Planning a Hot and Romantic Valentines’ Day Meal?

Then read on.

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to spend some romantic time with the one you love and if you’re lucky get a bit frisky under the covers.

While you may think a romantic steak dinner with a side of red wine will do the trick…think again. These typical “go-to” dinners can actually have the opposite effect on your sex drive. Yikes!

So if you’re planning a steamy night on this Valentines’ Day make sure you include one (or all) of these ingredients to boost you and your partners libido and most definitely avoid the foods and drinks that could lower it.

Foods To Improve Your Sex Drive

1. Dark Chocolate 

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which stimulates the nervous system and triggers the release of pleasurable opium-like compounds known as endorphins. PEA also sparks the production of dopamine, a neurochemical directly associated with sexual arousal and pleasure.

2. Figs

Figs have a long standing history of  being an arousing stimulant. They are bursting with calcium, iron, potassium, and more of that stimulating zinc. The flavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidants are concentrated in this fruit, helping to put you in a euphoric haze to prolong sexual desire and intercourse.

3. Strawberries

Because good circulation is crucial for sexual functioning in both men and women, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants that benefit your heart and arteries. What’s more, they’re rich in vitamin C, which along with antioxidants, has been linked to higher sperm counts in men. Try dipping the berries in dark chocolate (#1) to give an extra punch of sexual desire 😉

4. Avocado & Almonds

These good fat ingredients have high levels of vitamin E could help keep the spark alive because of its role in maintaining youthful vigour and energy levels.

5. Oysters

Oysters are thought to be an aphrodisiac because of their high zinc content, which helps produce sperm and increases libido.Researchers also recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones.

6. Cinnamon

They were on to something when they created the good ol’ cinnamon hearts. Eating cinnamon heats up your body and, in turn, your sex drive.Cinnamon has also been found to increase appetite – both physical and sexual.

7. Asparagus

These are a great source of Vitamin E, which is involved in stimulating the production of sex hormones, and the B vitamin known as folate that aids in increasing histamine, which is important for a healthy sex drive.

8. Ginger

People have deemed ginger an aphrodisiac for centuries because of its scent and because it stimulates the circulatory system.Ginger is believed to increase sensitivity in the erogenous zones. It also makes the tongue tingle and lips swell with its tingling effect.

Foods To Avoid

1. High Fat Steak

While meat does provide protein and zinc, meat also tends to be high in saturated fat and cholesterol. A meat-heavy meal can slowdown digestion making you feel tired and sluggish. The last thing you will want to do is get frisky. The high fat steaks you should avoid is the T-bone, New York Strip and the Rib-eye steak. The steaks that are lower in fat include Top Sirloin, Filet Mignon and Sirloin Tip Side Steak.

2. Alcohol

Booze including wine, beer, cocktails (spirits) can lower your sex drive, but it depends on how much you are ingesting. A glass of wine can make you feel relaxed and chatty on a date. But in reality, alcohol can be one of the worst things for your love life. Too much alcohol lowers sexual desire, can cause erectile function, decreases arousal and sensitivity.

3. Processed Foods

Processing removes most of the nutrients in whole foods, including ones that are important to your desire for hanky panky. It’s basically man-made foods with little to no nutrients that end up making you feel foggy and drained. Therefore nothing to help bring on energy or arousal.

4. Diet Pop

Artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame, directly affect your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a vital hormone in fostering a sense of well-being or happiness. Low serotonin, say researchers, is associated with lower libido in both men and women. Opt for a sparking water with lemon or lime instead.

5. Cheese

Most cheese is derived from cow’s milk which is loaded with synthetic hormones. These could potentially mess with your body’s natural production of hormones, including estrogen and testosterone and therefore screwing with your sex drive.

There you have it.

Now go book that romantic dinner reservation or start cooking for your special Valentine. If you need more inspiration with what to make checkout my 100 (plus) Delicious and Guilt-Free Recipes

–> GET THE RECIPES <–

Ps. all my recipes promote the libido foods and avoid the killers 😉

Happy Valentines’ Day