Gayle King's Unrestricted Diet Choice Before 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit' Shoot

Gayle King Had a Cheeseburger the Day Before Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Shoot

Gayle King Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Gayle King recently appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit for the first time, and she took a refreshingly relaxed approach to preparing for the photoshoot.

The 69-year-old TV personality shared in an interview with People that she enjoyed a cheeseburger the day before the shoot. Despite planning to eat less, she decided to indulge in one of her favorite foods without any restrictions.

King’s relaxed attitude towards preparing for her photoshoot can be attributed in part to the support and encouragement of SI Swimsuit’s editor-in-chief, MJ Day.

When King expressed her concerns about needing to starve herself for the photoshoot, MJ Day reassured her by saying, “Absolutely do not do that. We don’t want you to change anything that you’re doing,” as King recalled to People.

King graces one of SI Swimsuit’s 2024 covers, showcasing her in various swimsuit looks on a beach and by a pool in Mexico. The photos capture her in a ruched green one-piece, a gold swimsuit with a plunging neckline, and a black one-piece paired with a see-through mesh cover up dress.

She is joined by models Chrissy Teigen and Hunter McGrady, each with their own covers. Additionally, in celebration of the magazine's 60th anniversary, three more covers were created featuring 27 SI Swimsuit legends like Christie Brinkley, Martha Stewart, Tyra Banks, Paulina Porizkova, and Winnie Harlow.

"I never imagined I would be in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, but here I am. It shows me that sometimes dreams, whether from people, God, or the universe, can be bigger than what we imagine for ourselves," King shared with SI Swimsuit.

"I never thought this could happen. It wasn't even on my bucket list. So maybe it's a dream I didn't know I had, because now that I'm here, I really want it," she continued.

Editor's P/S:

Gayle King's appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is a testament to the magazine's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and body positivity. By featuring a 69-year-old woman who refused to conform to restrictive beauty standards, SI Swimsuit sends a powerful message that women of all ages, shapes, and sizes can be celebrated and admired. King's unapologetic approach to preparing for the photoshoot, with the support of editor-in-chief MJ Day, is a refreshing departure from the toxic culture of dieting and self-denial that has long been associated with the fashion industry.

Furthermore, the diverse lineup of covers, including models Chrissy Teigen, Hunter McGrady, and SI Swimsuit legends like Christie Brinkley and Tyra Banks, underscores the magazine's commitment to representing a wide range of beauty ideals. This move challenges the narrow and often unattainable standards of beauty that have historically dominated the media, and it empowers women to embrace their own unique bodies and identities.