Expert: Joe Hofer - 8/5/2008

Question
I'm 24 years old, 5'11, and weigh 380 lbs after a lengthy, but full, recovery from a leg injury where I developed awful health habits that I'm still eliminating. For the last two months I've been running and working out three days a week, but I'm still trying to find an effective diet. From what I can tell from research, my target weight is between 180-200 lbs. Weight loss has been dramatic so far, and feeling healthy is bringing back memories of the rush from high school athletics, where I lettered in two sports.

I've wanted to try boxing ever since I was a child, but I'm only just now earning enough money to both support myself financially and train.

What type of dieting do you think would be most effective for this kind of weight loss, and how close to my target weight do I need to be before I should consider joining a gym? Also, is age so much of a factor that I should consider a different sport?

Answer
It is a little late of a start but it can still be done.  As far as a diet goes I would recommend a high protein type diet with very low carbohydrates to lose the kind of weight you want.  You can go to the gym right away, you do not have to wait till you are in great condition.

Thanks,

Joe