Hold the Southern Fried, Pass the Veggies

As the peccant Peyton Richards on “Savannah” (the WB network), actress Jamie Luner is smack-dab in the middle of grits country, but she’s not tempted by Southern cooking.

“It’s all smothered, covered and fried, baby, but just because it’s in front of me doesn’t mean it goes in my mouth,” declared the 5-foot-9-inch redhead.

Luner, 24, maintains her size 6 figure by exercising and grazing. “I eat very little portions throughout the day, a little here, a little there. I have more energy that way.”

First thing in the morning, she has water, a fruit shake and coffee. Then the grazing begins: fruits, salads, raw vegetables, turkey, chicken and fish. “And I love pretzels, trail mix, raisins and dried fruit. Oh, man, those are fabulous. They wear out your mouth before your stomach gets full.”

Luner’s exercise regimen includes the StairMaster, free weights, dancing, swimming and roller-skating. “My boyfriend, John Braz, and I bike ride and hike for hours and hours. And if you’re hungry, you eat a little granola bar and you move on.”

Before being cast in “Savannah,” Luner attended culinary school and worked in a restaurant. So would she consider going into the restaurant business some day? “Hell, yeah. I have a very nurturing side, and cooking is something I can do forever. [Unlike acting], I don’t have to wait for someone to pick me to do it.”

* Guest Workout runs Wednesdays in Life & Style.