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Tina Turner, pop icon and music legend died last night in her Switzerland home at the age of 83. Born Anna Mae Bullock, the American-born singer grew up on a farm in Tennessee followed her dream, entered the music world and extricated herself from an abusive partnership to become the Queen Of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
The pop legend was best known for her album ‘Private Dancer’ released in 1984 after a two-decade-long career with Ike Turner. After leaving him in the dust – taking the name he tried to trademark name with her – the album catapulted her to fame with the biggest hit being ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’.
Even though she was in her 40s during the peak of her career, and the bulk of her live shows were during her 50s and 60s, her fit physique was always admired. She credited her good health to ‘taking care of herself’. She reportedly only ate after 6 pm and started her days with a banana, kiwi, melon, and brown German bread. She also swore by a minimum of 10 hours of sleep a day.
She took a stab at dieting during the Twenty-Four Seven tour with the ‘Cabbage Soup Diet’ a 7-day diet packed with fibre and low on fat. She wasn’t a fan and from then on vowed to eat whatever she wanted until it had a negative effect. Following this new credo, she decided not to ‘abuse herself’ with sweets, sugars, cakes and fats.
Although she grew up in Tennessee, a centre of soul food, she tried to avoid the fatty or carb-heavy meals of her youth in favour of cuisines like Thai and Italian food. The star also credited a lot of her fitness to the rigorous dance routines she performed,
Though she retired in 2000 – and briefly took the stage in 2008 with Beyonce – her love for music and dedication to a healthy lifestyle remained strong. She instead focused on maintaining balance and moderation in her diet and believed that indulging in occasional treats is acceptable as long as it is done in moderation and with mindfulness.
Tina Turner's relationship with food serves as an inspiration to many. It highlights the importance of nourishing oneself, not only for physical health but also for mental and emotional well-being. Her journey from a difficult upbringing to international stardom showcases how resilience and determination can shape a person's perspective on food and nutrition.
After a long history of illness, post a kidney transplant and after battling intestinal cancer, she’s survived by her second husband Erwin Bach. Her music has touched so many millions of fans that will carry on her name, her music and her legacy.
