Are you finding it difficult to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering diet? Losing the motivation to do your daily jog? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might benefit from having a buddy to keep you on track.

Studies have shown that social support networks -- whether it's a group of people with similar goal, family, or a friend -- are more helpful in meeting healthy goals than going at it alone. This includes losing weight, exercising, and lowering cholesterol. By buddying up to fight high cholesterol can keep you from slipping on your healthy commitments -- such as doctor's appointments, taking your medications, or daily excercise -- or fudging on your cholesterol-lowering diet.

Here are some other ways to keep your cholesterol on track:

• How to Lower Your Cholesterol on a Busy Schedule
• Exercise: How to Keep on Track
• Eating Healthy When You're on the Go

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Looking for a whole grain to add to your low-fat meal plans? If so, barley may be a delicious addition to your healthy diet. This whole grain is chock-full of fiber and other nutrients, but can it also help lower your cholesterol? This article will tell you what the studies say regarding barley's ability to help keep your cholesterol in check, as well as some healthy ideas on how to add barley to your cholesterol-lowering diet.

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Everyone loves baked goods every once in a while -- whether you are the recipient of them or are the one doing the cooking. Baking your own foods is one way you can watch your cholesterol levels. By doing this, you know exactly what you are putting into your body because you are preparing the food yourself. Sometimes, however, your favorite recipes might require ingredients that could increase your cholesterol levels -- and your weight. There are many ways you can substitute fatty ingredients for healthier ones. This article will give you a variety of healthy tips that will make your next your baking venture more of a heart-healthy one.

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Even if you're not familiar with Tai Chi, you may have seen others performing it at some point. Characterized by slow, graceful, and purposeful movements, Tai Chi can be used as a form of meditation -- and as a form of exercise. Although there aren't too many studies examining its impact on health, the studies that do exist suggest that Tai Chi may be helpful in managing many chronic health conditions, including arthritis, anxiety, and high blood pressure. This evidence also suggests that Tai Chi may be helpful in keeping your cholesterol and triglyceride levels healthy. This article discusses the beneficial effect that Tai Chi has on cholesterol, and how many times a week you need to do it in order to see results.

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