5 More Weight Loss Tips for July

Last week, I posted some weight loss tips inspired by Saturn and Mars being together in Virgo as of July 1. The stars in July happen to impact my solar and natal 6th houses quite a bit, so I continue to be maybe more pumped up than most about the prospect of getting control (Saturn) of my eating habits (Virgo, 6th house). But I still maintain that the astrology is good enough for anyone to take advantage of and that the summer weather for those of us in North America provides plenty of motivation. I've already made my simple plan, done some healthy food shopping, and hauled out some weights suitable for walking with. Following are 5 more tips, and I wish anyone who wants to join me good luck and good stars.

1. Detoxify. Virgo as a sign likes purity and it is a natural detoxification sign. You'll do better staying away from highly processed foods, foods that have been subjected to a lot of pesticides or chemicals, or foods with additives. Artificial sugars and sweeteners are also not recommended.

2. Swing by the local farmers market if you can. With fuel prices rising, food that doesn't have to travel is likely to be cheaper. You're probably also less likely to run into some of the food safety scares that have plagued the U.S. recently. You can also make Saturn in Virgo happy by querying the local farmers on their farming practices, pesticide use, and so on. Saturn in Virgo really likes to get in there and examine what you're eating, and it loves to feel to virtuous too. Supporting your local farmers can help meet both of those needs.

3. Nix the fast food. The essence of Saturn in Virgo is slow food. Saturn in Virgo honors food; it doesn't just gulp it down for convenience. That's why planning and organization come in so handy (as I mentioned in last week's post). Saturn in Virgo prefers to savor and taste the subtle flavors, and it enjoys the process of planning to have a meal rather than grabbing one on the run. I personally also happen to think that the prevalence of fast-food is one of the major reasons for the obesity epidemic in the United States.

4. Drink lots of water. You need to do this anyway during the hot summer months to keep yourself hydrated. And drinking water tends to decrease appetite and speed the loss of excess water weight. But that's not the reason to do it during Saturn and Mars in Virgo. It's because Virgo positively relishes the purity and simple satisfaction of water as a beverage. You know those bottled water commercials that show pure mountain streams as an enticement? Well, Virgo really digs on that whole idea and it loves to cleanse and refresh the palate, which drinking water helps to do. For a bit of variety, I also find fruit-flavored iced teas (no sweeteners added) to be refreshing on a hot summer day.

5. Enjoy. Losing weight and going on an exercise program aren't always enjoyable for many of us. The day to day rewards of going on a diet are often slimmer than the bodies we aspire to. But planets in Virgo look at things a bit differently. They are positively reinforced by images of vital, healthful living.  The process of losing weight is enjoyable to this sign because it represents a feeling of improvement, control, health, energy, and even freedom from toxic influences. Dose yourself with happy, positive images of health and lean living and reward yourself frequently with encouragement and reinforcement for your efforts. Focus obsessively on every single modest achievement and build on that, especially if you belong to the Pluto in Virgo generation!

P.S. Discounts on weight-loss CDs and DVDs for any client who wants to join me in starting a program this summer are still available. You’ll also get a personalized astrological consultation on weight loss and your particular chart. You can post a comment or send an email through my website (Practical Astrology) if you want details.