Amorous Eats: Your "In the Mood" Menu

Some say that food is the quickest way to a man's (or woman's) heart? Maybe! With Valentine's Day around the corner, you may be wondering if there are any foods to get you "in the mood." Is there any truth to edible aphrodisiacs or is it all myth? Read on...

Some foods are considered to be aphrodisiacs because they look like sexual organs. Other foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals that supposedly impact the body's desires. For example, oysters contain zinc which may increase testosterone. Will eating a meal of oysters and bananas make you ready to pounce on your partner? Research has yet to back this theory up—but it can't hurt to try!

A romantic dinner can be a great way to start the night. But it's only fun if you go by this tip: do not overeat. There is nothing worse than a bloated belly to kill the mood so Valentine's Day might not be the best night to try out the five course tasting menu at your local restaurant.

Another important trick: avoid gassy foods such as legumes and cruciferous vegetables. I don't think I need to say anything else about that.

Alcohol in moderation may lower inhibitions and help to set the mood. However, when consumed in excess, it definitely impairs sexual performance. Tip: If you do decide to imbibe, go for a nice glass of red wine. Red wine has been linked to higher levels of sexual desire in women who were moderate drinkers over their counterparts who preferred other alcoholic drinks or didn't drink at all. Why wine could have this effect is unclear, although there are a number of theories. One speculation is that the antioxidants in red wine have a beneficial effect on the lining of blood vessels causing them to widen and increase blood flow to key areas of the body.

You may have heard that oysters fuel sexual desire/performance. Oysters, along with other seafood, meats and seafood are rich sources of zinc. Tip: zinc is essential for the production of testosterone. Healthy zinc levels are also vital to maintain sperm counts. In addition, the experience of shucking an oyster can be erotic. However, there is no scientific evidence that proves oysters—or any other zinc rich food—actually lives up to its claims of enhancing libido.

Chocolate contains small amounts of a chemical called phenylethylamin (PEA), an amino acid that raises the body's endorphins. It's been linked to the regulation of physical energy, mood, and attention. A tiny amount of PEA is released at moments of emotional euphoria, elevating blood pressure and heart rate. However, evidence is lacking that PEA found in foods increases PEA in the brain--although many chocolate lovers may beg to differ! On a positive note, Italian researchers found that women who had a daily intake of chocolate showed higher levels of desire than women who did not have this habit. Their conclusion: chocolate can have a positive physiological impact on a woman's sexuality. Trick: Eat a small amount of dark chocolate each day to lift your libido.

For some sexy ideas for your Valentine's Day menu, check out this fun Web site: Seduction Meals.

It's Business Time
Now that we've discussed nutrition and menu ideas, it's time to have fun! Here are some additional tips to get you in the mood:

1. Technique: Start by taking the time to savor each meal. The art of eating that can be truly erotic.

2. Want to up the ante while eating and experience an arousing sensory overload? Tip: Try blindfolding your partner and feeding him or her food.

3. Working out together creates intimacy while getting your blood pumping and heart racing. Trick: Try taking a Bikram yoga class…now that's hot!

4. Break out the essential oils and experiment with massage. Technique: Pay special attention to erogenous zones like the ears and feet.

At the end of the day,your best bet to get in the mood is to maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise. Keeping fit and healthy always is the best way to boost your libido! It also can't hurt to serve food in an attractive way versus just slopping it down on the plate. So when you're serving up your Valentine's Day Meal, light candles and dim the lights because you never know what can happen next. Your food may end up getting VERY COLD...

— Written by Martha McKittrick

Photo credit: www.lifeinitaly.com

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