Q: I want to ask if at the age of 17 I can go for body building . My height is 5 feet 7 inches. What diet should I take for meals and for snacks as my body is very sensitive to fats. Please tell me whether I can eat ice creams or any other type of snacks and at what particular time? Please sir, help me to sort out this problem of mine.

A:You must remember as you embark on the fitness bandwagon, that it should be fun to work out and be fit, rather than think of what you are deprived of. Having said that, you should look at building in a workout that is part of your lifestyle and now is a good time to start. The key here is BALANCE... do a mix of cardiovascular work such as walking, running/jogging, cycling or swimming to take care of your heart and lung health. For your muscles to be developed, think of an overall programme that works 3-4 times a week which will cover all parts of your body so that you will be strong and look and feel good. Get hold of a certified trainer who can look at your body type, your goal and chart a course for you that will result in you keeping up with that programme with the motivation you require.