Ace-Anti-Ageing

Elle Macpherson Talks Wellness, Nutrition And Ageing

She may have retired from the runway, but Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson is still a force to be reckoned with

When you’ve been colloquially termed ‘The Body’ since the 1980s and decades later it still holds true, chances are you’re doing something right. But while Elle Macpherson’s iconic frame and permanent youth seems to defy all logic, the catwalk veteran insists that it’s all down to an easy-tofollow lifestyle based on balance, wellness and laughter. From alkalising her body with her own brand of super greens to finding 30 minutes of solace each day, everything on Elle’s agenda drives her happiness and exuberance. This month, we chatted to the blonde beauty to uncover her most valuable pearls of wisdom. Read it, breathe it and take serious note, because these lifestyle tips are a total game-changer…

I’m so thankful that I’ve had (and still have) such a full and diverse career. All of the people that I’ve met and collaborated with have been extraordinarily talented in their fields, and working with them has helped to shape me into the woman I am today. I began modelling when I was just 17 years old. It was such a different world then and I was such a different girl. I’m now less concerned about the number on the scales or what dress size I wear because I know that I’m not defined by a number. Today I focus on how I feel because true beauty comes from the inside and radiates out.

I’m in love with ageing! The alternative (death) doesn’t bear thinking about. Time passing is so interesting to observe, especially when you have children. When I became a mother, I knew I wanted to help guide my children on all levels, so I am more observant and conscious about the decisions I make and how I choose to live my life. I want to be a positive example.

At 52, I am healthier and happier than I’ve ever been and I have a sense of fulfilment. Maturing has taught me a lot like not to sweat the small stuff. I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me.

Wellness is important to me and I choose to make it a priority in my life every single day. I believe that a healthy body and mind comes from an abundance of love, laughter, water and good nutrition. It’s all about that balance, no extremes.

I try to find 30 minutes every day to do some solo yoga or meditation, usually first thing in the morning as this helps to clear my head. Depending on where I am in the world, I also make an effort to explore my surroundings with a walk, hike or bike ride. I enjoy variety in my day to keep me motivated and inspired, so when I’m in Miami, for example, I’ll mix things up by going water-skiing or wake-surfing with my boys. Family time is so important!

Nutrition-wise I always start my mornings with two teaspoons of The Super Elixir Alkalising Greens (£36, welleco.co.uk) in cold spring water or coconut water for extra hydration. I eat regularly, about three times a day, and I’ll often have The Super Elixir Nourishing Protein shake (£39, welleco.co.uk) as a snack or meal if I’m on the go. I do eat chicken and fish, but recently I’ve discovered that my body responds really well to a plant-based diet. So my new thing is to do a plant-based week at the change of every season, or before a shoot as a way of cleansing my body.

I launched WelleCo because a few years ago I started feeling really run-down. I tried an array of supplements, but nothing seemed to work. That’s when I met Dr Simone Laubscher, a specialist in the science of nutrition, who explained that there was one factor in my life that wasn’t balanced: my body’s alkalinity. My pH levels were off-kilter, causing my body to try to compensate. As she put it, my body was “working overtime, all the time”. She told me to get rid of my synthetic supplements and replaced them with whole food alternatives. I didn’t expect it to have such a big impact, but I was able to completely transform the way I felt. I had loads more energy and I was healthier than I’d been in years! It made me realise what a profound impact food can have.

I have also noticed a significant difference in my outer appearance. Skin is a great barometer of how you are feeling on the inside. My skin isn’t dry anymore, it looks plumper and I have what nutritionists call ‘the alkaline glow’. My sugar cravings subsided, too, as my blood sugar levels steadied and digestion improved. I lost weight. I felt more upbeat and I found myself choosing healthier habits, all round, as my body became more balanced and I was able to ‘listen’ to what it really needed.