Elizabeth Banks says she is very genetically blessed

The 40-year-old star told the latest issue of New You magazine: "I didn't quite believe I was pretty for a long time. I never thought about it."

But she added: "I'm very genetically blessed, I cannot deny it, but I work hard at keeping myself together. Yes, I have nice cheekbones and skinny legs but I can't take any credit for it."

The 'Pitch Perfect' star always puts her family first, but thinks parenting is challenging and there isn't as much pressure on men.

Asked how she balances her career and motherhood, the actress said: "I balance it by always putting my children's health and safety first. Then I feel OK to go and do the job I love."

She added: "It's important to remember that I face the same challenges as many other working parents out there. I don't think dads do it as well as moms, quite frankly, as I don't think there's any pressure on them to balance anything in their lives when it comes to parents being at work. I try not to feel that pressure, either. I actually have a girlfriend who works in the justice department, going after criminals and the mafia, and she's got three kids. Parenting is challenging any way you slice it."