Reggae songbird Elaine has always kept it real about her music and her life.
Now, as she embraces maturity and all that it entails, the No Ordinary Love singer opens up to THE STAR about her wellness regimen and becoming the best version of herself. According to Alaine, she has been on a wellness journey for some time.
“It actually started from a conversation I had with my father when I was in my 20s, when he came to visit me when I was living in New York and told me I had put on some weight. I hadn’t realised it. It’s easy to get used to just buying bigger clothes and not thinking too much about it,” she said.
Although the observation initially offended her, Alaine eventually came to appreciate the reality check and decided to do something about it. Nowadays, exercise and intentional living are non-negotiables for her.
“Last year I had a myomectomy (a surgery to take out fibroids from the uterus), and the healing process was a humbling reminder of how much we take for granted,” she said.
“Something as simple as being able to get up and walk around is really the biggest deal. I also noticed that belly fat is the most stubborn fat, and all my clothes felt like someone was sneaking into my closet and shrinking them. So I knew I had to do something about that.”
Staying committed to the process proved challenging, but her determination kept her from becoming complacent.
“Sometimes travelling can throw off my exercise routine, as well as healthy food can be difficult to source when you’re on the road. To celebrate the small victories, I cheer myself on as I go,” she explained.
Alaine admitted that she has never been naturally athletic, recalling that she once placed 97th out of 100 in a race at prep school. For her, however, finishing was an achievement in itself.
“As an adult, I’ve entered walkathons and even won trophies. That’s hilarious and wonderful to me and proves that you don’t have to stay the way you’ve always been. You can decide to make yourself stronger. It just takes getting up and doing the work, consistently.”
Her diet, she emphasised, is, like her, a little eclectic, but it works.
“I describe myself as a ‘flexitarian’. I vacillate between being pescatarian and plant-based. But I intentionally eat whole, real food and avoid junk food and too much sugar,” she explained.
When cravings strike, she avoids depriving herself completely and occasionally indulges in a treat.
“My guilty pleasure is definitely chocolate cake, but I don’t overdo it because I want to be good to myself,” she said.
For exercise, Alaine relies on a trainer to keep her accountable and sometimes follows fitness instructors on YouTube. Her routine includes weightlifting four times a week, hill walks, sprints and Pilates classes. Ultimately, her fitness goal is to remain functional as she ages.
“As I get closer to one hundred, I want to do all the things that will guarantee I get there in the best shape possible,” she said.
For Alaine, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an act of self-love rather than a sacrifice.
“It is one of the best decisions that I keep making every day, and I’m grateful to God for the strength to continue.”
