Padma Lakshmi at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2023 Issue Release Party at Hard Rock Hotel New York.Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Padma Lakshmihas empowering words of advice for her 20-something self.
“I would say don’t be so hard on yourself. That’s what I would tell my younger self,” she told PEOPLE exclusively atSports Illustrated Swimsuit’sNew York City launch party on Thursday.
Last week, the author, mom andTop Chefhost made herdebut in the famed magazineat 52, sharing with the outlet the feeling of empowerment that has come with age.
That newfound sentiment is similar to the sound advice she’d pass down to younger Padma, who began her career in modeling. Lakshmi added to PEOPLE, “Just try to find some inner strength, because as long as you do your part with eating healthy and working out, that will take care of itself.”
Another one of her priorities now, she added, is that “it’s more important to feel beautiful, and whatever makes you feel beautiful is what you should focus on, no matter what you look like.”
Padma Lakshmi at the 2002 N.Y.C. premiere of The Hours.Jim Spellman/WireImage
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In her new decade of life, theTaste the Nationstar has discovered the gifts that come with aging.
“My thighs may have been leaner, and my boobs were probably slightly higher in earlier parts of my life, but I have never felt better about myself. I hope they see a full woman in all my facets and nuances and some contradictions. I wouldn’t go back to my 20s if you paid me all the money in the world,” she toldSI Swimsuit, for which she modeled a variety of sexy suits.
She also wants others to know that “sometimes a whole new phase that’s even more exciting than anything you’ve ever experienced before can happen well over 40.”
source: people.com
