moderation.
“I usually ate something sweet because I love desserts,” she explains. “But I managed it. I used to overdo it… I was the first plus-size model in South Africa in my 30s because I had been through stressful times. And stress is a common reason for overeating. I gained 27 kilos. So I was eating a lot… But it was affecting my knees. My back was hurting. It was really painful. And then my cholesterol went up. I could be on medication for the rest of my life or control my weight. So I have to keep it under control.”
Elon Musk joked that she can’t keep a box of chocolates at home because “old habits always want to come back.” However, that doesn’t mean she’s cutting out sweets completely.
From left, Christie Brinkley, Maye Musk, Brooks Nader, Kate Love, Kate Upton and Lily Aldridge attend the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2024 and 60th Anniversary Celebration at Swimsuit Island on May 17, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida. (Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit)
“When I eat dessert at a restaurant, I take a teaspoon,” she explains. “If it makes my mouth tingle, I eat half of it. But if it doesn’t, I don’t eat it.”
Elon Musk is also a big believer in an active lifestyle on a daily basis. She stressed that finding simple exercises that can be done at home is key to starting a new routine and sticking to it.
“I walk my dog three times a day, although she sniffs more than she walks,” she laughs. “I work out in the evening when I FaceTime my twin sister – she lives in Canada. I work out for 30 minutes to an hour at home. I used to exercise a lot, but I would get injured. You can overdo it. I wanted to be in great shape. And then you realise you don’t have to get injured. You can just be active.”
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Maye Musk, left, is seen here with Ciara, who also modeled for SI Swimsuit in 2022. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit)
“I’m doing more yoga, jumping jacks and strength training,” she says. “Our kids wonder what (my sister and I) are talking about. But we’re talking about our lives.”
Over the years, Elon Musk has learned many tips and tricks for looking good in front of the cameras. She’s not afraid to use them.
Maye Musk has been a model for over 50 years. (Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
“I’m happy to look in my direction,” she explained. “I don’t think I have many wrinkles, but in the midday sun without makeup? Yes, I certainly look my age. But I’m happy to use filters if I have to, if I don’t like the lighting in the photo. But in general, I like good lighting. It makes life easier. And of course, on the red carpet, you don’t have the opportunity to retouch anything. But the lighting is good there too. Photographers want a good photo. So no one insulted me.”
Maye Musk at the Sports Illustrated Swimming Issue Launch Party held at the Hard Rock Hotel on May 16, 2024 in New York City. (Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty Images)
“I think once every three months, someone says to me, ‘You’re old,’” she continued. “But I don’t care. I can just delete (those comments). I don’t mind. I guess I am old, but I’m very good on social media. Most of my bookings are through social media.”
Martha Stewart now holds the title of oldest cover model in SI Swimsuit history. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images/Getty Images)
Elon Musk became the oldest model in SI Swimsuit history when she appeared on the cover of the 2022 issue at age 74, the outlet reported. The title was taken over by Martha Stewart, 81, in 2023.
“It’s definitely an honor,” Musk said. “You don’t expect that when you’re 76, but it’s just surprising and exciting… (My kids) are thrilled… When you go out in a bathing suit, you’re not really excited about anyone seeing you. But (SI) encourages you to let loose, be happy with yourself, and look fabulous.”
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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)
“I think women just need to understand that as they get older, they get wiser,” Musk noted. “People are always trying to take advantage of you, but you can recognize it faster and better so that you don’t end up in such miserable situations… Even if you have to write down how you’re going to change things, you have to do it. You don’t have to live in misery all your life. You’ll have difficulties. You’ll be afraid. You won’t have confidence. If you’re not happy with yourself, you just have to make a plan.”
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 on the fence about wearing a swimsuit this summer, Musk has some advice.
“Go to the beach and look at the men,” she said. “Do men care? Are they self-conscious? They’ll be in shorts and… showing off, thinking they’re fabulous. Women should do the same thing… You have to enjoy your time at the beach. It’s fun to do that. And if someone insults you, insult them back.”
“It’s so weird that a man can insult a woman when he looks so much worse than her. I don’t know why they allow it. And if other women insult you, you don’t have to mix with them. But you have to feel good about yourself when you go swimming.”