The Food Zodiac
THE CHINESE BELIEVE that the Chinese Zodiac, also called Chinese Animal Astrology, tells about a person’s character, physical and mental attributes, and even determines the degree of success and happiness. And based on each sign’s personality, it could also determine what type of eater each sign is and what’s possibly the best food to eat to keep them healthy.
        Here are a few recommendations when tasked to serve the wittiest, cleverest, the quietest, or the loudest, and even the most bizarre of all the Chinese zodiac thinkers.

The Dragon
2012 is the year of the Water Dragon. People born under this sign are more open to suggestions and opinions which give them the ability to direct their charisma into their own leadership qualities. For other signs under this year, it spells good luck since dragons are known to have fearsome qualities and strengths; more so, luckier for the male dragons.
        The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. The intrinsic element of this sign is earth, and its direction is east-southeast.
        Dragons are probably the most flamboyant and vibrant of all the Chinese astrological signs. Those born in the year of Dragon display self-confidence and power. When Dragons put their mind into something, they do everything they can to get it – whether it be starting their own organization or getting to the top.
        Dragon people are born leaders, and usually do well in careers that give them a position of leadership. Charismatic and dynamic, Dragons have a passion for life and the skill to entertain and persuade people around him. They often dream up wild schemes and ideas, most of which are not feasible. Dragon people are eccentric and live complex life. 
        Fortunately for them, however, Dragons seem to be endowed with good fortune, which saves them from making major mistakes and helps them to excel when they apply themselves correctly. On the downside, they often have huge egos and can be tactless, hot-headed, arrogant, and quick-tempered.

What To Eat
Dragons love to live well and eat well, delighting on a piece of Wagyu beef or game. So cook a meal that’s out of your comfort zone and avoid meals that boil or fry. Dragons love the outdoors. They are extroverts and nature lovers. So why not stage a cookout for your beloved Dragon? Suggested meals: Grilled or steamed fish seasoned with fresh herbs, barbeque, roasted chicken, grilled hamburgers, and even well-done pork chops and pork steak.
        Although the Dragon is the master in 2012, this period will bring Dragons a lot of problems that need to be addressed on the go. They must, however, avoid overdoing things to prevent health problems. April and May will be lucky months for the Dragons. Married Dragons will focus on improving their home, while single Dragons may meet someone and successfully develop and strengthen the relationship throughout the year.

Year of the Dragon
Dragon Years:
02/19/1904  to  02/03/1905 (Wood),  02/03/1916  to  01/22/1917 (Fire),  01/23/1928  to  02/09/1929 (Earth),  02/08/1940  to  01/26/1941 (Metal),  01/27/1952  to  02/13/1953 (Water),   02/13/1964  to  02/01/1965 (Wood),  01/31/1976  to  02/17/1977 (Fire),  02/17/1988  to  02/05/1989 (Earth),  02/05/2000  to  01/23/2001 (Metal),  01/23/2012  to  02/09/2013 (Water)

Element: Earth
Symbol: Yang
Favorable direction: East-Southeast
Lucky Directions: (Facing) East, South, West
Key Word: Passionate
Most Compatible Signs: Rat, Monkey, and Rooster
Least Compatible Signs: Dog, Ox, Sheep, and Dragon
Lucky Years:  Rooster, Rat, and Monkey
Unlucky Year: Dog Year (Opposite)
Colors: Red, Orange.

The Snake
Snakes are known to be a charmer and a seducer. When you’re with them, money is never a problem as they are blessed with money luck and know how to save for the rainy day. They are deep thinkers, vain, and pursue goals relentlessly. They have, however,  a tendency to be possessive.
     In 2012, Snakes will have to work hard if they want to get that promotion. The months of April to July are good months to save up. The south and southeast are lucky directions. The colors green and red will bring luck.

What To Eat
Snakes tend to be lazy, thus most often than not are overweight. Offer fresh fruit like a banana for dessert. And since snakes are sensual creatures, try some aphrodisiacs such as oysters or any meal garnished with lettuce.

The Horse
The Horse is generally cheerful in nature, outspoken, independent, and sociable, but has a tendency
to monopolize the conversation. Great in multitasking, the Horse gets bored easily when idle and falls
in love easily. There may be major changes in the home front this 2012 for Horses. March is a good time  
to change jobs if thinking of a career switch. Single Horses might meet someone new this year. Also, avoid impulse buying. South is a lucky direction, while the color green adds charm.

What To Eat
Like Oxen, the Horse has a tendency to eat irregularly, grabbing whatever food in sight when hunger strikes. Try keeping meals to three a day or grazing throughout the day with six small meals. And since the Horse loves to be in the middle of a crowd, you may want to serve up a dish that is a crowd favorite like beef teriyaki.

The Sheep
People born  under this signtend to shy away from the crowd but this doesn’t mean that they like to be ignored. Sheep are also worry-freaks and always need some loving and reassurance. 2012 will bring many new opportunities, especially in career and finance. Love is also in the cards for the Sheep this year. North is a lucky direction. Green and yellow are their lucky colors.

What To Eat
Sheep like comfort food such as a plate of pasta with plenty of bread sticks. But they shouldn’t forget to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Offer any round food such as apples, oranges, or a snack of steamed dumplings.

The Monkey
People born under this sign are generally successful in everything that they do. Monkeys are hardworking
and always strive for financial success. At parties, they tend to grab the spotlight but don’t necessarily need to be the center of attention. The downside: they easily lose interest in personal relationships.
     The stars favor Monkeys in 2012, only if they stay alert throughout the year. July to November will be the best time for making any job-related changes, while August to October will be lucky months for love and finance. They must not hesitate to take a bit of risk as this is sure to pay off for you. Their lucky colors are red and black.

What To Eat
Monkeys are workaholics who usually forget to eat on time. But steamed rice served with beef steak or pork chop will definitely grab their attention. This type of food supplies the needed energy and protein to last the day for the achiever Monkey.


The Rooster
Roosters are hardworking and industrious. They have a tendency to want to be in the spotlight and be the center of attention. They dress for success. Because of this, they are known to be arrogant and not afraid
to speak their mind.  
      2012 is the year when Roosters might finally settle down. A big promotion is indicated for those in the legal sector towards the end of the year. Green and blue are their lucky colors.

What To Eat
Roosters are perfectionists and watch what they eat. But one thing’s for sure, they can’t resist an attractive food or table presentation. For appetizers, offer fish crackers for light snacking.

The Dog
Just like Roosters, Dogs are hardworking, idealistic, faithful, and want to make a difference in the world. Dogs are pessimistic worriers who easily slump into depression. Dogs willl find improvement in luck, career, friendship, and finances in 2012. Single Dogs will find love. The color yellow will bring luck to this canine of the Zodiac.

What To Eat
Dogs are big on comfort food. Fresh fruit and raw vegetables are best choices for them. Don’t serve exotic food though, instead, just offer them simple dishes such as chicken wings or crab.

The Boar/Pig
Those born under this sign treasure friendship so much. Pigs are born peacemakers and hate getting into rguments. 2012 will be the perfect time for achieving goals. Singles are ready for long-term relationships.
A career shift is on the horizon. They need to pay attention to their eating habits. Dark blue will be their lucky color in 2012.

What To Eat
Unlike their sign, Pigs are disciplined and do not overeat. But, of course, they love a helping of pork chops and spare ribs served with a special sauce or honey.


The Rat
Rats are known to be charming and witty, and always seem to be the life of the party – making a dull and boring engagement into a fun and enjoyable gathering. Rat people are also known to be generous to family and friends. They are generally curious; they always want to learn new things and tend to be successful.
       Year 2012 will be a busy time for Rats. All their efforts will be rewarded this year. Fate will smile upon lovelorn Rats, with May to June being lucky months for love. The east enhances their luck and the colors red, white, and black are lucky.

What To Eat
Rats are greedy and eat like there’s no tomorrow. Rats should keep to three meals a day or spread meals throughout the day by eating six small meals. Appetizers such as siomai or dumplings filled with shrimps and pork will make grazing throughout the day easier. Just make sure dishes are well-cooked, otherwise, these bedeviled rodents will surely know about your little faux pas. 

The Ox
If you want someone dependable and reliable to do your innermost bidding, then you definitely need to call
Oxen. Trustworthy and hardworking in nature, Oxen are born to be leaders and make great parents. They are, however, quick-tempered and are sometimes stubborn. And unlike the fun-loving Rats, those born under this sign shy away from social gatherings and just like to stay at home. Patience is the key this year. Oxen will see themselves being chosen to lead some important projects at work. They should not let pride get in the way of their happiness and accept things as they are. January, March, and December will be important months for the Oxen. The northeast direction brings them luck and lucky colors are yellow and blue.  

What To Eat
Never finding time to sit down to a proper meal, Oxen are prone to irregular eating which may cause insulin imbalance, cravings, and eventually weight gain. Three regular meals a day is recommended and a snack of fresh fruit or raw vegetables between each. Easy lettuce wraps is a healthy option to chicharon
or a bowlful of peanuts. Lay out a variety of lettuces and a variety of fillings such as cold chicken salad, grilled beef teriyaki strips, Italian sausage, onions, shredded cheese, water chestnuts, and vegetable sticks, and wrap it taco-style.

The Tiger
Courageous and brave are just some of the characteristics that describe people born under this sign. Tigers like to get things done, are results-oriented, and often are the leader in a group. They don’t, however, just lead because they want to – they can work alone as long as they get the job done.
They can be demanding in all areas of their life – including the personal side. Young Tigers are known to have issues with authorities.
        Excitement, joy, and hard work sums up 2012 for Tigers. Single Tigers might meet someone special by April and May. Tigers’ finances will stabilize and they will be able to pay off most of their credit card debts. February, March, and April will be significant months. Their lucky colors are green and yellow.
East and northeast direction brings luck.

What To Eat
Tigers can never sit still. Always in action, Tigers need to watch their water intake to keep hydrated throughout the day. Flavored mineral water and unsweetened herb teas should do the trick. Since Tigers are known to be leaders, you have to impress them with your dishes. Tame these wild beasts with guacamole, an Oriental plate, or a fusion of Hawaiian recipes.  

The Rabbit
Rabbits are blessed with good fortune, good taste, good manners, and the skill to read the minds of people. They’re easy to get along with. They have, however, a tendency to gossip and be self-indulgent.
     For Rabbits, job and career are the focus of 2012. Rabbits may be promoted or recognized at work this year. Travel is also in the cards for the months of July and August. Single Rabbits will find love if they
go out more often. The east direction and the colors green and pink will bring luck.

What To Eat
Give Rabbits some spring rolls. Spring rolls look like gold chocolate bars  – a good sign of prosperity and considered to be lucky just like Rabbits which are good luck charms in the Chinese Zodiac. Rabbits
also have a tendency to be couch potatoes with a bag of chips and candy on hand. Instead offer slices of fresh fruits. - Excel V. Dyquiangco