Healthy travel when you take in high cholesterol

Healthy travel when you take in high cholesterol

Keeping up a consistent routine, including a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, is an important part of managing your cholesterol. But that doesn't stand for breaking from your routine for travel has to be off-limits. With some preparation and a positive mindset, you can keep up your healthy habits — whether you're traveling for business or pleasure. To do your cholesterol when you're away from home, consider these tips:

Manage your medications

If you're taking a cholesterol-lowering drug:

Make certain you have enough medication to last for the length of your trip before you leave.Carry a list of your current medications and your doctor's contact information in case you experience a problem while you're away.

Schedule a regular time for exercise

For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. To keep up your activity level while traveling:

Find out if your hotel has a gym or a relationship with one nearby.Do sit-ups, push-ups, the plank position and other exercises for 10 minutes in your hotel room.If you're traveling for business, see if it's possible to walk to your meeting location. If you're traveling for pleasure, do just about sightseeing on foot.

Don't apply your trip as an excuse for unhealthy behavior

To maintain up your healthy routine:

Seek out restaurants with healthy choices and fill up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.Make dessert a special treat on your trip — not a nightly reward.If you struggle with the impulse to smoke while traveling, consider using a nicotine patch or gum.

If you have any worries about managing your cholesterol during a trip, talk to your doctor.