The Two Foods Betty White Credits For Her Long Life

A national treasure is soon to be reaching its centennial. No, we're not taking about some type of monument or even a National Park, but something far more precious to our nation's heritage. We speak, instead, of the one and only Betty White, who, at the age of 99, just keeps on getting even more amazing. 

But how, we wonder, did she get to her 99^th year sound of mind and sassier than ever? Has she been adhering to a strict regimen of yogurt and boiled oats? No, never! White would be the first to tell us, should we be worthy enough to approach her throne, that there's no point in living for 99 years if you can't enjoy each one of them. Instead, Betty White, when asked the silly question as to the secret of her longevity, provides an equally silly answer. According to Taste of Home, she says hot dogs are her health food of choice.

The Associated Press confirms that a hot dog and French fries were on the menu for Betty White's recent birthday celebration, but this combo has been a favorite of hers for a while now. She told Bon Appetit, when they interviewed her back when she was a mere girl of 92, that "Lunch is usually a hot dog and French fries, or something equally devilish," and even included these foods on a "survival diet" she scribbled on the back of a napkin.

A decade ago, White's Hot in Cleveland costar Wendie Malick told US Magazine that White "seems to exist on hot dogs and French fries," while another cast member, Jane Leeves, characterized Betty's diet as "crap" and snarked that "maybe she's preserved because of all the preservatives." Well, whatever works, works. Wonder why Oscar Mayer hasn't snapped her up as a celebrity spokesperson? Betty driving the Weinermobile would be beyond amazing.

Hot dogs weren't the only foodstuff Betty White claimed as part of her formula for a long life. She also admits to a fondness for vodka, once telling David Letterman (via YouTube) the stuff's "kind of a hobby," and saying she prefers it "on the rocks [with] lots and lots of lemon" (via Life & Style). A friend of White's claims the vodka martini is the star's go-to drink, telling Closer Weekly that "Betty loves to joke that vodka keeps her young [and] loves the image of her sitting at home in a rocking chair, drinking a martini and watching game shows."

While there's some evidence that a daily dose of vodka could have health benefits, like boosting your mood and lowering cholesterol levels, surely drinking "lots and lots of it" (as Taste of Home seems to imply is the case) couldn't really allow someone to arrive at their 99^th year with all faculties intact, could it? Well, perhaps not. That same friend also said White's quite the kidder, and in reality, "She's not really a big drinker. That's not her. She'll only take a few sips of a cocktail if the occasion calls for it." White herself admitted as much to Bon Appetit: "One cocktail before dinner is fine. If I'm out with friends, I'll probably have a second. But I don't really like to feel it." According to Leeves, per US Magazine, Diet Coke was the real fuel that kept White going.

By now Betty White's had more birthdays than most will ever see, and there's a chance she's a wee bit tired of blowing out all those candles (not to mention the fire hazard that 99 of them would present). She hasn't lost her taste for desserts, however. As a friend told Closer Weekly, "She's always had a sweet tooth!" White herself admitted to Bon Appetit that "Red Whips are my curse." Her costar Leeves also confirmed that Betty was constantly snacking on Red Vines, while Malick said "She eats red licorice, like, ridiculously a lot." Good thing that red licorice isn't actually licorice! It seems that the black stuff can be dangerous, particularly for anyone over 40. Red licorice, however, doesn't seem to be doing Betty White a bit of harm.

Well, however much junk food and booze Betty White is or isn't putting away, whatever she's got, we want some. Betty White may be the first person who actually makes us look forward to own centenary mark. Who needs eternal youth when you can aspire to be a Golden Girl like Betty?