Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

Matt Manning made the national news a month or so ago, when he won $50,000 in a bodybuilding.com contest. I contacted him because I wanted to learn more about his incredible transformation and how he did it. He agreed to do an interview for the blog. I thought his story could inspire others who think they can't get in shape because of age, work or other issues. Matt proves that with hard work and determination, you can transform your body and improve your health.

Matt's story inspires me on a personal level as I'm trying to tighten my skin with the strength training. He didn't have as much weight to lose as I did, and I know my skin was stretched out for many more years than his. But still, it gives me hope that maybe I too will have tighter abs after all this weight loss.

Mat chose the perfect foods for the last two weeks of the challenge! I do have these foods often and they are so healthy for you.

Garlic is considered a natural antibiotic. It has so many health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to raising the HDL (good cholesterol) and lowering the LDL (bad cholesterol). It helps reduce cancer risk, aids in weight loss and can reduce inflammation and pain in the body.

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.