Ellen Pompeo, known for the title role of Meredith on “Grey’s Anatomy,” is one of the few women in showbiz to be in a position to admit that she puts almost no effort into being in such enviable shape as she is. A naturally skinny woman, the 39-year-old actress tells People magazine that she doesn’t work out that much. However, when she does, it’s not because she wants to lose weight, but to build muscle instead.

Due to her frail frame, the tabloids have often picked on Ellen, spreading rumors that she might be suffering from an eating disorder. This is far from the case, the actress now says. She does watch what she eats, but that’s only because she likes to have only “clean” foods, and she never sticks with diets because she risks people calling her anorexic.

“I tried, but I get too skinny, and people think I’m anorexic. It just doesn’t suit my body type.” Pompeo also tells People about trying to go vegetarian. So, in order to focus on her health, she goes only for clean foods, which means no sugar and white flour, but plenty of berries, greens and yams, which also make for excellent snacks. On weekends, Ellen is free to eat whatever she wants, but her favorites include salami, pizza and lasagna with a glass of red wine.

Because she’s “naturally a waif,” as per her own words, the workouts she does with her personal trainer, which are never more than three sessions a week, are aimed to help her build muscle mass and endurance. In order to achieve this, she does one-hour sessions that include high-knee runs, cardio and stretching under her trainer’s supervision and on the tracks of her favorite hip-hop artists.

Although blessed with good genes, Ellen Pompeo is not alone, since supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio is also lucky enough not to have to pay too much attention to her diet. “Call it the Model Myth – a svelte celebrity who claims she doesn’t work out to maintain her enviable physique. Victoria’s Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio told guests at Russell James’ book launch on Wednesday that she barely lifted a finger to get her body back after having a baby. ‘I only do yoga once a week or so, but that’s it for now,’ she shrugged.” GateCrasher reported back in February.