Leo energy is joyful, determined, and generous.  A creative, Leo is well known for flair and theatrical entertainment, blending fun and artistic talents with a sense of expansion. Leo energy is ruled by the Sun meaning it prizes uniqueness above all with a focus on enthusiastic self-expression.  In terms of nutrition, Leo is food in abundance, recipes that really showcase unique flavours, and all the colours of fruits and vegetables that mother nature can provide. Leo energy is all about exquisite, artisan dishes that both taste and look like art, providing a memorable experience that is sure to enlivening the tastebuds!

The Colour Yellow

Yellow is a primary colour that makes other colours within the colour spectrum.  In Western cultures, yellow is associated with happiness, humour, and spontaneity.  In Eastern cultures, such as China, it has been historically associated with s royalty, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment (a beautiful expression of Leo energy!)  Yellow also symbolizes the kind of mental clarity that comes from understanding, as well as optimism and creativity.  Yellow naturally stimulates appetite and creates welcoming, energetic spaces perfect for cooking and gathering.

Yellow coloured fruits and vegetables contain the pigment carotenoid, such as the phytonutrients lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, viola-xanthin, to name a few.  These carotenoids play important roles in maintaining and improving eye health, such as filtering blue light, help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to the retina, and help protect against cataracts. These carotenoids can also protect against sun damage on the skin, are important for fetal development and play a role in brain and cognitive functions.

What can you eat to increase Leo sun and rising sign vitality?

Yellow coloured foods really boost the natural essence of the Leo Energy, enhancing vitality and the life force within.  If you have Leo Sun or Leo Rising energies, yellow foods like these are your go-to for fuelling your giving, creative and optimistic energy:

Fruits & Vegetables – lemon, pineapple, banana, starfruit, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, gooseberries, sweet corn, yellow peppers, and golden potatoes (Yukon)
Meat, Dairy & Fish – eggs, ghee and butter
Lentils, Whole Grains, Nuts & Seeds – millet
Spices & Herbs – mustard and ginger

The art of the colour wheel reminds us that everything is best in balance and so to ensure a balance to the Leo energy, it is beneficial to add its complimentary colour on the opposite side of the wheel which is the Purple of Aquarius. This would include adding foods like eggplant, purple cabbage, and Japanese sweet potato to name a few.  For the full list of Aquarius enhancing foods, check back during Aquarius season!

Some great recipes to enhance the Leo Energy would be: Buttery Baby Dutch Potatoes, Pineapple Ginger Detox Smoothie, or Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls. So, if you have a Leo Sun or Leo Rising Sign and you need a pick-me-up to boost your liveliness, be sure to reference this list of yellow foods and try a recipe listed above!! 😉

Reference Articles & Recipes

1. Paul S. Bernstein, Binxing Li, Preejith P. Vachali, Aruna Gorusupudi, Rajalekshmy Shyam, Bradley S. Henriksen, John M. Nolan. Science Direct, Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, Volume 50. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin: The basic and clinical science underlying carotenoid-based nutritional interventions against ocular disease. January 2016.
2. Gary Heiting, OD. All About Vision, How lutein and zeaxanthin can help your eyes. Updated July 2023.
3. Evangeline Mantzioris. The Conversation. We’re told to ‘eat a rainbow’ of fruit and vegetables, here’s what each colour does in our body. November 2024.
4. Susan Miller, Astrology Zone, Leo. 
5. Kate Smith. Sensational Colour, Colour Symbolism and Meaning of Yellow. Updated June 2025.
6. Sally Cameron. A Foodcentriclife Blog, Buttery Baby Dutch Yellow Potatoes Recipe. Updated: July 24, 2025.
7. Detox Bloom Blog, Pineapple ginger Detox Smoothie Recipe. Accessed: August 2025.
8. Brie Norris. Toaster Oven Love Blog, Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls Recipe. Updated: August 24, 2023.