Christen Harper, SI Swimsuit co-winner, shares her tips for achieving a healthy and confident body through a plant-based diet. Harper reveals how embracing a plant-based lifestyle has transformed her confidence and well-being, empowering her to embrace her natural beauty.
When it comes to slipping into a skimpy swimsuit, Christen Harper is ready for her close-up. The model was recently photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal for the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. The outlet is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and Harper, the fiancée of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, sat down with Fox News Digital to share her secret to looking and feeling her best in swimwear: a plant-based diet.
As a longtime animal lover, Harper says she has always been passionate about protecting animals. Transitioning to a more plant-based lifestyle was a natural step for her. With California's abundance of plant-based eating options, it was an easy choice that made her feel incredible both inside and out.
Harper insists that she didn't have to take on a new diet to get in shape for her SI Swimsuit spread. Her usual routine, which includes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, had given her plenty of confidence. However, she admits that giving up her Japanese heritage favorite, sushi, was the hardest part.
Thankfully, Harper has found plant-based alternatives that satisfy her sushi cravings, such as tofu and avocado rolls. She emphasizes that the most important part of food is sharing the experience with those you love, regardless of what you're eating.
Harper encourages those curious about a plant-based diet to start slowly by incorporating plant-forward ingredients into their meals or trying new recipes. She believes it's about having fun and enjoying the experience.
Nowadays, many restaurants offer plant-based options, but Harper recommends asking the server to have the chef prepare a special dish if the menu doesn't show enough choices. This allows the chef to get creative and gives you the opportunity to try something unique.
Harper adds that almost anything can be made more plant-based, even fast-food options like Taco Bell. Swapping out meat for beans is a simple way to enjoy a delicious taco or Crunchwrap Supreme in a plant-based way.
When she's not surfing or modeling, Harper enjoys experimenting with plant-based recipes at home. She loves making spicy rigatoni with a homemade plant-based sauce, soups, and rice bowls with fresh seasonal vegetables.
Harper credits Sports Illustrated Swimsuit with giving her a body confidence boost. She admires the magazine's inclusivity and empowerment of women of all shapes and sizes. She believes that seeing herself represented in the media has made a significant difference in her self-acceptance.
Harper's modeling journey began at the age of 9, but it was only when she joined Sports Illustrated that she felt truly accepted in the industry. The magazine's focus on diversity and inclusivity allowed her to embrace her unique body type and celebrate her beauty.
Harper's biggest cheerleader throughout her modeling journey has been her fiancé, Jared Goff. The couple met on Raya, a dating app favored by celebrities. They have been together since 2019 and announced their engagement in June 2022.
Harper recalls how Goff encouraged her to go for the Swim Search process, despite her fears. She credits him for being her unwavering supporter in all aspects of her life, both in and out of a bikini.
Harper's journey to self-confidence and a healthier lifestyle is inspiring. Her plant-based diet and commitment to embracing her natural beauty serve as a reminder that true beauty comes from within. By focusing on health, well-being, and empowerment, women of all ages can achieve their full potential and feel confident in their own skin.
