text: I am 5'4" 145 pounds and a 55 year old grandmother. I have no idea what my measurements are. I haven't taken them in decades! I know as one gets older one's butt tends to disappear and flatten out. My point is, as we have kids and age, our bodies change. That does not mean you can't change some of it, but be realisitc with your "ideal."\n\nThere is one basic principle for weight loss-burn more calories than you eat. Exercise burns calories and shapes the muscles, so that is a good thing.\n\nHere are some basic tips for reducing calories.\n\nRead food labels. \nLook for foods that are low in fat, low in calories, high in fiber.\nAvoid most processed foods. \nPIck low fat or non-fat alternatives.\nStay away from ALL fast food. One normal fast food meal has all the fat and calories you need for an ENTIRE DAY. This goes for fried chicken and fish, pizza, hamburgers, etc.\nPlan your meals the day before so you have healthy choices.\nEat more fruit and vegetables, at least 5 servings a day, more is better.\nAvoid all things with white flour and white sugar in them.\nSoups that have lots of veggetables in broth are good. Creamed soups are not. \nNo chips, unless they are baked. Pay attention to the serving amounts on the package. \nGo easy on rice,.pasta and bread. 1/2 cup (measure it) is a serving for rice and pasta!!!\n\nGood luck! I have found that Weight Watchers works for me.