Alaine makes wellness a way of life

For reggae songbird Alaine Laughton, getting older is less about slowing down and more about making sure she can continue showing up for herself. The musician has become increasingly intentional about what she eats, how she exercises and, most importantly, maintaining the strength to enjoy life as she ages.

In an interview with THE STAR earlier this week, about her approach to health and fitness, Alaine said the foundation was laid years ago after a conversation with her father.

“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.

The observation initially offended her, but she eventually came to appreciate the reality check. Years later, another experience would reinforce just how important taking care of her body had become.

“Last year, I had a myomectomy (surgery to remove uterine fibroids), 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.”

NON-NEGOTIABLES

Today, exercise and intentional living are non-negotiables for the No Ordinary Love singer. Her routine includes weightlifting four times a week, hill walks, sprints and Pilates classes. She also works with a trainer for accountability and sometimes turns to fitness instructors on YouTube.

That commitment is particularly significant for someone who readily admits that athleticism did not come naturally. Alaine recalled placing 97th out of 100 in a race at prep school, though simply finishing was an accomplishment.

“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.”

Consistency, however, is not always easy, particularly with the demands of an artiste’s schedule.

“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.

Her approach to food is similarly flexible. Rather than subscribing rigidly to one diet, Alaine pays attention to what she consumes while leaving room for variety.

“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.

She does not believe that means completely denying herself the things she enjoys.

“My guilty pleasure is definitely chocolate cake, but I don’t overdo it, because I want to be good to myself,” she said.

Beyond maintaining a particular physique, Alaine’s long-term goal is functionality. She wants the choices she makes now to serve her well decades from now.

“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, that commitment is ultimately rooted in how she chooses to care for herself.

“It is one of the best decisions that I keep making every day, and I’m grateful to God for the strength to continue.”

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com