A lot of actresses will tell you you're perfect the way you are, that it's okay to have a little extra weight on you, that beauty is on the inside . . . you know, all that inspirational-type stuff.

And yet you NEVER see them with even an ounce of fat on their bodies, and you can totally tell they're going to insane lengths to remain as skinny as possible at all times.

Which is why this is refreshing: Jennifer Lopez once FIRED a manager who told her to lose weight.

She says, "I was just so infuriated that somebody said you couldn't have a little extra meat on you . . . because I was by no means fat! That was so mean and closed-minded.

"I was like: 'No, this is who I am and this is the type of woman that I grew up with and it was beautiful and there's no reason to be anybody but myself.'"

HOWEVER . . . J-Lo might not always be so confident in her looks. Therefore, she's not willing to rule out plastic surgery. She says, quote, "Honestly, I'm not going to make a judgment on it because I don't have to yet.

"I mean, I'd like to think I'll feel great about myself and age gracefully, but then I think: 'Well, what if I do want a little bit of something?' I'm open to being open."