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Diets for Pear Shapes

Pear shaped bodies, or gynoid-type, refer to bodies that store more fat in the hips and thighs as opposed to the trunk, which is an apple shape or android-type. Each body type processes and stores fat differently, therefore they have different dietary needs. Check with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.

  1. Fat Intake

    • Reducing fat intake has the fastest dietary impact on a pear-shaped body. CBS News reported in 2005 that pear-shaped women are more likely to immediately store the fat they consumed for later energy use. Consume around 20 percent of your total calories from fat, if you are pear-shaped, to keep from eating and immediately storing the excess. Quality counts here as well, so aim to get most of your fat in unsaturated form from foods like avocados, nuts, fish and olive oils.

    Proteins

    • Another 20 percent of a pear's total calorie intake should come from protein. Proteins should come from lean sources. Egg whites are a complete source of protein, and taking out the yolk also takes out the fat and cholesterol. Any type of meat is okay, as long as you choose the leanest cuts. For example; sirloin is a better choice for steak than rib-eye. Plant sources of proteins are great options as well, and include soy, whole grains, nuts, legumes and beans.

    Carbohydrates

    • Carbohydrates make up the remaining 60 percent of a pear's total calories. Choose unprocessed, complex carbohydrates. Seek out whole grains, including whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and brown or wild rice. Fruits and vegetables are also sources of complex carbohydrates. Get a variety of nutrients from your fruits and vegetables by picking different colors, since the color of a fruit or vegetable serve as a window to the type of nutrient inside.

    Supplements

    • According to Dr. Marie Savard, author of "The Body Shape Solution for Weight Loss and Wellness," many women with pear-shaped figures are likely to suffer from osteoporosis due to the hormones secreted by lower body fat. She advises adding a calcium supplement to your diet if you are a pear, to keep from losing bone density. Many calcium supplements are commercially available, but calcium citrate is the only variation that does not need to be taken with food.

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