Regardless of people constantly judging her weight and life, Jessica Simpson is really happy. During an interview with USA Today, Maria Shriver, and Ali Wentworth at the Women's Conference in Long Beach, California, the singer revealed why she's so happy, how she deals with the never-ending scrutiny of her body and what it was like to turn 30. She also addressed her recent run-in with ex-husband Nick Lachey.
"I went through a really hard time a couple years back with people just harping on the pressure of how to look perfect -- obviously using me and my weight. It was a tabloid frenzy," Simpson said.
She adds, "I feel like people are constantly curious as to how much I weigh or what I look like or what I wear."
Bottom line, she says she can't tune it out. "There's no way you're not going to be affected by the ugly things people say about you. It's very hurtful. It definitely brings up a lot of your own insecurities. It takes a great family and wonderful friends -- and love definitely helps, too -- to get through it," the singer said.
MORE EXCERPTS AFTER THE JUMP:
ON BOYFRIEND ERIC JOHNSON:
"He definitely makes me very happy. He brings out a lot of light in me and makes me very comfortable being who I am. It's nice to be with somebody who praises you for the right reasons."
ON GETTING MARRIED:
"Wedding? Right now I'm focused on my precious nephew and godson. I am from the South, so I've definitely dreamed of being married my whole life and having children, so hopefully that's in my future."
ON TURNING 30:
"I love being 30. The moment I turned 30, I really did feel a switch in my life. I was in Capri and I was with my boyfriend and my family and my friends, and I just felt this coming-of-age moment, this moment where I really just felt the happiest I've ever been, and I love the woman inside of me."
ON THE ROLE OF FOOD IN HER LIFE:
"When I'm hungry, I'll eat. When I'm not hungry, I won't. I m not really that much of a calorie counter, but I do think about it. I make sure I'm working out to make sure I feel good about myself.
"I'm from Texas, I like everything fried, which is the really unfortunate thing. My relationship with food? I want it when I'm sad. When I'm happy, I don't think much about it. But I do like to go out on a date for a good dining experience. It's important not to say, 'I can't have this' because then I obsess about it."
