Victoria’s Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio on fitness and food, on and off the runway

If there is a way to “win” the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, it’s being chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra. But last night, for the first time in Victoria’s Secret history, there were two Fantasy Bras on the runway.

Designed by jeweler Pascal Mouawad, the lingerie is encrusted with 16,000 rubies, diamonds and sapphires, all strung together with 18-karat gold and priced at a dazzling $2 million — each.

The bras were worn by fellow Brazilian supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima. Oh, and they took 1,380 hours to make, which, as the 33-year-old Ambrosio explains to Metro, is almost as much time as she spends on staying in shape.

How do you get body-ready before the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?

Throughout the year, I try to exercise three times a week but one or two months before the show, I start working out daily.

I don’t have a trainer so I do my whole workout myself; I feel like at this point of my life I know what my body needs. I try to diversify my workout: I like Boot Camp, for example, which is 30 minutes running and 30 minutes on the floor with weights – it’s a good full-body training [regime] that I do twice a week.

I’m also a fan of Pilates, which I do two to three times a week, as well as a ballet barre workout, too. I do yoga once a week just to stretch out the strain caused by all those exercises.

Do you alter your diet, too?

I just try to eat healthier, even though my lifestyle in general is to be as healthy as I can. So I cut out some junk food at this point. If I want to have pizza, I’d have one with goat cheese and mushrooms — and I always have one slice. I don’t say, “I can’t eat this or that” because it makes me kind of crazy, so I’d rather eat a little bit less and go for the least bad option. But before the show I definitely try to be more conscious of what I eat.

How would you describe your diet in general?

I grew up in Brazil so I like healthy, homemade food. Every day I try to eat fresh. For lunch I would cook some chicken breast and make a salad, for example, and I would have sushi for dinner.

What is your go-to breakfast?

Today actually wasn’t a good example because I had, like, two minutes to eat breakfast! I had a bunch of things to do this morning so I just had a piece of coffee cake. Usually, I have egg whites with a gluten-free toast and some avocado on the side. That’s what I have every day when I have a bit of time to cook.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I love french fries!

Do you have a nostalgic childhood dish?

My grandmother used to make hand-cut french fries for me when I was younger – I just loved them. I also remember this chocolate cake she used to bake for me. My other grandmother is Polish and she makes pierogi – it’s like pasta filled with potatoes and the dressing is bacon with butter – which is very heavy but I love it. Every time I go back to Brazil, I’ll have it.