Readers Speak Out

By Anonymous

june 2008 “Ashlee Simpson has fallen down and picked herself up many times-which inspires me to reach for my dreams no matter what.”

rave review

As a longtime exercise enthusiast, I was becoming bored with my routines-until I started subscribing to Shape. I tear out all the workouts, stick them in plastic inserts, and keep them in a binder. Now I have tons of great workout ideas and can shake things up whenever I want to!

Jen Zeman

Maryland

Weighing in on Ashlee

I wanted to thank you for putting Ashlee Simpson on your June cover. She’s talented, she’s beautiful, and she’s fallen down and picked herself up many times-which inspires me to reach for my dreams no matter what.

Jennifer Blanchard

Texas

I wonder about Ashlee Simpson as your cover choice. I subscribe to Shape for inspiration, and a young celebrity with a nice body does not motivate me. I too would have energy all day long if I were 23 and had the money for a personal trainer! Show me someone who is 40, or 35 even, to push me to get in shape.

Lisa Petersen Primeau

Missouri

I don’t know why Ashlee Simpson was on your cover. She’s a young woman with a not-so-distinguished singing career who has avoided the topic of her obvious plastic surgery and is now pregnant-not a model for physical fitness or healthy eating. She seems more appropriate for the cover of a teen magazine.

Loren Hamilton

New York

A celeb with curves: Hooray!

Thanks for including actress Natasha Henstridge in your latest issue [“Celebrating Body Confidence With Natasha Henstridge”]. I think she’s one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, and I was pleasantly surprised to read that she’s a size 8. It just goes to show you don’t need to be super-skinny to be beautiful. Keep up the good work!

Laura Shirey

Texas

Getting to my goal weight

I loved the no-deprivation diet [“Your Ultimate Bikini SlimDown”]. I’m trying to lose those stubborn last 10 pounds, and this program is perfect-it doesn’t leave me feeling hungry or run- down. I intend to stick with it until I can fit into my old jeans again.

Kim Wiegmann

Illinois

A good-living essential

Since discovering my inner athlete a year ago, I’ve lost more than 60 pounds-and been given a second chance at life. I have lupus, an autoimmune disorder, and now that I’m exercising regularly, it’s gone into remission, and I feel stronger, fitter, and healthier than ever. Shape’s advice-packed pages have inspired and encouraged me along my journey. Thank you.

Joanne Kinnaird

New Zealand

My roommate and I both entered college as healthy girls who exercised and watched what we ate. But the freshman 15 isn’t a myth: We put on weight, as did most of our friends. Fortunately, your magazine helped us get back in shape-and it continues to motivate us every month.

Omer Rachel Weizman

New York

this month’s debate

Last month on shape.com, we asked you:

If your significant other gained weight, would it bother you?

47% YES

“I stay in shape not only to feel good about myself but also to be attractive to my man. If he gained weight, I’d think he didn’t care enough to look his best for me.”

JODI LADGE

CALIFORNIA

“It would worry me because I would see it as a sign that food was filling some sort of void.”

EVELYN SMITH

ILLINOIS

“I struggle with my weight, so if my in-shape spouse packed on pounds, I’d get discouraged.”

MANDY MORRONE

ARKANSAS

“If my boyfriend put on a lot of weight, I would definitely speak up out of concern for his health-just as I would if he started drinking every night or smoking.”

ANGELA CAROLA

NEW JERSEY

53% NO

“Everyone’s weight fluctuates from time to time; that’s life. As long as he was within a healthy range for his height, my feelings for him wouldn’t change.”

BRITTANY WILLIAMS

WASHINGTON

“If my boyfriend gained a few extra pounds, there would just be more of him to love.”

KRISTIN JOHNSON

OREGON

“I’m not with him because of his weight, I’m with him because he makes me happy.”

JESSICA VALLIERE

NEW YORK

“In 10 years of marriage, I’ve gone up and down. My husband has continued to love me regardless of my size, and I would do the same for him.”

MELINDA POWELL

ARIZONA

voice your opinion

Log on to shape.com/ readerdebate and share , your thoughts with us and fellow Shape readers.

You told us…

“My feel-gorgeous wardrobe essential”

A healthy body Image can do wonders for your confidence-but so can the perfect cocktail dress or pair of pumps. Your favorite look- pretty pieces:

Do-no-wrong denim

“My best pair of jeans hit me in all the right places and do my curves justice.”

Jill Havran

Iowa

Instant hourglass

“When I want to feel puttogether and sophisticated, I can always count on my black wrap dress.”

Beth Ann Coombs

New Jersey

Best foot forward

“My yellow heels catch the eye-and I’m comfortable enough with my legs to enjoy the attention.”

Niki Platz

Texas

A truly precious gem

“My wedding ring is a reminder I have someone who supports me. That gives me confidence, and confidence is beautiful!”

Melissa Winkel

Wisconsin

Mood-boosting jewels

“I inherited my grandmother’s jewelry collection. I feel better the minute I put on one of her necklaces, rings, or bracelets.”

Gina Brown

Texas

A foundation for success

“It’s nothing fancy, but every time I pull on my sports bra, I congratulate myself on all the hard work I put in at the gym.”

Marcia Pacak

Ohio

SEND US YOUR MAIL

E-mail us at [email protected] (or write to Shape Readers Speak Out, 1 Park Ave., 10th floor, New York, NY10016). Please include your name, address, and daytime phone number. Shape reserves the right to edit letters.

you tell us

How do you keep calories under control when you eat out?

E-mail us at readersspeakoutashape.com. If we print your response, we’ll send you a Shape DVD.

Copyright American Media, Inc. Sep 2008

(c) 2008 Shape. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.