Who couldn’t use a little comfort these days? I don’t know about you, but I need something more than a banana to chase the blues away. I am a big believer in finding different ways to ease anxiety and feel better, and sometimes (just sometimes) that means sitting down and enjoying a meal or snack. There certainly are a lot of differences when it comes to opinions on which foods provide comfort. As the old saying goes (or doesn’t go), “One man’s meat is another man’s potato“, but I think we can all agree that food has its magical moments and the power to make us feel better. I asked the Infinite Mind to come up with 12 comfort foods; one for each Sun Sign on the Zodiac. Give them a try if you haven’t already.
Aries: Apple Betty. Maybe it’s the tasty streusel topping or the fact there is no crust at all. Maybe it’s because this is an old-fashioned dessert, and Aries’ current comfort zone is based on nostalgia and the familiar. If you’ve ever tasted a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth Apple Betty, this selection won’t seem so wacky. Savoring a piece of Apple Betty may be just enough to slow down a frazzled Aries and calm the Aries feathers which seem to ruffle at the drop of every hat( or a pin), these days. You’ve sensed it too. Arie’s sense of adventure is muted right now. The silence is deafening. In order to rev up, Aries looks to the past for clues about the future. Vintage recipes soothe Aries. If you can’t find Apple Betty at the bakery or on the menu, make your own. Easy to turn out, and uplifting, also thanks to the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen. You know, Aries, you may be onto something. There are lessons to be learned from the past - now, more than ever.
Taurus: Braised short ribs. A hearty meal, and if cooked long and well, as Taurus, the bull, prefers, the meat falls off the ribs and melts in your mouth. Taurus feels the need for sustenance right now, so s/he can meet the current trials and tribulations head on. It’s comforting to power-up with good-tasting protein, like that found in a plate of braised short ribs. For the vegetarian-inclined, never mind the ribs - we’re talking the best, hearty veggie burgers you can buy or find. We know it’s tough out there, Taurus, but stubborn determination is an excellent quality to possess these days, and you have more than enough to go around. So fuel yourself with a hearty meal to stay focused and determined. You may have to take your own horns and use them to plow through some problems ahead.
Gemini: Popcorn. I couldn’t believe it either, but whatever works: popcorn, buttered, flavored, carmelized, or organic. Constantly on-the-go, over-working Gemini has just enough time, these days, to pop a handful of popcorn in his/her mouth before running off to the next errand, another meeting or even an assignation. Popcorn comforts Gemini because it’s easy to make and inexpensive! You can microwave popcorn, pop your own on the stove or carry a bag of store-bought in the car. A healthy snack, (also in rice cake form),but oddly satisfying, especially the sensation of the crunch. These trying days, Gemini is in the mood to crunch - not only food, but time. But there’s a limit to crunching, Gemini. Stay away from nut brittle. It will break your teeth. In other words, Gemini, don’t look for trouble. There’s plenty enough to go around without searching for it.
Cancer: Home-made chicken soup. Not just for the soul, but for the body too. The Crab is a bit under the weather (from colds and virus) and we all know chicken soup is nature’s remedy. Canned chicken soup, with its major sodium content, will just not do. We’re talking home-made on your stove, from the Deli or from the grocery store’s deli section. Cancer feels best, and is comforted, when eating nutritiously. There’s nothing like a great, healthy chick soup to comfort Cancer and help this sun sign get back on the road and keep plugging away. The phrase “soup’s on” was likely invented with the Moon Child in mind. Cancer never met a soup or stew s/he didn’t like or couldn’t cook. Transfer some of your pent-up energies to the kitchen and make some delicious food, will you, Cancer?
Leo: Steak, rib-eye, filet mignon or baseball cut. Prime organic meat if you can find it or afford it. The best of the best, even though protein is the goal. Non-meat-eating Leos can also revive their energies over a nice, fresh piece of sea bass, perfectly cooked. You get the picture; Leo needs a high-quality protein food to nourish and replenish all the energy s/he has spent recently trying to lead, manage and stay in front of the economic tsunami. Wow - what a lot of energy expended by this sun sign. Now it’s time to make an energy deposit with food, Leo. There is both energy and comfort in dining on the best piece of meat or fish you can find. You’ll need to take the lead in more ways than one in the days ahead.
Virgo: Lasagna. Meat or spinach (for the non-meat-eaters), because carbs provide both nutrition and energy. Virgo’s been pounding the street lately,beating his/her head against the wall, trying to make good things happen. You’re all right, Virgo. Things are tough, but you are tougher. If you have the time and money, treat yourself to a nice lasagna at your favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant (they could use your business) or bake your own. Lasagna is relatively easy to make, in quantities large enough for left-overs, also a comfort to practical-minded Virgo.
Libra: Macaroni & cheese. Dig into some home-made (or quality, home-made-tasting) mac & cheese, downcast Libra. I know you find life a little less hunky-dory these days, but this well-known comfort food reminds you that good things come in reasonable packages. You don’t need a $25 dinner to feel as good as a relatively inexpensive mac & cheese can make you feel. There’s the pleasant childhood memories attached to M&C, which you find comforting, but also the cheese. Libra’s middle name is Cheese (favoring varieties from brie to Swiss, depending on the Libra). If Mac & cheese does not appeal, fettucini alfredo may be a worthy substitute. The mix of noodles & the cheese are the comfort component for Libra, who likes everything in balance, just like this dish. Good times up ahead, Libra.
Scorpio: Salmon, Halibut, Tuna. Freshly caught and broiled or grilled to perfection. No farm-raised or dinky portions for this powerful sun sign, who appreciates all the good thing wild-caught, fresh fish does for his/her brain. This choice is comforting to a somewhat puzzled Scorpio. Fish oil is the perfect anti-oxidant, you know. Fresh fish, these days, also is a delicacy, Both factors appeal to Scorpio. Carefully prepared, fish also dampens the many fires now smoldering in Scorpio, obsessing over wrongs and wrongdoers. Get over it, Scorp. Eat your fish and move on. Your powerful energies are needed now to problem solve.
Sagittarius: Fried chicken or free-range properly roasted chicken. Like all sun signs, Sag comes in more than one variety. There’s the fried chicken Sag who just loves the Southern comfort of a well-breaded, non-greasy fried chicken thigh or breast. And then there’s the roasted/broasted chicken Sag, who only eats non-fried, free-range, organics (and why not?). I know both Sags and love them both. Although they have radically different tastes, one thing they have in common is chicken-love. Nature-loving Sag feels comforted these days, when in touch with the earth’s bounty and natural food. That’s why you’ll find Sag at the front of the line at natural grocery stores. There’s no better proponent for organic, healthy foods than Sagittarius. And that’s comforting.
Capricorn: Pretzels. Soft pretzels. Hard pretzels. Pretzels are high up on Capricorn’s comfort food list (please no jaw-dropping), because pretzels don’t involve sitting down for a meal. Cap has his/her reasons for finding comfort in pretzels. Pretzels are also relatively healthy, as snacks go. They take no time to eat - you can grab them on the run. Mystically, they symbolize the twist and turns Cap’s life has taken these days. Cap is so busy these days, doing the jobs of three people and constantly problem-solving, this sun sign just isn’t that interested in food. Cap figures you can grab a handful of pretzels and carry on. But remember, one can not live on pretzels alone, Cap, so take your vitamins.
Aquarius: Shrimp, especially shrimp tempura. All things Asian are very comforting to Aquarius right now. This sun sign’s delicate balance has been thrown for a loop-de-loop. So much stress is facing the over-extended Aquarius, s/he can be comforted by Asian food, especially the highly-nutritious shrimp. To go along with it, a cup of green tea or warm water with lemon. Aquarius, remember, stress lowers your immune system. Lunch or dinner at your favorite Japanese restaurant will momentarily ease some of your anxieties. If tempera is off limits (because of frying),shrimp is an excellent choice to lower your blood pressure and keep you heart-healthy. You can cook it in any number of ways. Feed your body; feed your mind, Aquarius. It is important that you do everything you can to alleviate your mental and emotional pressures.
Pisces: Pie. Again, the freshest, highest quality pie you can find. It’s up to the individual Pisces to pick the flavor. My favorite Pisces loves Key Lime. But in a pinch, any fresh pie will do- so long as its not from the grocery frozen food section. Pisces taste buds are among the most sensitive in the Zodiac, so you can’t fool or comfort this sun sign with a frozen pie. Pisces finds the delicate sweetness of freshly baked pie soothing and comforting. The comfort comes from the mix of spices, sour/sweet, and quality of fresh ingredients. Unfortunately, right now, due to stress at work or at home, Pisces may be overeating, with a resulting weight gain. Pisces, you must cut back on your portions and mindless eating. If you seek comfort in a pie, first cut it into eighths, take one slim slice for yourself, and then share the rest with your friends or co-workers. In pie-sharing, what comes around, will go around.
As you can probably tell, psychic chick is a confirmed foodie. For me, it’s more than sustenance. Good food fulfills our universal, inherent need for sensory stimulation. When food is well-prepared, it’s not only beautiful, but it also smells great and tastes delicious. In moderation, food can offer comfort during these difficult times. This has long been so.
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. ~Virginia Woolf, “A Room of One’s Own
