Los Angeles, Sep 6 (IANS): “Scandal” actress Kerry Washington says she has a "loving relationship" with her body.

The actress exercises regularly to stay in shape but tries not to view working out as a punishment.

"I try to come at exercise from a perspective of love rather than punishment,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted Washington as saying.

"The one thing we have when we're born and until the day we die is our relationship with our body. Like any good relationship, I try to keep it a loving one,” she added.

Washington usually stays in shape with Pilates but also likes to "mix things up" with other exercises and always tries to eat well.

"I like to mix things up with a bit of cardio, hiking and swimming. Anything that helps me feel relaxed and grounded.

"And I can never have enough fruit, coconut water, water... you know, just good, wholesome stuff. I work with a nutritionist to make sure I'm getting what I need when it comes to vitamins and nutrients,” she said.