Matteo Lane, the comedian behind The Al Dente Special on Hulu, has carved out a wellness and fitness lifestyle that’s surprisingly grounded for someone who tours the country making people laugh. Below are some major insights from his interview:
Fitness Journey & Gym Mentality
Transformation: Went from 128 pounds at 25 to a muscular 169 pounds at 38.
Influence: His sister, an IFBB Pro, taught him about diet and training fundamentals.
Perspective: Encourages a realistic, pressure-free approach to fitness:
Go slow.
Set goals.
Don’t overdo it.
Most importantly: no one at the gym is thinking about you.
Diet Structure
Works with a trainer (Andrew Kusovschi) and uses MegaFit Meals to stay on track.
Typical meals include:
Chicken & rice
Beef & sweet potatoes
Yogurt, oatmeal, protein smoothies
Differentiates carb intake depending on training day (e.g., leg day vs. upper body).
Keeps his tour rider clean: lean protein and vegetables only.
Italy vs. America: Food Culture
Lane travels to Italy four times a year and deeply appreciates its approach to food:
Meals are structured in digestible courses.
Emphasis on digestion (e.g., Amaro after dinner, passeggiata walks).
Smaller portions, better ingredients, and less processed food.
Criticizes the rushed, utilitarian way Americans often eat (e.g., fast lunches in Midtown).
Mindset and Wellness
Gym is therapy: a place where he doesn’t have to perform or be “on.”
Creative insights often come during workouts, similar to the shower-thought effect.
Avoids toxic positivity and over-aggressive fitness culture.
Despises fake influencer routines and overly excited trainers—prefers authenticity and structure.
Touring and Health
Tries to only perform on weekends to protect his schedule.
Avoids alcohol and drugs almost entirely (“one margarita every three months”).
Hotels now help him keep diet clean—something that was impossible earlier in his career.
Hair Transplant
Has had two transplants, with a third planned.
Went to Dr. Carlos Wesley in NYC instead of Turkey because he wanted privacy and a natural result.
Did it for confidence—not vanity—and talks about it openly.
Overall Vibe
Lane has optimized his life without losing his personality.
He’s structured but forgiving, serious about fitness but aware of life’s pleasures (carbonara is non-negotiable).
He thrives on balance—working hard during the week, enjoying himself abroad, and never pretending to be more “disciplined” than he really is.
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