Stay-Trim Tricks of the Trade: What Diet & Fitness Experts Eat

Secrets of a Fit Physician

Seeing patients, saving lives, conducting research, teaching, writing books, and giving lectures: Job stress could send Lori Mosca, MD, PhD, FITNESS advisory board member, and director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, straight to the cafeteria's chocolate cheesecake. "I have the kind of schedule that can lead to eating poorly," explains Dr. Mosca, who has crossed the finish line at more than 100 triathlons.

Consistency is key to Dr. Mosca's diet. Her lunch tray in the hospital cafeteria looks the same practically every day:

A sensible sandwich Dr. Mosca buys a turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread with lettuce and tomato for lunch.

Fruit salad This triathlete keeps thirst at bay by snacking on fruits high in water, such as watermelon and grapes.

Cranberry "cocktail" When she wants a break from her usual H2O, Dr. Mosca mixes equal parts cranberry juice and club soda. "The antioxidant-rich juice cleanses your kidneys, and the soda cuts calories and sugar," she says.

How does she keep stress under control when she's squeezing so much into her workday? With these three strategies:

Rise and dine. You should never be too busy for breakfast, Dr. Mosca says. Her go-to a.m. meals include low-fat, low-sodium cottage cheese mixed with canned mandarin oranges ("I pour out the juice, because there's a lot of sugar in it," she notes) or an omelet with low-fat Swiss cheese, tomato, and spinach.

Start smart. A peaceful morning routine preps your mind and body for a jam-packed day. "I do a medley of stretches when I wake up," Dr. Mosca says. Try this one: Stand with your hands on your hips and make 10 clockwise circles with your hips, then switch directions.

Buddy up for the burn. Squeeze in exercise that doubles as quality time with family or friends. Dr. Mosca and her husband go for a long run on Sunday mornings, followed by a relaxing breakfast.