On the Lighter Side
Your Astrological Food & Fitness Forecast
What Do the Stars Have in Store for You This Spring?
By Linda Trainor, RN, BSN
This spring I decided to (briefly) take off my nurse’s cap and gaze into the galaxy, reaching out to the stars with the hope that they can help us all blossom with inspiration as we strive to meet our personal dietary and exercise goals. Find your sign and see what food, fun, and fitness feats are in your future!
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
Expect to have fun while enjoying your independence from bad habits that burden your lifestyle. Aquarians not only have a craving for sweets, but a craving for excitement and adventure. This spring promises to provide you with solutions to get the body that is just right for you! Since you are observant by nature, be on the lookout for opportunities to conquer procrastination. Go outside. Breathe in … breathe out … there’s that long-awaited, fresh spring air!
Have fun this spring while exercising your intellect and body with positive thoughts and free spontaneous activities that yield healthy outcomes. Perhaps an unplanned trip to the mountains, an unexpected beach or camping trip with a friend or loved one may bring sweet lasting memories for a lifetime. Don't forget to pack fresh berries, vegetables and fruit for the trip.
Pisces
Feb 19 - March 20
Your quest to obtain health and fitness is well within your reach this spring. It is easy for you to kick any habit that is preventing you from achieving your fitness goals. Since you enjoy social events and new situations, get your calendar ready to be filled with many fun activities that are simply perfect for the compassionate, nurturing-by-nature Pisces.
Since you often think of others first, remember that this spring is about YOU first! NOW is the time to nourish your palate with tasty fruits, low-fat dips and healthy vegetables. When in doubt, leave it out with any person, place or situation that will not contribute to your optimal peace of mind, health and fitness goals. Seize the opportunities that will only bring out the best in you.
Aries
March 21 - April 19
Bask not only in the sunshine this spring, but in the glory of knowing that you will experience the results you are seeking from your health and fitness plan. Your diligence in keeping accurate food records, along with daily exercise, will continue to serve you well. Those born under this star’s sign are naturally optimistic and enthusiastic, and serve as great role models. Others take notice and want to emulate your daily dedication to fitness.
Take heed not to get bored from your daily fitness and food choices. Assure that your exercise includes fun-filled activities that are challenging. Are you ready for Zumba? You may also benefit from taking a cooking class — perhaps a great opportunity this spring to meet new people who share your enthusiasm for vibrant health.
Taurus
April 20 - May 20
A Taurus is noted for persistence in achieving goals. Your faithfulness to your fitness plans will serve you well this spring. Getting in shape and becoming slim and trim is the primary item on your agenda. Don't forget to let others know that you mean business when it comes to eating healthy and making exercise your daily priority.
Keeping others aware of your goals is crucial to your success, as your generosity fosters caring for others’ needs first rather than your own. Find your strength, be patient, and stay loyal to your fitness goals — this spring is your time to shine.
Gemini
May 21 - June 20
If at first you don't succeed, Gemini, you are just about normal. This spring is the time to let go of the past and live in the present. Keep your eye on the prize: health and fitness. Even though it may appear to others that you are NOT affected by daily personal and professional demands, internally you might feel like a wound-up spring. Take time to unwind, relax and focus on mindful eating.
Spring is the best time to fit a meaningful exercise plan into your calendar. It may simply be walking five minutes six times daily, or as grand as entering a 5K. Since you cherish your independence, you decide what the best plan is for you. Just know the stars are in alignment for you to succeed.
Cancer
June 21 - July 22
The crab is associated with Cancer because this creature best describes those born under this zodiac sign. Crabs by nature can aggressively come out of their shells to fight, but they can also secretively skitter away to hide. No time to hide this spring, Cancer! Since you are observant of your environment, adaptable and responsive to people, places and situations, spring will provide many opportunities to come out of your shell and enjoy the sunshine.
There’s no stopping you this year from achieving your health and fitness goals. It’s a great time to lighten up and enjoy the change of season. Even though life’s stressors may tug at your heartstrings, intuition will serve as a guiding light for you to focus on your goals. Health is wealth and you will overcome any shyness or insecurity to cash in and prove there is nothing you cannot accomplish this spring.
Leo
July 23 - August 22
A Leo's loyalty to their fitness plan yields significant results this spring. Those born under this zodiac sign give credence to the old saying, "You reap what you sow." Others are attracted to your wit, style, humor and dedication to health and fitness.
You make it appear seemingly effortless to achieve your fitness goals; however, you truly are aware that it requires daily dedication to a plan for success. Since Leos are social butterflies, you may want to share your shapely secrets of keeping accurate food records and being faithful to your exercise routine with family and friends — and you will likely have many opportunities to do so. Keep working your fitness routine; you have plenty of loyal supporters cheering for continued success.
Virgo
August 23 - September 22
Before a Virgo plunges into any fitness plan, they invariably will analyze all the facts and must know all the details before being willing to make any changes. Winter was a great time to create an exercise routine, but spring is the best time of the year for you to put this plan into action and get into shape.
Don't underestimate how your positive outlook will help you achieve the healthy outcomes that you are seeking. As the weather warms, walking, bike riding, and hiking are fun activities to relieve stress. Practice mindful eating habits too — take small bites of food while chewing slowly. Keep in mind, to analyze is to paralyze. Don't tire yourself by thinking too much. Don't strive for perfection; simply enjoy the fresh air and take comfort in this little saying: "Inch by inch it's a cinch, yard by yard it's hard."
Libra
September 23 - October 22
No more sitting on the fence, Libras. Take the leap of faith in knowing that indecisiveness does not serve you well. Spring promises to nurture your graceful, peaceful and hospitable nature. Let go of past failures and forgive yourself for not achieving all of your goals. You have what it takes to succeed this spring. Choose to replace negative, unpleasant thoughts of discouragement with positive words of encouragement. Take the necessary steps to make a list so you’ll only buy healthy foods when marketing. Be sure to incorporate fun exercise into your daily routine, too.
There’s no doubt about it! You are known as the peaceful diplomat of the Zodiac, and spring is the time to be kind and true to yourself. You deserve to be healthy and fit. Let the sun shine on your healthful goals.
Scorpio
October 23 - November 21
No mystery this spring for Scorpios. Those born under this star’s sign are sure to experience a lot of fun while getting fit this spring. It is crystal clear that you are in the driver’s seat and have approached the corner of health and wellness. Gardening, raking, and cleaning your car are a few of the many ways for you to burn extra calories while you enjoy the spring air. Getting the grill out early this year will also prove beneficial to your diet.
Scorpios are especially noted in the Zodiac for their deep intensity and their tremendous ability to survey any situation. These characteristics will serve you well with your spring fitness routine. You will not deviate from your game plan and are certain to champion your health goals.
Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21
Count on jumping right over any hurdles to your fitness this spring. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to revitalize your exercise routine. Your sense of humor and friendly personality may attract friends to join you in walking, hiking, bike riding, sightseeing, and sharing healthy meals. Your tolerance to others makes it easy to have you as a workout partner. Having you alongside will make the sun shine brighter for your pals this spring.
Be happy. Wake up daily knowing exactly how you will take action with your fitness plan. Visualize to actualize. Don't deviate from your exercise routine; be confident that your fitness goals will be reached. Your commitment to health will serve you well, as you keep your eyes on your own plate and enjoy the company of workout partners that help you spring into shape.
Capricorn
December 22 - January 19
Pursuing your ambitions towards health and fitness this spring will prove to be fulfilling and rewarding. You have waited a long time to get what you want, and spring is your time to succeed. Use your great organizational skills to design a comprehensive fitness plan that is just right for you! Never underestimate that small changes bring big results. Faithfully follow your exercise plan, and you will achieve your health goals with flying colors.
Since Capricorns are known to like being in control of their surroundings and situations, clear your cupboards of any candy, chips, and unhealthy snacks. Keep the company of like-minded folks who share your appreciation for fitness. Loosen up! Try and relax this spring and be certain that nature will run its due course. Just as seeds that were planted in the fall are destined to blossom in the spring, so shall following your individual wellness plan bring you the desired results that you are seeking.
While the bariatric clinicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center wish you only the best in your healthy endeavors, these horoscopes are provided for your entertainment and enjoyment only. Please consult your doctor for specific advice about your medical care, as well as before starting any diet or exercise program.
Posted April 2013