Can't find a slimming regime that works? Maybe the answer is in your stars

Can't find a slimming regime that works? Maybe the answer is in your stars

By Frances Childs

PUBLISHED: 16:34 EST, 13 June 2012 | UPDATED: 05:39 EST, 14 June 2012

Since astrology can give us an insight into what makes us tick - helping us understand how we act in a relationship, what we need to inspire us and the situations we should try to avoid - then could our star sign also help determine the best way to keep in shape?

Astrologer Sharon Ward, who has more than 20 years’ experience in lecturing and writing on astrology and health, thinks so. ‘Astrology can give us a real insight into personality, so it can help you find a diet and exercise regime that you’ll stick to,’ she explains.

Using her insights, Sharon has created a special astro-diet plan. So what do the diet and fitness experts think? Andrew Stemler, director of training at Crossfit in London, says: ‘Looking at your star sign to work out what you enjoy is a fun way to start exercising, and anything that inspires you to get fit is a good thing.’

Dietician, Anne Myers spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association says the astro-diet plan has some great ideas although she advises against cutting out whole food groups like carbohydrates or dairy. ‘I think everyone should be following these suggestions - like planning ahead with meals, making time to eat, ditching fatty sugary foods and including lots of protein and fresh fruit - whatever star sign they are.’ So whether you’re a sensitive Piscean or a willful Taurus, here’s astrologer Sharon’s guide to getting your beach body this year...

Since astrology can give us an insight into what makes us tick could our star sign also help determine the best way to keep in shape?

ARIES Mar 20 - Apr 20

Driven, high-achieving, Victoria Beckham is a typical Aries. You thrive on competition and are determined to win. When it comes to dieting, fast-paced regimes that bring quick results are perfect for you because patience definitely isn’t a virtue.

DIET: Atkins (high in protein, low in carbs) is a good bet for an Aries. It provides concentrated fuel and appeals to your competitive, all-or-nothing personality. This is quite an extreme diet so I’d recommend regular health checks to keep an eye on things such as your cholesterol.

EXERCISE: You’re too self-oriented to be a team player so there’s no point working out with friends. Go for aerobics, circuits, sprinting, in fact anything that tests you to the limit.

TAURUS Apr 21-May 21 

Curvy Christina Hendricks, from Mad Men, epitomises this most sensual of star signs. But your love of pleasure includes a deep affection for naughty treats such as profiteroles. So the key to diet success is to plan ahead.                     

DIET: Volumetrics, as it allows you to eat large amounts of the right type of food (vegetables) and even some of the wrong ones (like cake) that you adore. Plan your menus around slow-burning carbs such as brown rice, wholemeal bread and dried fruit which leave you feeling full.

EXERCISE: Use your stubbornness to keep you focused on a goal, such as running 5k in 30 minutes.    

GEMINI May 22-June 22

Sparkly, youthful and always on the go, Gemini’s mantra is ‘variety is the spice of life’, so you find it hard to stick to the same diet or exercise regime.                                                            

DIET: Rosemary Conley’s approach, which balances lots of varied food groups alongside a varied exercise regime, is perfect. Your fatal flaw is snacking on the go. Avoid crisps and chocolate bars by having a box of chopped fruit in your bag to snack on instead. Make it a rule to eat sitting at a table with a knife and fork at least once a day.

EXERCISE: Try a mix of aerobics and high-intensity workouts to stop you getting bored. Gemini Angelina Jolie has tried everything from wrestling and kick-boxing to yoga.

ARIES: Victoria Beckham

TAURUS: Christina Hendricks

GEMINI: Angelina Jolie

CANCER: Cheryl Cole

CANCER June 23-July 23

Comfort eating and bingeing are common traits. Even super-slim Cancerian Cheryl Cole admits to a fondness for pasties. Your tough outer layer hides a vulnerable and very loyal soul. Cancer rules the stomach and food brings a sense of emotional security, so when you’re upset, you find solace in food.

DIET: The Amen Diet, from psychiatrist Dr Daniel Amen, which explains the five brain types and their triggers for bingeing, might help you to conquer your cravings.                                                                 

EXERCISE: Boot camps and aggressive, military-style workouts are a Cancerian’s idea of hell. Try swimming and Tai Chi because they’ll relax you.   

LEO July 24-Aug 23

Madonna is a typical Leo: fiery and focused. Once Leos decide on a course of action, they have the energy and commitment to see it through. Just look at how she’s honed her body over the years.

DIET: Leos love rich food â€" cheese, cream and red meat are your downfall. Think of how you’ll look in your bikini and let your vanity inspire you. Once it does, even the strictest regime won’t deter you. Small, high-protein meals â€" plenty of eggs, fish and pulses â€" work for you. The fewer carbs the better. The Dukan diet is ideal because Leos need routine, order and a goal on which to focus.

EXERCISE: Leos love a challenge, so you thrive on high-impact exercise. Try weights, squash and Zumba.

VIRGO Aug 24-Sep 23

Beware of faddy diets â€" despite your competent, no-nonsense exterior, you can be surprisingly gullible. Baby food, liquid and cabbage soup diets might appeal at first, but they won’t work in the long run.

DIET: Weight Watchers’ points system will suit your meticulous style. Go for fibre-rich food, such as fresh fruit, salads, salmon and nuts. Avoid bread, full-fat milk and cream. Virgo rules the digestive and nervous system. Your body is extremely sensitive to stress, and upsets go straight to your stomach. If you binge on heavy food, your digestive system will be overloaded.

EXERCISE: Body-sculpting exercise classes such as Pilates and yoga will appeal to this precise, particular star sign. Virgo Pippa Middleton’s (right) perfect bottom was sculpted by Pilates.

LEO:  Madonna  

VIRGO: Pippa Middleton

LIBRA: Gwyneth Paltrow

SCORPIO: Katy Perry

LIBRA Sep 24-Oct 23

Gwyneth Paltrow, with her toned legs, flawless complexion and penchant for macrobiotic diets might make the rest of us green with envy, but we can all learn from her. Balance and harmony are Libran watchwords, so incorporate these into your diet and fitness regimes.

DIET: Ruled by Venus, Librans need to feel cherished, or they’ll binge on something sweet and sticky. The GI Diet will essentially help balance out your sugar levels.  Your vulnerable points are your bones and kidneys, so have calcium-rich foods and plenty of fluids. 

EXERCISE: Red in the face and puffed out doesn’t appeal to you, so take up more gentle exercise, such as yoga.

SCORPIO Oct 24-Nov 22

Utterly focused, you want a regime that pushes you to the limit. Katy Perry is a typical Scorpio, clear about the direction in which her life is headed and determined to achieve her goals.

DIET: Try Tim Ferris’s The 4-Hour Body. With no carbs, no fruit or milk and loads of pulses, the diet is extreme. But one day a week you can eat whatever you want, which appeals to a Scorpio as you enjoy extremes. You can suffer from hormonal imbalance, and healthy fats such as oily fish will help.  

EXERCISE: Passionate, and demanding, Scorpios need a rigorous regime which demands focus, such as martial arts or kick-boxing.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23-Dec 21

Scarlett Johansson is a true Sagittarius: voluptuous, strong and vibrant. You love travel and the great outdoors, so choose an exercise regime that reflects that and an exotic diet. Sagittarius rules the liver, so cleanse it with plenty of water. Try vegetable juices such as carrot and beetroot to detox.

DIET: Go for an Oriental diet which includes lots of fish, nuts, seeds, vegetables and rice (try to replace white carbohydrates with brown). These are energy-giving foods and you need as much of them as possible as you are one of the most energetic signs. Stodgy snacks are your weakness, so swap them for sushi, nuts or rice cakes.

EXERCISE: Try hiking, cycling or running â€" anything that gets you out in the fresh air, enjoying the scenery.

SAGITTARIUS: Scarlett Johansson

CAPRICORN: Duchess of Cambridge

AQUARIUS: Jennifer Aniston

PISCES: Eva Mendes

CAPRICORN Dec 22-Jan 20

Like Kate Middleton, who is a typical Capricorn, you are a master of self-discipline. Cool, calm and focused, the Duchess of Cambridge has her regime fixed firmly in her head and nothing’s going to sway her. In general, though, don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon sometimes.

DIET: The Cambridge Weight Plan, which requires lots of self-discipline, could work for you. Mixing meals â€" chicken, vegetables, eggs, fruit, rice and pasta â€" alongside the special soups, bars and shakes allows you to rigorously monitor you calorie intake, which you’ll enjoy.

EXERCISE: You work well on your own, so forget girly classes â€" hit the road for a n early morning run instead.

AQUARIUS Jan 21-Feb 19

Jennifer Anniston is a free-spirited Aquarian. You make, and break, the rules as you go along, which makes sticking to a diet a challenge! 

DIET: Because you’re a rebel, you may over-indulge.  Try hypnosis to change the way you think about food (it appeals to Aquarians because it’s still considered alternative). Aquarius rules the nervous system. To keep this in balance have foods rich in B vitamins such as leafy veg, tuna and eggs. 

EXERCISE: The wackier the better. Try hula-hooping, trapeze workouts or ultra-marathons. As long as you feel free, you’re happy.

PISCES Feb 20-Mar 20

Perceptive, intuitive, and compassionate, Pisceans, such as Eva Mendes, need a regime that’s relaxing rather than tough and high-energy.

DIET: Bolster your defences with pl enty of garlic and ginger, and try low-fat Asian foods. Eat Right For Your Body Type, by Anjum Anand, explains the Ayurvedic philosophy which divides people into physical and emotional types. Eating correctly for your type is at the crux of this ancient philosophy which is gentle and spiritual â€" Pisces personified.

EXERCISE: Try stretching, swimming and dancing every day to relieve stress.

Sharon is a qualified astrologer and a member of the APAI Sharon’s debut novel ‘Albotain’s Treasure’ is available from Amazon. Sharon Ward is not a medical doctor and cannot diagnose or prescribe. www.sharonward.co.uk

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