Richard Simmons: The Two Must-See 1997 ‘Woman’s World’ Covers Featuring the Exercise Guru

The light and love that radiated from the late Richard Simmons was truly unmatched. From his unwavering ability to be positive to his commitment to sticking to his weight loss brand, he truly was a treasure. So much so, that he appeared on the cover of Woman’s World numerous times over the course of his life, and even had his own guest column!

To honor the late fitness mogul, we’ve rounded up the two best covers of Richard Simmons on Woman’s World  from the year 1997. They include Simmons’ own recipes and the shocking way he remained positive. Keep reading for all that and more!

Richard Simmons in Woman’s World, November 1997

Love sweets but hate the calories? Well, this vintage issue of Woman’s World featuring Simmons dealt with just that! It read:

It’s me again-Richard! And I’m here to tell you that, yes, you can have your cake and lose weight, too. Not just cake, either. Cookies, brownies, sundaes, crepes, pies — stop me, somebody, I’m drooling!

Let me tell you something: back in the ’50s, my parents put me on a diet, and the first thing they took away from me was dessert. We had this wonderful bakery in our neighborhood with the most gorgeous cookies and cakes! Mom and Dad told me not to go there anymore, because it was making me fat. But making those sweet treats forbidden just made me want them even more I’d sneak them and get even fatter. Eventually I learned how important it is not to deprive yourself. Yes, you’ve got to watch portion sizes. But hon-ey, I’ve kept off more than 100 extra pounds for 30 years now without ever giving up sweets!

Now I know a lot of you think you’re stuck with diet gelatin for the rest of your lives. And that’s just plain sad.

Desserts make us smile. We associate them with happy occasions: birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Sweet treats remind us of love, family all the really happy and special moments. We deserve them. So just for you, I’ve been slaving away in my kitchen, tasting and testing. This labor of love has resulted in Sweetie Pie, my private collection of fabu-lous, low-fat desserts.

Trust me, my recipes are so breathtaking they should come with smelling salts. But, eaten in the right portions, they’ll help you lose weight, not gain it. How? Well, not only are they light, but my desserts are so luscious, they’ll make sure you never feel deprived.

And the little boost of happiness you get will put you in just the frame of mind to make all your weight-loss dreams come true.

I’m so excited! I can’t wait for you to try my beautiful rainbow cake — isn’t it pretty? And for you chocolate lovers, I’ve got lots of yummy treats. Mmmmm, chocolate.

I think it runs through my veins! You know, it’s been medically proven that chocolate makes you happy- and I’m in medical school, remember.

So, now’s your chance. Seize this opportunity to make slimming down a really sweet experience!

The feature included many of Richard’s favorite recipes, all of which are included below! Some highlights include a pear upside down cake, a rainbow cake and some delicious looking zebra parfaits.

Richard Simmons in the last 1997 issue of Woman’s World

Another thing Richard Simmons was known for was his incomparable weight loss cruises. In fact, he even appeared on a cover of Woman’s World to promote one, telling the readers:

Ahoy there! This is your caption speaking — Caption Richard!

I’m here on the deck of the Sensation, one of the most luxurious ships in the world. And I can’t imagine a better place to begin the journey into a new year. Think how lucky we are to be given 365 chances to grow wiser, happier and healthier. How could we not kick 1998 off in style? Well, grab your bags, honey, and follow me — because from where I’m standing, style is all you can see!

Slim sailing ahead…

Maybe you’ve heard me mention it before: three times a year I host a special group of guests on a sun-kissed, slimming voyage. Most cruises are an eating frenzy. But my cruise is totally different. It’s a Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise to Lose — to lose the extra baggage, to lose the stress, to lose those lousy eating habits, to lose the weight that holds us back. So you see, it’s really a Cruise to Win. Want to join me? Come on up the gangplank…

Tips from the Cruise to Win

On a Cruise to Lose, we wash away unhealthy habits with fresh ocean air. And than we start building healthy habits in their place. That’s why each morning begins with me knocking on your door and….

Cruise to Lose Tip #1: Choosing a word for the day

Some of my favorites: attitude, patience, spirit, fortitude and respect.

Write your word down… you’ve chased all those negatives away! The next order of business is breakfast (more delicious choices later). What I usually do is share a little credo I wrote a long time ago that became my passport to a healthy new way of living. It’s really gotten me through my toughest days:

• Today I will make time for myself and I will eat healthy and exercise.
• The next time I have a craving for anything I know is fattening or I’m tempted not to exercise, I will think of the new me, and I will be strong.
• If I didn’t do great yesterday, I will try harder today.
• I am a terrific person and I like myself right now, no matter what I weigh.
• I will use my sense of humor today, for it heals.
• I will be patient with myself.
• I am worth it!

Cruise to Lose Tip #2: Finding your passport to a new life

Overcoming negative thinking will be one of your biggest battles in the war against weight. If any of my credos helps you, jot it down, and some inspiration of your own, then carry it with you. Read over what you’ve written whenever you’re in danger of slipping back into unhealthy habits. But in the meantime, put the pen away and grab your sneakers!

Have you ever seen 325 people all workin’ out together? After lunch we have our one-hour aerobics class. I love to see people getting braver and stronger every day — you should see what they can do by the end of the cruise. To get the same benefits yourself, try this:

Cruise to Lose Tip #3: Committing to seven dats of exercise

All in a row! Even if it’s just a couple of minutes a day, sweating is one the best things you’ll ever do for your body. You may think you don’t enjoy it, but after several workouts you will. I promise! You just have to push yourself through those initial sessions. Remember: concentrate on your “word for the day” if any negative thoughts pop into your head. Also remember, you’re not only shaping up your body — you’re also energizing your mind and spirit.

Cruise to Lose Tip #4: Recording the story of your life

Each of us individuals must look at the unique challenges to our own lives to solve them. Find a quiet moment and write down your story. It’ll feel good to get all those feelings out. And we can learn from mistakes.

The delicious way to lose pounds

Dinner on board the Sensation is, well, sensational. Just like in the real world, we have a huge menu of delicious options. But we encourage one another to make the best choices. I even bring bottles of balsamic vinegar to share.  It’s fabulous on salad, potatoes, even seafood! See, you don’t have to say goodbye to taste if you plan your meals right. This week I urge you yo watch your portions and add lots of fruits and veggies. On board we try to stick to 1,600 calories and 25 to 30 grams of fat each day. To make it easy for you to do the same, I swiped a menu and recipes from the ship’s kitchen.

At the end of the day we relax and take a look at what we’ve learned about ourselves. Once we’ve all recapped and reflected, I’m ready to crawl into bed. The last thing I do is call Mom and tell her, “May the angels watch over you while you sleep, Shirley!” And may they watch over you, too! Remember, I’ll be cheering you on…

Below are the recipes from the Richard Simmons cruise!

May Richard Simmons rest in peace and may his legacy continue to shine bright.

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