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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
