Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

Mat announced the super foods for the Fitness Commitment challenge weeks five and six.

Kale was for week five, and what an awesome choice that was! Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods out there. It is one of nutritarian Dr. Fuhrman's favorite food choices. You should have kale everyday! Kale lowers your risk of cancer and supports your body's detoxification system. It has Vitamin A, Vitamin C and is very high in Vitamin K, which any Americans often lack. Vitamin K is essential for bone health and brain function.

I went to my doctor last Friday. Mat, my personal trainer, wanted me to ask my doctor about what he thought it would take to tighten my abs. According to the doctor, the abs could tighten, or they may not. Some people opt for surgery (tummy tucks) but insurance likely doesn't cover it.

The good news about my appointment, I don't have high blood pressure at all and I'm not pre-hypertensive. I have normal blood pressure without the use of meds, which makes me proud. Others may go along with doctor's advice and go on medication right away. I went a different route and am so glad I did! No medication is necessary, just keep doing what I'm doing!

My team participated in a triathalon at the Northwest CT YMCA. Four members of my team showed up, and one other team had two members, so that means six of us were competing for first place.

I had a strategy planned before I did the triathlon. I knew that my strength was the treadmill. I've been using it for so many years and have been increasing the speed on it. I wanted to make sure that I blasted through the treadmill way before everyone else. Why? For one thing, swminning is my weakest area.

I met with my personal trainer today. He measured the body fat and I am now in the teens. That's great as he wants it to be around 13 or so. My legs and chest are getting muscular but my abs still have excess skin. I think the abs have tightened some, but it still has a way to go.

My belly was stretched so far when I was obese, it's going to take some time to get it back to normal. I know that the majority of the fat went to my belly so it will be the hardest area to tighten. I'm proudest of my legs as I've done so much walking, they have very little fat on them and are muscular.

Mat, the Fitness Director at the Northwest CT YMCA, chose another food that I eat nearly everyday as the next superfood. Spinach is awesome and should be incorporated in everyone's diet.

So why is spinach important? Just look at Popeye! It does build strength as it's 30% protein. If you combine spinach with sunflower seeds or beans, you'll have a complete protein, all of the necessary amino acids required to build muscle.