Christen Harper, the stunning model featured in the 60th anniversary edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, attributes her enviable physique to a plant-based diet. Harper, engaged to NFL star Jared Goff, shared her journey and lifestyle choices in an interview with Fox News Digital, revealing how her diet has helped her look and feel her best.
Recently, Harper was captured in breathtaking photos by Ben Watts in Portugal for the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She expressed excitement about being part of this milestone edition, emphasizing how her plant-based lifestyle has played a crucial role in her preparation for the shoot.
The 30-year-old model, an ardent animal lover, explained that her shift to a plant-based diet was driven by a desire to avoid harming animals. “I never wanted to do anything that would hurt them. That’s what initially made me switch to a more plant-based lifestyle,” Harper stated. Living in California, a hub for plant-based eating, has made this transition easier and more enjoyable for her.
Harper shared that maintaining her plant-based diet is not about strict restrictions but about making conscious, healthy choices. She enjoys experimenting with plant-forward recipes and finds joy in the variety of plant-based options available. “For me, it was an easy choice, and it makes me feel so good. I feel like I’m glowing from the inside out just eating that type of food,” she said.
One challenge for Harper was giving up sushi, a staple in her Japanese heritage. However, she has found satisfying plant-based alternatives like tofu and avocado rolls. “You can get the same feeling and still go to a sushi bar,” she explained, highlighting the importance of enjoying meals with loved ones regardless of dietary choices.
Harper encouraged those curious about plant-based eating to start by incorporating plant-forward ingredients into their meals and experimenting with recipes. She emphasized that many restaurants now offer plant-based options and suggested that diners can ask chefs to create custom plant-based dishes, often resulting in unique and enjoyable meals.
Harper, who has been modeling since the age of nine, reflected on the inclusivity and empowerment she has experienced with Sports Illustrated. She praised the magazine for breaking industry norms and celebrating diverse body types. “Sports Illustrated broke down those walls. They made the industry more inclusive, allowing everybody to feel important and included,” she said.
Harper credited her fiancé, Jared Goff, for his support. The couple, who met on the celebrity dating app Raya and got engaged in June 2022, have been each other’s cheerleaders. Goff encouraged Harper to pursue her dream with Sports Illustrated, and he proudly displays her accomplishments in his office.
As Harper continues to explore new plant-based recipes and culinary experiments, she remains committed to her healthy lifestyle. Posing for Sports Illustrated has boosted her confidence, and she is grateful for the platform to inspire others. “It’s really hard to be a woman. You feel constantly judged, and you’re often comparing yourself. It was partly Sports Illustrated that gave me the confidence to be me,” she concluded.
Christen Harper’s journey with plant-based eating and her rise in the modeling world inspire embracing a healthy, compassionate lifestyle while pursuing one’s dreams with confidence and resilience.
