Danica Patrick fires back at critics after bikini photo sparks ‘eat more’ comments

Former NASCAR star Danica Patrick is pushing back against online critics after a recent bikini photo prompted comments about her appearance. The retired racing driver responded by sharing details of her meals and fitness routine, making it clear that her physique is the result of consistent training and nutrition not a lack of eating.

Patrick addressed the criticism through a series of Instagram Stories while vacationing in Ibiza, offering a glimpse into both her diet and exercise habits.

Bikini post sparks criticism online

Patrick recently shared photos from her European getaway, posing on the beach in a neon yellow bikini while enjoying the coastline around Ibiza.

She captioned the post by reflecting on the different ways she traveled to reach the area’s beaches, writing that the journey was “half the fun.”

While many followers praised the photos, others commented that the 44-year-old appeared too thin, with some telling her she needed to “eat.”

Rather than ignoring the remarks, Patrick decided to respond directly.

Patrick shares her meals after body-shaming comments

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Patrick posted a photo of her lunch and explained that she wanted to address the criticism head-on.

“Since many have told me to eat after the last post, I shall show you more meals,” she wrote.

She also detailed what she had eaten earlier that day, revealing a protein-rich breakfast consisting of three whole eggs, two egg whites, and a homemade slice of sourdough bread topped with butter and blueberry jam.

Her message emphasized that she maintains a balanced diet despite assumptions made about her appearance.

She credits strength training and protein

Patrick also posted another photo of herself paddleboarding, using the opportunity to explain how her fitness routine contributes to her physique.

She encouraged followers to focus on resistance training and adequate protein intake rather than making assumptions based on appearance.

“If you don’t lift weights (like for real) and eat your protein… you don’t have to get muscles,” she wrote.

Patrick added that having more muscle allows her to eat more food while maintaining her active lifestyle, underscoring the importance of strength training over appearance-focused criticism.

Fitness has remained central after racing

Since retiring from professional motorsports, Patrick has remained deeply involved in health and wellness.

She frequently shares updates about her workouts, nutrition, travel, and outdoor activities across social media, where fitness continues to be a recurring theme.

Her latest vacation has included paddleboarding, boating, beach outings, and other physically active pursuits, reflecting the lifestyle she has embraced since stepping away from NASCAR and IndyCar competition.

Vacation photos continue to draw attention

The recent bikini photo wasn’t the first from Patrick’s European holiday.

Earlier in the trip, she posted another series of beach images wearing a layered black-and-white bikini while vacationing in Greece.

At the time, she jokingly captioned the photos, “Summering in Europe has become a ritual,” before telling followers to expect more vacation snapshots.

Despite the criticism surrounding some of the images, Patrick has continued sharing updates from her travels without changing her approach.

Patrick’s message focuses on health, not appearance

Rather than engaging directly with individual critics, Patrick used the moment to reinforce her personal philosophy about fitness.

By sharing her meals and explaining the role of nutrition and weight training in her routine, she shifted the conversation away from body-shaming and toward healthy habits.

Her response also highlighted a broader point frequently made by athletes and fitness professionals that physical appearance alone doesn’t accurately reflect someone’s health, diet, or overall well-being.

Featured Image: instagram.com/danicapatrick