Victoria’s Secret Models on 2012 Fashion Show Diet, Training

The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debuts Tuesday night on CBS—bringing its yearly dose of sparkles, nearly naked bodies, and over-the-top lingerie along with it. And while the show’s roster of supermodels are gifted with nearly perfect genetics, that didn’t stop most of them from hauling butt to the gym to prepare for the event. The truth is, models are just like us. If they want to run around in lingerie before a television audience of millions—not to mention strutting onstage alongside performers like Bruno Mars and Rihanna—they do what anyone would do: hit the treadmill. When The Daily Beast went backstage just before the show’s Nov. 7 taping, we chatted with some of the show’s boldest names to see just how they prepared for the big day—and what they’d eat afterward to celebrate.

Doutzen Kroes

“I think [I’m going to eat] French fries. Last time I think that they had burgers here. They always have great snacks for after.”

Jessica Hart

“We are always more or less body-ready for something like this. I like to try to work on being really healthy and have a glow from the inside, so concentrating on juicing and drinking water and sleeping so I don’t look exhausted.”

Behati Prinsloo

“I tried to get a lot of sleep. I was just in my hotel room talking to my family and ate some healthy food. I think they are bringing in some pizzas for us after the show.”

Lily Aldridge

“I am a mommy and I have a 4-month-old, so having a healthy diet is important. Nothing crazy. I definitely dieted, though. I ate a lot of organic salmon and vegetables. I couldn’t have worked harder—maybe I’m not as tiny as I used to be, but I’m womanly now and I’m proud of that.”

Candice Swanepoel

“I just carry on with my workout that I do year-round and just amp it up a little bit. I eat a lot of protein because my metabolism is really fast, and if I work out too much I get smaller, so it’s a good balance of working out and resting in between. My first splurge meal is going to be something light because I have to eat a lot of steak and mashed potatoes to keep my weight, so I’m excited to have a nice ceviche or something.”

Cara Delevingne

“I’ve just been working every day in a different country, so I haven’t had time to prepare. I had McDonald’s for lunch yesterday and pizza for dinner, so that’s not going to change.”

Alessandra Ambrosio

“I’ve been working out for the last four months and trying to do some exfoliation so my skin looks good. Maybe I’ll have a sundae ice cream [after the show].”

Miranda Kerr

“To be honest, I’m pretty consistent with my workout routine and I basically amp it up a month before. So normally I’d train three to four times a week, and now in the last month I’ve been training four to six times a week. I do the 80 percent healthy, 20 percent indulgent rule, and I feel that really works for me. I really enjoy eating healthy food, and I’m certified as a health coach, so it’s something I’m quite passionate about.”