Eat to suit your star sign: It’s the latest food fad beloved of celebrities such as Oprah – tailoring your diet according to your astrological sign. From spice-loving Scorpios to cucumber-crunching Cancerians, could it REALLY help make you healthier?
You are what you eat — or perhaps it should be: you eat what you are. For a new theory claims you should base your diet on your star sign.
The Zodiac Diet has been doing the rounds online, with astrologers claiming that you should stick to certain foods and drinks depending on what time of year you were born.
Not doing so, they insist, can cause all sorts of ailments, from indigestion and nausea to headaches and high cholesterol, because your body will be out of sync with the planets.
Advocates include Oprah Winfrey and the animal rights and environmental group Peta, which has published a guide on ‘how to be vegan according to your Zodiac sign’.
There’s even a new TV show in production, called Dine Your Sign, featuring the art of ‘astro-gastronomy’, in which chefs cook dishes designed for different astrological signs.
Top astrologer Sally Kirkman, who has written extensively about astrology and food, says the Zodiac Diet is not mere New Age mumbo-jumbo — or a bid to rack up TV ratings. In fact, it has roots in the 17th-century practice of herbalism.
‘Different planets are said to rule different herbs, and herbalists and apothecaries used this knowledge to treat people and prescribe certain food and drink centuries ago,’ she explains.
‘Each star sign is linked to a part of the body, so this also has a bearing on diet. And the season someone was born in can tell you a lot about what they should and shouldn’t eat.’
So are you a spice-eating Scorpio or a cucumber-obsessed Cancer? A Taurus who overindulges on puds or a Leo who might drink too much? Here, with Sally’s expertise, we present the ultimate guide to eating for your star sign.
Aries (Mar 21–April 19)
CELEBRITY: Reese Witherspoon.
WHAT TO EAT: ‘Aries is a fire sign ruled by the planet Mars, which is connected with lots of herbs and spices — garlic, onion, pepper, cayenne and paprika — so Arians should eat spicy food such as curry and chilli con carne,’ says Sally.
‘Mars is all about speed, so they like foods that are quick and easy; fast food will appeal as they can grab a burger and go.’
Mars, she adds, is linked with rhubarb, radishes and barley, so these are all good foods for an Arian to eat, as they will keep the body in balance.
‘It’s a strong planet, so they’re usually fit, healthy and into exercise; they see food as a fuel.’
WHAT TO AVOID: Too much red wine or cheese. ‘Aries rules the head, so they can be prone to headaches. Excessive dairy and sugar should be avoided,’ says Sally.
Reese Witherspoon attends the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Barker Hangar on February 27, 2022 in Santa Monica, California
Taurus (April 20–May 20)
CELEBRITY: Adele.
WHAT TO EAT: Taurus is an Earth sign, ruled by Venus, which means Taureans are all about abundance and sensuality when it comes to food.
‘They love feeding people,’ says Sally. ‘This is a time of year when everything is fertile and growing, so Taureans tend to enjoy baking, making jams and growing their own food.’
Venus rules apples, pears and berries, so fruit is a safe bet, as are earthy vegetables such as artichokes and asparagus.
Sally suggests using cloves and mixed spices — both linked with Venus — to flavour your food. And try dessert wine; Taurus rules the neck and throat, so the sweetness will appeal.
WHAT TO AVOID: Over-indulgence. ‘Taureans usually like puddings and don’t hold back on things they enjoy, but they can put on weight easily. If they want to stay fit and healthy, they need to avoid large portions,’ Sally explains.
Taurus is an Earth sign, ruled by Venus, which means Taureans are all about abundance and sensuality when it comes to food (Adele pictured)
Gemini (May 21–June 20)
CELEBRITY: Boris Johnson.
WHAT TO EAT: Gemini’s ruling planet is Mercury, which is linked to foods with distinctive flavours: fennel, aniseed and liquorice.
If these don’t appeal, try spinach and green beans, both are high in the mineral potassium, which is associated with Gemini.
‘Typical Geminis find it difficult to eat alone,’ says Sally.
‘This is one of the air signs, which is all about being social, so Geminis love the conviviality of sharing food. If alone, they’ll put the radio or TV on to avoid sitting in silence.
‘Ideal Gemini foods are tapas and mezze: lots of different items in small amounts, to satisfy their desire for multiplicity.’
WHAT TO AVOID: Biscuits. Geminis have a lot of nervous energy, so they tend to be snackers, says Sally.
‘It’s easy for a Gemini to finish off a packet of biscuits simply because they get distracted. Ensure you have healthy snacks to hand instead.’
Cancer (June 21–July 22)
CELEBRITY: Tom Cruise.
WHAT TO EAT: This is one of the water signs, ruled by the Moon. ‘Like the waxing and waning of the Moon, Cancerians tend to be changeable and emotional when it comes to food,’ Sally explains.
‘Cancer rules the stomach and the digestive system, so they’re often comfort eaters who put on weight easily.’
The Moon is linked to foods that contain water, such as celery, lettuce, cucumber, melon, sushi and salad.
It also rules dairy, so Cancerians should stock up on milk, cheese and yoghurt to satisfy any cravings. Home-cooked food including pies and pasta bakes will help to anchor their emotional tendencies.
WHAT TO AVOID: Custard and cream on their favourite desserts. ‘Like Taurus, this is one of the most foodie star signs,’ says Sally. ‘But they need to be careful about eating too much sweet stuff.’
Leo (July 23–Aug 22)
CELEBRITY: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
WHAT TO EAT: Ruled by the Sun, this is a fire sign, meaning Leos have a sense of grandeur around food.
‘They love champagne, Michelin-starred restaurants and living the good life,’ says Sally.
‘But Leo rules the heart and spine, so they need to eat foods that are good for those parts of the body.
‘The best diet for Leos is a Mediterranean one: lots of olive oil, fresh vegetables and olives. The Sun rules all citrus fruits and the spice saffron, so those are good, too.’
She adds that a diet rich in leafy green veg and oily fish is also ideal, as both are said to benefit vision. ‘In astrology, the Sun rules the right eye in men and the left eye in women.’
WHAT TO AVOID: Rich foods and alcohol. ‘Leos have to be careful of cholesterol,’ says Sally. ‘Their grand tastes mean they can eat and drink to excess.’
Illustration: Phil Argent
Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22)
CELEBRITY: Beyonce.
WHAT TO EAT: Virgo is the star sign most linked to health and the body, so Virgos tend to be fussy eaters.
‘It’s a Virgo who’s most likely to be vegan or vegetarian, have some sort of food allergy, or be on a complicated macrobiotic diet,’ says Sally.
An earth sign, ruled by Mercury, Virgo is linked to the harvest, so Virgos should eat foods that grow beneath the ground: potatoes, carrots, celeriac and fennel.
‘They are connected to natural, organic ingredients and sustainable produce as they care about the environment, so good Virgo foods are grains, pulses, nuts, wholesome soups and stews,’ Sally adds.
‘They often prefer to avoid alcohol; this plays into their nature for being abstinent and avoiding excess.’
WHAT TO AVOID: Anything that’s difficult to digest: spicy takeaways, sugary desserts and fatty foods such as chips, burgers and pizza.
Mercury’s link to the digestive system means this needs to run smoothly.
Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22)
CELEBRITY: Gwyneth Paltrow.
WHAT TO EAT: ‘Libra is an air sign ruled by Venus, which is linked with the sweet things in life,’ says Sally. ‘A typical Libran will have a sweet tooth and a penchant for cupcakes, macaroons and patisserie.’
Soft fruits are also ruled by Venus: cherries, pears, peaches and strawberries are all ideal for Librans.
‘This sign is all about balance; nothing too extreme,’ Sally adds. ‘So delicate, sweet-tasting herbs — including mint, thyme and sorrel — are great for adding flavour.’
WHAT TO AVOID: Processed meat, fizzy drinks and mayonnaise, all of which are bad for the kidneys. ‘Libra is the sign associated with the kidneys,’ Sally says. ‘Drinking lots of water will flush them out and keep them healthy.’
Gwyneth Paltrow at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles in 2020
Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21)
CELEBRITY: Demi Moore.
WHAT TO EAT: Scorpio has two ruling planets, Mars and Pluto, both of which are bubbling with potent energy, so Scorpios tend to be similar in temperament.
‘They like the darker side of life — red wine, dark chocolate, spicy food — and they can be compulsive eaters, over-indulging in something they enjoy,’ says Sally.
‘Exotic foods — including offal and game — appeal, and they’re drawn to aphrodisiacs such as oysters.’
Scorpio is associated with fermented foods, such as pickles and blue cheese, and it also rules the elimination of toxins in the body, meaning prunes and plenty of fibre will go down well.
WHAT TO AVOID: Nothing. ‘Scorpios can normally eat everything,’ says Sally. ‘They don’t tend to be health-conscious or picky eaters. A regular detox or colonic irrigation might help keep them regular, but otherwise food is to be enjoyed.’
Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 21)
CELEBRITY: Taylor Swift.
WHAT TO EAT: Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the biggest planet, and Sally says they tend to be tall, expressive people who love entertaining.
‘They always make more food than needed and want everyone to have seconds.’
Sagittarius is linked with the colour purple, so berries, grapes and mulled wine are ideal foods, as are cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, which are associated with Jupiter.
In the run-up to Christmas, they thrive on buffets and party food.
‘Sagittarians also have a tendency towards adventure and hedonism, so international foods and eating outdoors from a BBQ are right up their street,’ Sally adds.
WHAT TO AVOID: Dieting. ‘Sagittarians aren’t into moderation and hate feeling deprived,’ says Sally. ‘They’re better off making small tweaks to their lifestyle to stay healthy.’
Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 21)
CELEBRITY: Kate, Duchess of Cambridge.
WHAT TO EAT: Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn is one of the Earth signs and people born under this sign have a tendency to be sensible and austere in their diet.
‘Capricorns like traditional meals — meat and two veg; roast dinner — and aren’t hugely interested in flavour. They eat three times a day because they have to,’ Sally explains.
‘This sign is linked to the bones and the teeth, so they need calcium-rich foods such as cheese, yoghurt and spinach.
‘Saturn is a cold planet, so they also tend to like cold foods, including ice cream and salad — a traditional one with ham and egg in it.’
WHAT TO AVOID: Sweets, fizzy drinks and tea. ‘What they eat is reflected in their skin and their teeth, so they have to be careful with foods that could damage these,’ says Sally.
Aquarius (Jan 22–Feb 18)
CELEBRITY: Harry Styles.
WHAT TO EAT: One of the air signs, Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and also Uranus, the hippie planet, which means Aquarians’ diet tends to be healthy, experimental and often governed by food fads and eccentric habits.
Sally says: ‘They are often environmentally-minded, so will eat according to their beliefs — no meat, or only local vegetables — which is a matter of principle, not health.
‘Aquarius is linked to circulation, so lighter foods — tomato, mushrooms, white fish, chicken breasts — are better for them, as these aid digestion and circulation.’
WHAT TO AVOID: Caffeine. ‘Because of the link to circulation, they have to avoid food and drink that could irritate the nervous system,’ Sally explains.
Too much coffee can over-stimulate the body by flooding it with adrenaline, leading to anxiety and insomnia.
Harry Styles performs on stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2022 at the War Memorial Park on May 29 in Coventry
Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20)
CELEBRITY: Rihanna.
WHAT TO EAT: Pisces is linked with both Jupiter and Neptune, the planet which rules all liquids, so fruit juices make ideal Piscean drinks.
It’s also connected to the sea, so a diet should include fish, seafood (with creamy sauces) and fish oil supplements to ensure optimum health.
‘As animal-lovers, Pisceans are often vegetarian or pescetarian,’ Sally explains.
‘They’re imaginative and artistic, so they can be very good at creating meals, and their romantic nature means they need to eat in a relaxing, stimulating environment.’
WHAT TO AVOID: Ice cream. ‘Pisces have a very addictive nature and their love of treats such as ice cream can be extreme,’ says Sally. ‘They need to be mindful of what they eat.’
Pisces also rules the feet, so avoid gout-giving foods such as beer and red meat.
Sally Kirkman offers weekly horoscope subscriptions and cohosts a monthly podcast, Astrology Talk. Visit sallykirkman.com
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