Iman is considerably the worldβs most famous supermodel, and it has nothing to do with the fact that her husband was the late David Bowie. Rather, this gracious Somalian-born beauty has captured our hearts over the years. She is iconic. Beautiful, smart, fearless she has had a significant influence over millions of women all over the world.Β Proving anything at any age is possible.
Having turned 65 last week, we really have to ask ourselves if we can look half as good as a beauty that Yves Saint Laurent once described as “the dream woman.”
While the CEO ofΒ Iman Cosmetics shared with Huffington PostΒ in 2011 that getting older doesnβt really phase her, thatβs not to say that she doesnβt take care of herself as she gets older. In fact, speaking to The CutΒ in 2015, the supermodel shared that to her, wellness isΒ an investment in yourself, and itβs supposed to feed yourΒ soul and makeΒ you feel good.Β Considering how well she looks, itβs clear that wellness has been feeding the beauty quite well. That said, letβs delve into the modelβs top wellness tips.
Imanβs Anti-Aging Secrets
She eats clean
When it comes to her eating habits, Iman has revealed that she stays away from meat, and opts instead for chicken and fish. ResearchΒ has found that processed meat can speed up wrinkle development, and excluding it from her diet may be while her skin looks so flawless.
Additionally, the model has shared that she stays clear of McDonald’s and soda, which is something we can definitely support. Sheβs also admitted that while she rarely touches alcohol, she does indulge in a glass of wine now and then. A studyΒ published in BMJ Cell BiologyΒ found that red wine helps rejuvenate old cells, so it may be a good idea to indulge in a glass now and then.
A model chef
βMy ritual is cooking. I find it therapeuticβ she shared in 2015,Β βIt comes naturally to me.βΒ The feelings that Iman has about cooking have been proven by science with one studyΒ revealing that baking and cooking can help to relieve stress. Itβs also been found to boost creativity and happiness (1).
Whatβs more, cooking isnβt only therapeutic, as itβs been found to boast a range of benefits that can promote your health.Β
For one, as youβre the one in charge of ingredients, cooking your own meals can ensure that youβll consume foods that are nutritious. Youβre also more likely to consume a wider variety of food (2). Additionally, researchΒ has found that cooking your own meals causes you to be more mindful of your portions.
She Exercises – Even If She Was Late To The Party
As crazy as it sounds, Iman didnβt start exercising until her late thirties, because βone day you look up and you are on the floor.β She also shared that while she tries to exercise every day, she opts out of running due to a bad knee injury.
Sheβs a knockout
When it comes to the different ways she stays fit, Iman revealed that sheβs a huge fan of boxing as it βmakes you stay in the moment that is in front of youβ.
Boxing can also help tone your muscles, relieve stress, burn fat, and itβs also a great way to learn self-defense skills.
Sheβs jumping rope
βJump rope, if you do a good 10 minutes, it’s a difficult cardiovascular workoutβ¦I started jump rope after I had my baby eight years ago, and I could barely do three minutes. And I thought I was fit!β
While Iman finds it challenging, jumping rope is an effective and accessible workout that everybody should engage in. Doing so can help to improve your coordination, strengthen your bones, and even boost your heart health.
She also does Pilates
Pilates is the ultimate anti-aging workout. While Iman has admitted that she finds the exercise boring, she also acknowledged that it is very challenging.
This is because it works your entire body, and in doing so, it helps to improve flexibility and muscle strength, all while strengthening your core and even enhancing your brain health.
She prioritizes her self-esteem
While sheβs one of the most recognizable and beautiful supermodels in the world, Iman has admitted that she suffers from low-self esteem and that she has battled with this all her life.
βItβs not the outside world, itβs your interior life, that critic within you that you have to silence.β she shares,Β βItβs a constant battle whether you are 16 or 50.β
So how does she deal with it? With time.
βAs you age, you do really find that quietness inside and thatΒ being-comfortable-in-your-skin feeling.β That said, if you are battling with your self-esteem, Iman suggests finding something to like about yourself and holding on to that. Itβs also advisable to identify the source of your negative thoughts and to address them. You should also build positive relationships, learn to be easier on yourself, and get more active as exercise can help to build your self-esteem.
Her philosophy on aging
I tell my younger friends, ‘Donβt be afraid of change. That’s when you really see what your destiny is’β¦ Things happen for ourselves when we let them. That also comes about with wellness. Sit quietly and let it be and reveal itself.
Want to know more?
Iman is certainly not the only woman getting better with age. Vera Wang recently turned 70, and it was clear that the anti-aging hacks she relies on helped to leave her with flawless skin and a beautifully aging body.
References
Conner, T.S., DeYoung, C.G, Silvia, P.J.Β (2018)Β Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing,Β The Journal of Positive Psychology,Β 13:2,Β 181-189,Β https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1257049
Ducrot, P., Méjean, C., Aroumougame, V., Ibanez, G., Allès, B., Kesse-Guyot, E., Hercberg, S., & Péneau, S. (2017). Meal planning is associated with food variety, diet quality and body weight status in a large sample of French adults. The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, 14(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0461-7
Latorre, E., Birar, V.C., Sheerin, A.N.Β et al.Β (2017).Β Small molecule modulation of splicing factor expression is associated with rescue from cellular senescence.Β BMC Cell BiolΒ 18,Β 31,Β https://doi.org/10.1186/s12860-017-0147-7
Mills, S., Brown, H., Wrieden, W., White, M., & Adams, J. (2017). Frequency of eating home cooked meals and potential benefits for diet and health: cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort study.Β The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity,Β 14(1), 109.Β https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0567-y
MekiΔ, S., Jacobs, L. C., Hamer, M. A., Ikram, M. A., Schoufour, J. D., Gunn, D. A., Kiefte-de Jong, J. C., & Nijsten, T. (2019). A healthy diet in women is associated with less facial wrinkles in a large Dutch population-based cohort.Β Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,Β 80(5), 1358β1363.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.03.033
Von Essen, E., & MΓ₯rtensson, F. (2014). Young adults’ use of food as a self-therapeutic intervention.Β International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being,Β 9, 23000. https://doi.org/10.3402/qhw.v9.23000
Iman to me always been a Incredibly beautiful and ageless goddess! This article has become my ultimate goal guide for aging beautifully and healthy. #fanforlife .