Adriana Lima Defends 'Crazy' Victoria's Secret Diet

The Victoria's Secret runway show is famous for sending only the most beautiful models down in the catwalk in the brand's skimpy lingerie — which means toned abs, thighs and not a flaw to be seen. Such perfection requires doubling up on workouts and a liquids-only diet, high-profile model Adriana Lima told the Daily Telegraph originally, but after backlash hit the web, Lima, 30, is now saying there was a "misunderstanding."

The exercise and diet regime leading up to the big show isn't really that intense, Lima told E! Online, arguing that the quick slim-down before the show is just part of her job. "I just have an athlete's mind and I appreciate doing this thing," she said. "It's not that I do crazy diets throughout the year. I just do it for this particular thing. After this show, I become normal again!"

Lima said she did not want to send the wrong message to young women that extreme dieting is what it takes to be beautiful. "Those teenagers out there, don't go starving yourself or only drinking liquids," she said. "Don't do that please."