Dieting and Exercising

Question
I have a pear-shaped body.  I'm fairly skinny in my upper body (and satisfied with it), but have wide hips and fat thighs and legs (and unsatisfied with it).  Is there anything I could do to make my body more proportional?  In other words, what can I do to just get my lower body skinnier?  Should I exercise (with more emphasis on the lower body) AND diet at the same time?  Exercise first ?  Diet first?  Or is it even possible?  I hope to hear from you soon.  Thank you, in advance, for your help.  

Answer
Your body proportions are part genetic.  The other part that is under your control is the ability to lose weight and exercise.  Focusing your exercises on your thighs will not necessarily make you lose weight in that area, but will tone the muscles in that area.  In order to lose fat in that area, you need to diet and lose weight overall.  My suggestion would be to couple a modest calorie restriction with regular daily exercise.  For exercise, I would suggest predominantly cardiovascular (running, swimming, rowing, etc) since they tend to burn the most calories.  Couple this with some modest weight training a few times a week and you've got a winning combination.

In short, you're on the right track, and I would suggest both of your ideas.

Hope that helps.  

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