Julissa Embraces Her Curves

My body type growing up was the total opposite of what it is now. I was a tomboy—very skinny, no curves. While all my friends were in training bras, I didn't even need one!

I would say my curves hit when I turned 27 and, now at 28, I finally have hips! LOL. Everyone used to always say, "You'll see, after 25 things change!" And I totally know what they mean!

Things definitely fit different. At first, I was insecure in it. In the past I could wear body hugging things and it didn't come across as sexy as when I wear them now. Sometimes I enjoy the fact that having curves does make things look better because I actually fill them out!

I think men totally appreciate a woman with curves. Before,I felt like a little girl; now I'm a woman. But it does change the way I get ready. With my newfound curves, I dress in a way where it's not just the focus and distracts from my talent. As a Latina in this business a lot of people expect you to be sexy, sassy and curvaceous, so I don't think it will hurt me as much as I thought initially.

Beside, the trend now is to have curves. Since a lot of the biggest stars these days, like Jennifer Lopez or Beyoncé, have embraced their curves, it definitely makes it easier.

The most important thing is to be healthy. I'm not a big fan of diets. Sometimes you do more damage than good. So I like to aim for moderation. I don't deprive myself of things, but I don't go overboard either. When I'm really looking to be in my best shape possible, I cut out certain things that I know aren't the best (like carbs and sugar) and drink more water.

The one thing I can't resist is when my mom makes my favorite Dominican dish that includes plantains, fried cheese, eggs and salami…all fried. That's the worst thing to eat when you're trying out a healthier lifestyle.