Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Good for you, Nina.

The actress, who is primarily known for her roles as Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce on The Vampire Diaries, is also known for her sexy figure. But unlike most of the girls in Hollywood these days, Nina doesn’t have to deprive herself of food to achieve her slim physique.

Nina talks about her body—and how she maintains it—in Self magazine’s upcoming November 2012 issue, which she also appears on the cover of. She shares:

“Six-pack abs? Not me. I have a flat tummy, but I’m not rock hard. If I’m going to be in a bikini, I’ll train more and skip desserts for a couple of weeks. But usually, I work out to feel good.”

The Bulgarian beauty adds:

“Exercising gives me endorphins and energy. I do it four days a week. I Spin with Candice Accola and Claire Holt from the show. Running is my solo time; working my muscles outside in fresh air is therapeutic.”

Another one of Nina’s favorite ways to keep fit is practicing yoga. She says:

“Yoga changed my body 100 percent. It tones everything and leans you out. Dancer’s pose is amazing. It works every muscle! And you have to focus. If your mind is somewhere else, you’ll fall.”

When asked about her thoughts on dieting, she replies:

“Starving to be skinny isn’t my thing. When I don’t eat, it affects my mood! On-set, I fuel up with small meals and I’m always grabbing high-protein snacks, like almonds. Chai lattes with espresso also keep me going.”

But Nina, who describes herself as a “health nut,” is not immune to the allure of sweets. She confesses:

“I indulge in dessert, probably more than I should. I just got an ice cream maker, and I’ve been making coconut-milk ice cream topped with shredded coconut. So yummy!”

Check out Self magazine’s November 2012 issue to read more of Nina’s interview.