I don't think much about age; it just happens. Get ready to meet the iconic Irish Apple: at 101 years old, Iris is still slaying the game with a massive following of 2. 6 million on Instagram and an endless list of high-fashion collaborations.
And guess what? She's not slowing down—in 2023, she's just launched a new rug collection that's as bold and unapologetic as she is. She's such an inspiration to all of us, and I'm sure you're wondering how she keeps herself healthy and energetic at this age.
We're going to take a deep dive into Iris's diet and find out what foods she eats to fuel her energy and quick wits at nearly 102 years of age. We will also share what she does not eat—very important. But hold up!
Let's take a moment to appreciate Iris's amazing and inspiring life journey. Iris was born on August 29, 1921, in Queens, New York. She first started as a copywriter at Women's Wear Daily, but it wasn't until Iris stepped into the entrepreneurial world in 1950 that her career really took off.
She and her husband, Carl, established the textile company Old World Weavers as an avenue to express the exotic and charming treasures they discovered on their international travels. With Old World Weavers, the couple even worked on interior and restoration design projects for nine U. S.
presidents at the White House, from Truman to Clinton. When she retired in 1992 at the age of 71, her life became even more exciting. In 2005, she was honored for her style by an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
She even got a documentary made about her life and style in 2014. Iris also serves as the face of Happy Socks, designs collections for the Home Shopping Network, and is a regular presence at the Met Gala and New York Fashion Week. In March 2018, Apple published her book.
And did we mention she's the oldest person ever to have a Barbie made in their image? Her first big break in fashion came at a ripe 84 years old, and then she went on to develop a limited edition makeup collection for MAC Cosmetics at a glorious 90 years old. And when she says "age really is just a number" to me, she's not kidding.
This lady is unstoppable! And it's not just Iris who's living her best life at a senior age; her husband Carl lived until just three days before his 101st birthday in 2015, after being married to Iris for a whopping 68 years—not a dull marriage! Her mother, born in the 19th century, graduated from university, went to law school, and lived to be a centenarian.
So what's their secret? How do these incredible individuals continue to thrive at an age where most people slow down? We're about to uncover Iris's diet and the habits that keep her going strong.
Get ready to be inspired! Iris Apple's breakfast: Let's spill the tea on what Iris eats for breakfast. Brace yourself because it's the same every day; no need to overthink things when you've found a good thing!
At 9 a. m. sharp, Iris kickstarts her day with a small glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a warm bowl of either oats or grits.
Plus, she always adds a splash of hot skim milk to her decaf coffee. This queen knows how to start her day on the right foot! But hold up; there's more to her breakfast choices than just taste.
Oats and grits are loaded with complex carbohydrates, which means they'll keep you going strong all morning long. And don't forget about the B vitamins in grits—vitamin B complex may help prevent infections and support or promote cell health, growth of red blood cells, energy levels, eyesight, brain function, digestion, appetite, and the list goes on. As for the freshly squeezed orange juice, not only is it packed with vitamin C, but it also helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods like lentils and whole grains.
Vitamin C is important in the synthesis of collagen, so vitamin C is also essential for the health of our skin, cartilage, blood vessels, and bones—all places where collagen is found. And for those looking for an even healthier option, chowing down on a whole orange is the way to go since it's loaded with fiber that slows down sugar absorption. So there you have it, folks: Iris proves that sometimes sticking to what works best for you is the key to a long and healthy life.
For lunch and dinners, Iris Apple is proof that simple, healthy eating habits can keep you going strong for a lifetime. She's learned through years of experience that less is often more when it comes to food. As she jet sets around the world, she sticks to simple routines, prioritizing nutritious meals that keep her energized.
She highlighted in her interview that "I don't like rich things, and a big portion always scares me off. " Apple's lunches and dinners typically consist of a white fish or other lean meat with lots of veggies. She readily admits she has become a creature of habit when it comes to food, but one with high standards.
"I never buy ground hamburger meat; we always get a good steak and we grind it here at home," she says. And for dessert? Fruit, of course—though she admits to indulging in a slice of pumpkin pie come the holidays.
Studies have shown that eating a variety of vegetables and fruits can help you to bring your blood pressure to lower levels and can even save you from heart attack and stroke. A vegetable-enriched diet can also support you in weight loss and can prevent the onset of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer. For protein, eating lean meat is an excellent choice.
A study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. . .
2005 found that eating lean meat can supplement your body with essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B12, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, etc. It's no wonder that Iris doesn't rely on supplements; she gets all the essential nutrients her body needs from her diet. So let Iris be your guide.
Don't let the flashy, unhealthy options fool you—simplicity is the key to a long, healthy life. Apple believes in the power of turmeric. Turmeric is a true wonder spice with a range of benefits for the body and mind.
Not only is it a potent anti-inflammatory, but it also contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have powerful anti-aging properties. Curcumin works by neutralizing free radicals in the body, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging. It also has the ability to boost the production of antioxidants, which are essential for protecting cells from oxidative stress and reducing inflammation.
Adding turmeric to your daily diet is simple—you can make turmeric scrambled eggs, pancakes, and curry, or simply sprinkle some turmeric on potatoes or enjoy a cup of golden milk to reap the benefits of the anti-aging boost. On alcohol, Iris shares that she doesn't drink heavily, but she has a drink now and then. In fact, Apple’s moderate alcohol use could be reducing her risk of dying from heart disease.
The British Heart Foundation explains that moderate alcohol consumption, regardless of beverage type, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease among men and older women. A report from the Irish Independent even found that men who drink two pints of beer before a brain puzzle performed better on the puzzle. Before we get to the juicy part on what foods she avoids eating, let's quickly take a look at her exercise habit.
The star used to have an unhealthy smoking habit; she admits, "I used to smoke four packs a day, but I gave it up. I just quit one day. " But she also offered a surprising revelation: "I don't do any exercises regularly," but that does not mean she sits around and does nothing.
Quite the contrary! "At 100, what else is there to do except sit around? I don't play bridge; I don't play golf.
I love to work, and I really enjoy what I do. Keeping busy is just the way Iris works best. I'm the Energizer Bunny.
Once in a while, I give out, but I'm a black belt multitasker. " Now, on to the very important part: what does she avoid eating? She avoids raw fish and other uncooked meats after witnessing the cholera epidemic 40 years ago in Naples, Italy, caused by mussels.
She never eats junk foods; as these foods become digested, they release sugar into your blood, increasing your blood sugar over time. This comes with all sorts of risks, including developing diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension). Plenty of research shows this can lead to coronary heart disease.
The NHS recommends adults should only have around 30 g of sugar every day—that's roughly seven sugar cubes. "I don't drink soda" is another principle Apple sticks to, which again is top-notch advice. Fizzy drinks contain a lot of sugar.
There's a myth that they make you feel full. Studies have shown that people who drink sugary soda added 17 more calories to their diet. When asked whether she has a favorite restaurant meal or food to recommend, she says, "That's a dumb question," and she has a point.
"I don't eat junk food; I don't take a lot of salt; I don't drink sodas; and most importantly, I don't advise anyone," she declares. "It's not my place to tell other people how to live.