Pear Shape Diet

Having a pear-shaped physique can be frustrating when trying on jeans or dresses. A pear shape means that your body stores fat in your hips, thighs and butt, while your waist remains smaller.

Having a pear-shaped body can increase your risk for conditions such as osteoporosis, varicose veins and cellulite, according to Dr. Marie Savard, author of "Apples & Pears: The Body Shape Solution for Weight Loss and Wellness," in an article for CBS News. You can slim down a pear-shaped physique by making healthy changes to your eating habits while participating in a regular exercise routine.

Eat Low-Fat Foods

Your diet should be focused on low-fat food selections to help you decrease your calorie intake and encourage fat loss. When you have a pear-shaped physique, you need to watch your fat intake since your body will store excess fat the more fat you consume, making problem areas worse. Consume lean proteins such as skinless chicken, tuna, salmon, eggs, nuts and lean cuts of steak. Eat complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Include a small amount of healthy fats such as seeds, olive oil, avocado and coconut oil.

Avoid Refined Foods

Stay away from refined foods, which contribute to fat storage and may cause weight gain in the lower body. Processed, refined or manipulated foods contain artificial sweeteners, trans and saturated fats, chemical preservatives, refined sugars and sodium that encourage weight gain. Refined foods such as frozen dinners, white breads, crackers and desserts, have little nutrients and digest quickly so you are more likely to overeat and they are more likely to be stored as fat. Stick to unprocessed all-natural foods to facilitate fat loss.

Exercise Regularly

Working out consistently while following a low-fat diet will help you burn fat and trim inches off of your lower body. Include a balance of strength training and cardiovascular activity in your exercise routine. Perform total body strength training workouts two to three days per week to help increase lean muscle, which boosts metabolism and aids in fat loss. Engage in cardiovascular exercise three to four days per week to help burn off stored body fat.

Considerations

Resist the urge to attempt to spot-reduce lower body fat with targeted exercises. It is not possible to spot-reduce fat, but decreasing your overall body fat percentage will help you lean out your hips, thighs and butt. Make sure to consult with your physician before starting a new diet and exercise program. Ask about possible dietary restrictions, especially if you have preexisting health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.