High Cholesterol and Travelling

Lowering Your Cholesterol Can Be Difficult When You Are Travelling

(LifeWire) - If you have high cholesterol, it can be easy, even tempting, to overlook your cholesterol management when traveling.

But it's important to stay on track with your heart health, even as you travel and explore. Here are some tips on maintaining your diet, medication and exercise program while vacationing.

Healthy Eating While Traveling

Healthy eating while on vacation is a challenge -- regardless of whether you are in a plane, a car, at the hotel or meandering around town. As you read the tips below, keep in mind that it isn't healthy to completely deny yourself. Allow yourself indulgences; just don't make unhealthy eating the norm for your vacation.

• Plane travel Terminals offer a wide variety of tempting unhealthy foods. The solution? Pack your own snacks. Nuts, low-fat granola bars and sandwiches are great options. And when the flight crew comes by, offering you a drink, opt for fruit juice or water instead of a high-calorie soda.
• Car travel You can't travel 30 miles without fast food restaurants beckoning you to their counters. So plan ahead! Pack a cooler with a healthy chicken wrap, homemade yogurt parfait, fruits, veggies and sandwiches. If you need to grab some fast food, stay away from fried foods and stick to the grilled options. And if you're craving fries, get the kid-sized portion instead of the super size.
• At the hotel Try to stick with healthier options. Order the eggs, but ask for fruit instead of hash browns. If it's a continental breakfast, avoid the donuts and fill your bowl with cereal.
• Around town It's all about finding healthy options while eating at restaurants. When you're selecting from the menu, don't be afraid to ask the waiter about low-fat options. Order grilled meat instead of fried or opt for light salad dressing. And as always, don't eat if you aren't hungry. Ask for a doggie bag if you're already full.

Taking Cholesterol Medication While Traveling

Before you leave for your vacation, write down all your medications and dosages. Make sure you have more than enough medication on hand. Plan to bring several extra doses with you. If you're traveling by plane, be sure to carry your medications in their original containers on board with you.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medication, have a friend or family member assist you or set an alarm clock. It may also help to purchase a small pill container that can fit in your pocket. Make sure you have a few doses inside when you head out for your sightseeing.

Exercising While Traveling

Exercise is key to lowering cholesterol and decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Vacation is a prime time to abandon your program, which can make beginning again difficult when you return home. Set a goal for how many workouts you can fit in. If you can't continue with your typical regimen, go for a walk or light jog. You can also seek out a fitness center or YMCA that will sell a visitor's pass.

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