When Maye Musk was asked to pose for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit again , she did not break a sweat . The 76 - year - old , who has led a modeling career spanning over 50 years , credits a " flexitarian diet " for helping her look and feel her best.
The style of eating has been described as one that prioritizes plant - based foods while consuming meat in moderation . It is considered more " flexible " than vegetarianism . The mother of
Elon Musk was photographed for the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue . The outlet is celebrating its 60th anniversary . She told Fox News Digital there are " two reasons " why she follows a flexitarian diet.
"When I got divorced [ in 1979 ] , I could n't afford to buy meat , fish , or chicken , " Musk recalled . " So I had to feed my children bean stew . And as they say , they did get tired of my bean stew . But I did vary from it . I used different beans and lots of vegetables . [ I also gave them ] fruits in season . Of course , we could never have afforded organic or anything like that.
" You [ also ] get whole wheat bread in South Africa , brown bread was subsidized by the government . White bread was more expensive , so we only ate brown bread . And of course , it kept us all in good health . And then we had cereal and fruit in the morning . "
"I remember Elon saying , I always wanted Coco Pops , but we only got Raisin Bran , ' " she chuckled . " Well , the thing is , Coco Pops were more expensive and less nutritious , so that 's what [ my children ] got . And if they complained , I did n't listen . And then [ my daughter ] Tosca said she always wanted apricot jam , but that was more expensive than strawberry jam . So she did n't get that either . And then [ my son ] Kimbal said , I left home to go to university because I was tired of your bean stew . "
" They really joke about how I am , but I 'm also not a good cook , " Musk admitted . " That 's also why Kimbal learned how to cook . He loves to eat really great food . Some people just do n't like cooking and that 's OK . You just eat the foods you like . I eat mainly vegetarian at home . "
Musk is eating less bean stew these days . She does stock up on fresh fruits and veggies , which she said is essential as you get older . " I eat very well , " she explained . " To me , to keep a body healthy and skin glowing , you have to eat well . That keeps me in good health [ When my children visit ] , we usually send out for meat , fish , or chicken . Tosca and Kimbal really love cooking . So I always have delicious home - cooked meals . "
Musk joked that she can not keep a box of chocolates at home because " your old habits still want to come back . " However , that does not mean she eliminates sweets altogether.
" When it comes to desserts in restaurants , I take a teaspoon , " she explained . " If it tingles in my mouth , I will eat half of it . But if it does n't , I do n't eat it . " Musk is also a big believer in having a daily active lifestyle . She noted that finding simple workouts that can be done at home is key to starting a new routine and sticking with it . " I walk my dog three times a day , although she sniffs more than he walks , " she chuckled . " I do exercises at night when I FaceTime my twin sister – she lives in Canada . I have 30 minutes to an hour of working out at home . I used to work out hard , but then I would hurt myself . You can overdo things . I wanted to be extremely fit . And then you find out you do n't need to hurt yourself . You can just be active . "
Over the years , Musk has learned plenty of tips and tricks to look good in front of cameras . She is not afraid to use them.
" I 'm OK looking my way , " she explained . " I do n't think I have many wrinkles , but in a midday sun without makeup on ? Yeah , I certainly look my age . But I 'm happy to use filters if I have to , if I do n't like the lighting of the photo . But usually , I like good lighting . It just makes life easier . And of course , on the red carpet , you do n't have a chance to retouch anything . But the lighting is good there , too . The photographers want a good picture . So I have n't had anyone insult me . " " I think once every three months , somebody says , ' You 're old , ' " she continued . " But I do n't care . I can just delete [ those comments ] . Does n't bother me . I guess I 'm old , but I 'm on social media doing very well . I 'm getting most of my bookings through social media . "