Sun Signs and Foods to Eat.....

Health and diet go hand in hand, astrology acknowledges this fact and recommends different types of food to suit different star signs.

Aeries

march 21 - april 19
ruled by: mars
status: I am

You’re first in the Zodiac for a reason... the rest of us depend on you to take the lead and field the hits. Mars in your ruling planet intensifies your already abundant energy and draw on the spotlight. You’re foodie birthrights are no exception... furious hunger, fast food, no fuss. Keep the flow balanced by embracing leisure time. Your playful spirit makes you a joy to be around when you can slow down long enough for others to see it. The entrance of Uranus in Aries for the next seven years spurs curiosity in unique areas - the perfect time to explore new hobbies. Enter a local cooking contest. Food is the perfect outlet for your creativity and it doesn’t talk back! Win, win.

Your pairing: Flame grilled, cocoa-spice rubbed NY strip and lobster tail with roasted asparagus and caramelized lemons paired with a peppery Zinfandel.

StarLite!
• You can’t always fight illness with willpower… force yourself to rest more to keep energy charged.
• Hungry in a hurry isn’t a healthy combination, try to plan for meals ahead of time to mitigate crankiness!
• Make sure you have lots of bright color on your plate: spices and ethnic foods, or just put purple food coloring in your oatmeal!

Aries
Ariens are more prone to headaches and blocked sinuses. When levels of salt in the body goes down, they may feel down and depressed.
Should have: Dried apricots, bananas, figs, broccoli, beans, brussels sprouts, spinach, cauliflower, cucumber, pumpkins, brown rice, lentils, veal, swordfish and walnuts.

Taurus

Hear's a tune you'll soon be humming!

april 20 - may 20
ruled by: venus
status: I have

quickfire:
You are a musical being who loves potatoes. Yes, even though you tend to be a mass of contradictions, it's that simple.

You love beauty, converastion, and fine things. These traits transfer nicely to your foodie birthrights... good service, good food, good value. You equally embrace traditional or exotic cooking and you don't like to repeat your recipies. Of course, you're so stubborn, your best bet is to host the dinner party so your guests can't disagree with you!

The bonus is... you're GREAT COOKS!
Of course, Chef Cosmo is a Taurus!

Taurus
Taureans can bloat when stressed out.
Should have: Nuts, eggs, seafood, spinach, green salads, cranberries and kidney beans.

gemini

Two by two you travel through life!

may 21 to june 20
ruled by: mercury
status: I think

quickfire: Whoa! You're probably reading this on your iPhone en route to your next 'to do'... stop for just a minute and breathe. I promise your world won't disolve like a warp in the Matrix. You are constantly on the go, multi-tasking with moody flair.

By all foodie birthrights, your favorite foods can be eaten while walking, blogging, or debating. Your liberal nature and quick mind makes you a sought after companion for all entertaining activities. Learn to graze, you'll love the scenery.

The triple wallop of two eclipses and Mercury entering your sign this month deepens the depth of your duality. People perceive your extra easygoing charm, but your relentless pursuit of life is fully engaged. Talk less, listen more. Shifting the focus away from you actually reaps many benefits.

Continue your quest for work/life balance by making summer vacation plans early and be sure to include lots of me-time. Since you are happier reading a cookbook on your iPad than actually cooking a meal, maybe a trip to one of the trending food truck Meccas like Portland, Austin, or San Francisco is in order.

Your pairing: Grilled turkey and Swiss burger with fennel slaw and a grassy Fumé Blanc

Gemini
The people belonging to this star sign get easily stressed out. They should stay away from caffeine and too much alcohol.
Should have: Asparagus, grapefruit, almonds, shellfish, apples, oranges, peaches, plums, milk, buttermilk and cottage cheese.

Cancer
cancer - june 21 - july 22
ruled by: the moon
status: I feel
quick fire: Our crab-people LOVE their shells and rely on their whole astro-chart to crack them open. The rest of us couldn't survive without these home-loving, sensitive, nurturing, possessive, domestic crustaceons. You are at your best when you are comforting others with food. You derail everyone's diets with love. Your friends will have to drag you out to restaurants, but once there, you are the lifeline of the party and grateful that they made the effort (as long as no one hurts your feelings!)
Cancer
Those belonging to this star sign need to watch out for overeating especially when emotionally worked up.
Should have: Grapes, oranges, melon, strawberries, blueberries, lettuce, parsley, lemongrass, fish and shellfish.

Leo

leo - july 23 -august 22
ruled by: the sun

status: I will
quick fire: Mangiare is not just the Italian verb for 'to eat'.

Mangia! is the passionate cry that sounds the beginning of every Italian meal with outstretched arms and huge smiles. A Leo must have started this tradition. You are a community cat, magnetic and generous... especially when you have an audience. You love the best of everything and your foodie birthright is no exception. Bask in the warmth of hosting great meals, you're always a crowd pleaser!

Leo
Low-fat levels are essential to keep you healthy.
Should have: Almonds, whole wheat, dates, walnuts, raisins, beetroot, coconuts, lemons, peaches, pears, figs, beef, seafood, lamb and asparagus.

Virgo
virgo - august 23 - september 22
ruled by: mercury
status: I analyze
quick fire: Recipe dissection is a favorite pastime for our analytical Virgoans. You are likely to be a vegetarian or have acute tendencies toward certain food philosophies. Your foodie birthright is a nourishing diet of nuts, grains, beans, seeds and plain yogurt... boring! It's okay, someone has to keep us healthy! Avoid noisy crowds, they cause stress and disturb your perfectionist eating rituals. You are benevolent to a fault... tweeting your generous spirit helps our world evolve.
Virgo
Virgos tend to worry easily and this takes a toll on their digestive system. They also have to watch out for flaky scalps, fatigue and dry skin.
Should have: Oats, whole wheat grain breads, melon, papaya, oranges, bananas, cottage cheese and eggs.

Libra

september 23 - october 22
ruled by: venus
status: I balance

quickfire:
Libra's proverbial passionate soul makes them the ultimate foodie. You require lots of texture in your foods, friends, and environments. Your need to constantly engage your senses motivates you to experience many cultural and exotic foods and just as many variations of people.

You love to orchestrate events and create experiences, engaging your vast networks. We all appreciate these skills, but please... learn to reign in your inner-control freakieness and the world will truly see through your rose-colored glasses and enjoy the social ride.

Libra StarChefs:
Emeril Lagassi, Robert Irvine, and Thomas Keller

Libra
Libras should avoid drinking too much and consuming processed foods in excess.
Should have: Strawberries, beetroot, corn, carrots, apples, raisins, poultry, seafood, low-fat cheese and yoghurt.

Scorpio

october 23 - november 21
ruled by: mars
status: I create

quickfire:
Scorpio is the only Sun Sign that can make sleazy the new fine dining experience. You love dark, secluded, mysterious places where you can be incognito and embrace your wild side.

Your intense extremes motivate you toward harsh diets. Give yourself a break and indulge in more of your favorite foodie experiences, which will include spicy red sauces, rich seafoods, and lots of proteins... oh, and cocktails.

You keep us on our toes and enrich our spheres!

star bytes:
Determined and forceful
Powerful and passionate
Exciting and magnetic
Jealous and resentful
Compulsive and obsessive
Secretive and obstinate

Scorpio
Scorpios have to deal with emotional stress and also suffer from infections.
Should have: Cheese, artichokes, watercress, milk, yogurt, walnuts, almonds, pineapple and prunes.

Sagittarius
november 22 - december 21
ruled by: jupiter
status: I understand

quickfire:
Encarta defines abundance as a fullness of spirit that overflows. That is you, Sag, in loads. Your free spirit craves travel and you adore foreign foods as long as you can find the locals' hangout. You love to be entertained while eating... good jokes or dinner theater, either works fine. Keep the overindulgence in check, except for your famous, first-class backyard barbecues!

Sagittarius
People belonging to this star sign tend to gain weight on the thighs and hips. They should also lower their alcohol intake and keep fat levels low.
Should have: Oranges, plums, strawberries, figs, brussels sprouts, cherries, asparagus, green peppers, potatoes and tomatoes, oats, eggs, whole grain cereal, skimmed milk, fish and yoghurt.

Capricorn

december 22 - january 19

ruled by: saturn
status: I use
quick fire: Who says you can't mix business with pleasure? You are a networking, connecting, climbing, dogmatic, misunderstood overachiever! In order to sustain this momentum you need hearty traditional sustenance. You are uncomfortable with self-indulgence and whims... so ask your friends to calendar reminders to inspire you to treat yourself. A great meal is the perfect reward for all of your hard work!

Capricorn
Capricorns should have foods rich in calcium.
Should have: Broccoli, figs, oranges, lemons, cabbage, peas, potatoes and spinach, brown rice, oats, almonds, walnuts, eggs, fish, cheese, buttermilk and yoghurt.

Aquarius

january 20 - february 18
ruled by: uranus
status: I know

quickfire: You are living in a time zone ahead of the rest of us happily surrounded by a fray of eclectic friends and family dysfunction. You are innovative, smart, rebelious, and talkative. You will try anything and hate breakfast (for breakfast). You love all of the cooking gizmos, gadgets, and futuristic methods, especially when you can use them to remake a tradition. Your foodie birthrights feed this stream with lots of weird food, strangely connected dinner guests from a smartphone full of great friends who adore hanging out with you.

More than any other sign, Aquarians bring humans together, so what better way to accomplish that than to cook for them!

Aquarian StarChefs!Paula Deen (1/19)
Guy Fieri (1/22)
Michael Chiarello (1/26)
Lydia Bastianich (2/2)
Ina Garten (2/2)
Aaron Sanchez (2/12)
Paul Bocuse (2/11)

Aquarius
Aquarians may suffer from high blood pressure.
Should have: Peaches, pears, figs, lemons, dates, figs, pomegranates, cabbage, strawberries, corn, celery, peppers, radishes, tomatoes, lentils, brown rice, walnuts, almonds, chicken, veal, clams, lobster and tuna.

pisces

february 19 - march 20
ruled by: neptune
status: I believe

Quickfire:
Pisces all-stars are the compassionate psychic blend of all the Sun Signs paired with uncany insight and imagination. You believe in everyone and everything, which makes you a sensitive, caring friend. People love to share meals with you, there's always great music, warm aesthetics, and lots of bubbles. Luckily they will always be patient while you change your mind on which entrée to have... several times! If you could have dinner and a massage at the same time, you'd totally do it!

Your month:Two important concepts for you to embrace right now: 1. Relax-time grounds you so creativity can harvest greatest results… spend time away from the fray with simple pleasures like cooking, writing, mixology, and dancing, and 2. You never know which hobby will become a career; use your innate über instincts to open the possibilities. A beach picnic with oysters and bubbles is the ticket in any season… the full moon in Virgo on 19th illuminates relationships – bundle up and enjoy time with friends!

Your pairing: Plank grilled trout with Asti caper tapenade and a spicy arugula salad paired with a crispy Tyler Florence Sauvignon Blanc.

StarSight:
Purpose: envision, we depend on your magical insight to spark creativity
Gift: empathy, your compassion gives safe haven
Challenge: indecision inhibits your forward movement

Affirmation: “I am true to myself and grateful for my resources.”

StarChefs: Tyler Florence, Jeff Smith, Anne Burrell, Scott Conant, Jean-Christophe Novelli

Pisces
People belonging to this zodiac sign are prone to colds, flu and infections.
Should have: Lamb, chicken, oysters, dried beans, whole grain cereals, oranges, beetroot, lettuce, onions, spinach, apples, dates, apricots, grapes, lemons, peaches and prunes.

Tea for Slimming

Researchers at Kobe University, Japan found that regular consumption of tea also suppressed damaging changes in the blood linked to fatty foods that can lead to type 2 diabetes, reports theDaily Mail. 

In the study some mice were given a high fat diet and others a normal diet. Each of these two groups were then split into smaller groups and given water, black tea or green tea for 14 weeks.

Both types of tea suppressed body weight gain and the build-up of belly fat linked to a fatty diet. 

But black tea, which is used in most ordinary cuppas, also counteracted the harmful effects on the blood normally associated with a high-fat diet. 

These included increases in cholesterol, high blood glucose and insulin resistance - a precursor to type 2 diabetes where the body does not efficiently use the insulin it produces. 

The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 

Benefits of Carrots

There's something about the carrot. Eat it raw, and it gives you refreshing energy. You can also cook it. Full of Vitamin A, they are easily available. On a winter afternoon, it's blissful to curl up with a book and a piece of carrot cake. And if you love your share of Indian sweets then nothing can beat a plate of gajar ki halwa. You would be surprised to know the number of dishes and desserts that you could make with this vegetable. Saute carrots, cauliflower, spinach in olive oil and enjoy your share of vegetables.

Carrots are considered a goldmine of natural vitamins and nutrients. Among other raw vegetable juices, carrot juice is a sure shot winner. Carrot juice is known for its excellent cleansing effects and, in addition, it was considered a good remedy for constipation and fatigue.

As we all know, no other vegetable contains as much beta-carotene as carrots. In our body, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, which assists in improving our eyesight and the functioning of our immune system, strengthening our bones and teeth, preventing possible problems with the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Carrot juice has very good anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and anti-aging properties. Carotene is a known anti-oxidant, which can prevent degenerative processes in the cells and has great anti-aging effects. Also, drinking raw carrot juice can be helpful for lowering the symptoms of stresses and normalizing the function of your digestive system.

You can mix carrot juice with beetroot juice and spinach. Wake up in the morning to this tonic and it will be a joyful health ride for you.

Eating Eggs and Prostrate Cancer

Experts have warned that eating three eggs a week could significantly increase a man's chance of dying from prostate cancer. 

The researchers found that men who consume more than two and a half eggs on a weekly basis were up to 81 per cent more likely to be killed by the disease, the Daily Mail reported.

They suggested the damage might be done by the large amounts of cholesterol or choline - a nutrient that help cells to function properly - that are found in eggs.

The team at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston examined the eating habits of 27,000 men over a 14-year period.

They found no significant links between the amount of meat eaten and tumours - but a higher number of cancer deaths were evident among those who admitted consuming lots of eggs.

Using a Fork helps you eat less...

There's no draconian reduction in calories for weeks on end. The only meal that has to be strictly controlled is dinner, when you are allowed to use only your fork.
And now a team of diet experts has checked that his theory really works, reports the Daily Mail.
The principle idea is that certain food types just won't make it on to any of those fork prongs. In particular, those containing fat or sugar.
According to nutritionist Ivan Gavriloff, who invented Dine With A Fork, it's the food we need to use a knife to eat that causes us to pile on the pounds: cheese, meat and sausages.
Also banned are the foods we eat with our hands: pizza, hamburgers, nuts and bread.
There are two versions of the diet to follow: the strict one means knifes, spoons and hands are even banned in food preparation. But it's not a crash diet - Le Forking is promoted as less of a diet, more of a way of living. The idea is steadily to lose up to 5lb a month, so you don't need to cancel your social life.
The theory of Le Forking is that if you eat a proper breakfast and a hearty lunch, you'll have no desire to binge on high-calorie foods in the evening.

12 foods to cut fat

You don't have to acquire a taste for olive oil, seaweed or soya to maintain a low-fat, healthy diet. Indian cuisine can be healthy too, if it's cooked with oil and ingredients that take care of your heart and health. 

Ayurveda suggests you include all tastes - sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent - in at least one meal each day, to help balance unnatural cravings. Here are 12 foods that can help you lose weight and gain health: 


Turmeric : Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is an object of research owing to its properties that suggest they may help to turn off certain genes that cause scarring and enlargement of the heart. Regular intake may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, helping to prevent heart attack.

Cardamom : This is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is considered one of the best digestive aids and is believed to soothe the digestive system and help the body process other foods more efficiently.

Chillies : Foods containing chillies are said to be as foods that burn fat. Chillies contain capsaicin that helps in increasing the metabolism. Capsaicin is a thermogenic food, so it causes the body to burn calories for 20 minutes after you eat the chillies.

Curry leaves : Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.

Garlic : An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

Mustard oil : This has low saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. It has fatty acid, oleic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid. It contains antioxidants, essential vitamins and reduces cholesterol, which is good for the heart.

Cabbage : Raw or cooked cabbage inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction.

Moong dal : The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programmes, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fibre, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fibre content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilising blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

Honey : It is a home remedy for obesity. It mobilises the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilised as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning.

Buttermilk : It is the somewhat sour, residual fluid that is left after butter is churned. The probiotic food contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss.

Millets : Fibre-rich foods such as millets - jowar, bajra, ragi, etc - absorb cholesterol and help increase the secretion of the bile that emulsifies fats. 

Cinnamon and cloves: Used extensively in Indian cooking, the spices have been found to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Acne...? Eat a Low-Carb Diet....!

Curbing carbohydrate in your diet not only helps reduce your tummy, but may also improve acne, according to a report. 

WebMD News reported that low-carb eating could help clear up acne by controlling glucose levels, which can promote a healthier complexion.

People with acne may have what is called hyperinsulinemia, which is characterized by excess levels of insulin in the blood.

"Foods that are low in the glycemic index (GI) may contribute to the hormonal control of acne," the Independent quoted Alan R. Shalita, MD, chairman of the department of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Centre in New York, as telling WebMD.

"I would encourage patients with acne to moderate the amount of carbs that they eat and not to overdo dairy," which can also cause acne, he added.

Selecting foods lower on the glycemic index means avoiding blood sugar spikes with white rice, sweets, and white flour breads and opting for fresh foods, such as vegetables, meat, and fruits.

Shalita also debunked the myth that chocolate triggers blemishes, noting that for people who do react to chocolate, it is more a result of the sugar and fat in the candy.