Similar to previous Valentine’s celebrations, many people organize a cozy night at home and a dinner for two, relishing the time together and rekindling their bond. Yet, almost before we realize it, another Valentine’s Day arrives, and we haven’t prioritized a special evening in with our partner during the rest of the year.
In this context, Kerry Beeson, a nutritional therapist from Prep Kitchen, shares insights on what and how to eat for a romantic dinner for two, extending beyond just Valentine’s Day, with some delightful aphrodisiacs to create the perfect ambience.
The Classics
The iconic oyster and champagne duo works perfectly as a starter and does actually have some scientific backing when it comes to being an aphrodisiac.
Oysters
Kerry explains: “They contain high levels of zinc, an important mineral for the production of testosterone, a vital hormone for sexual function in both men and women.”
Champagne
Kerry continues: “It’s thought to boost nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide helps to widen blood vessels and aid blood flow around the body, including to the genitals. However, while alcohol can relax us and may initially encourage libido, as Shakespeare famously said, “It provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance”!”
Instead of relying on alcohol’s fickle effects, Kerry suggests considering these nitric oxide-boosting foods instead, which can be incorporated into at-home meals.
Leafy Greens
Kerry says: “Spinach, kale, and cabbage are rich in nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide.”
Watermelon
Kerry explains: “This juicy fruit contains citrulline, an amino acid that your body converts to arginine and then into nitric oxide.”
Sunlight
Kerry continues: “Did you know that sunlight can be a surprising ally in boosting your libido? Along with its role in vitamin D production, sunlight also stimulates the production of nitric oxide.”
Sensual eating
Kerry explains: “Beyond nutrients, the way you eat can be just as important in boosting your libido. Eating is a sensual experience, using similar senses – taste, touch, smell, sight – to those we use when making love.”
With this in mind, think about how you’ll eat your Valentine’s meal:
Finger foods
Kerry says: “Foods that you might eat with your fingers like asparagus, watermelon, or oysters, can heighten your sensory experience and add to the mood. Opting for foods which you need to touch, feeding your partner and licking lips (and fingers!) can be a real turn-on for some folks. Though if it all gets a bit too messy (think ribs or corn cobs!), then it might have the opposite effect!”
Be saucy
Kerry continues: “Serve sauces that you pour onto your food, or dip it into, can continue the sensory theme.”
Spice it up
Kerry shares: “Using strong flavours and spices can also enhance the sensory experience of your meal. Chilis are also a known aphrodisiac – they contain capsaicin, which improves circulation and blood flow.”
Foods to Avoid
Another important factor for your Valentine’s meal is to think about how you’ll feel after eating it.
Heavy foods
Kerry says: “High-fat foods like pizza and deep-fried foods are hard to digest, so you’re likely to feel tired and sluggish afterward.”
Gassy foods
Kerry explains: “Foods which can cause gas, like pulses or cruciferous vegetables, might also be a turn-off – you’re unlikely to feel too sexy if you’re having a digestive crisis after your romantic meal!”
Long-term love plan
Kerry reveals that food can also have an effect on us long term: “Don’t just focus your energy on just one night of the year – being on top form in the bedroom might take some planning!”
If you want to give your love life a little boost, consider introducing some functional foods to your diet
Ginseng
Kerry explains: “This herb has been used for centuries to enhance sexual performance. The active compounds in ginseng are called ginsenosides. They’re believed to help sexual function by encouraging blood flow to the genitals.”
Maca Root
Kerry continues: “This natural herb is believed to support hormonal health and sexual function. It contains unique active compounds called macaenes and macamides, which are thought to have fertility-enhancing properties which can help to improve sexual function in both sexes. It’s also an adaptogen, which can aid your body’s stress responses – this might aid relaxation and put you in the mood for loving.”
“These herbs may take time to show effects and are best consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle – regular exercise and a balanced diet will also contribute to energy, body confidence, and overall well-being. Always consult your doctor if you have sexual health concerns and before starting any new supplements, to make sure they’re suitable for your needs.”
Be in love with yourself
Kerry concludes: “Whether you have a partner or not, Valentine’s Day is also an opportunity to celebrate your relationship with yourself! We often feel guilty about prioritising ourselves, but studies have shown that making time for leisure, self-care, and recreation is vitally important for your overall health and wellbeing. Review all aspects of your life – emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, environmental, social – and consider whether you’re nourishing yourself in all of these areas.”
This Valentine’s Day, schedule in a special treat for yourself, which can be anything that makes you feel good, or try something new:
- Book a session with a healthcare professional who can help your self-care journey, such as a personal trainer, nutritional therapist, counsellor, or life coach.
- Treat yourself to some expensive bath products and have a luxurious bath, or try different types of ‘bathing’, such as forest bathing or a sound bath
- Consider subscribing to a healthy meal prep service to alleviate stress and give you more time to do the things you love!
- Send yourself a card, saying ten things you love about yourself. Focusing on self-love can help to boost confidence, and improve mental and physical health.
About Kerry
Kerry is a qualified nutritional therapist, with a BSc in Nutritional Medicine. Her training encompasses naturopathy, nutritional therapy, functional medicine, and kinesiology. She is also a gut health expert and Metabolic Balance Coach.
Kerry also has many years of experience as a writer, having previously worked as a blogger, health & science writer, and news editor. She has been published in a variety of mainstream and health industry publications including Vogue, Daily Mail, Woman’s Own, Yours, Refinery29, Sheerluxe, Balance, Grazia, Natural Health, Mindscape, Get the Gloss, Healthista, and Your Healthy Living.
About Prep Kitchen
Prep Kitchen is an online meal prep delivery service focused on offering flavoursome, macro-controlled dishes at affordable prices. Recognised by Glamour UK as the “best meal delivery service for fat loss, the healthy way”, Prep Kitchen only uses the highest quality ingredients in its clean-eating menu. The growing company was originally founded as a partnership between restaurant owners Mark Morley and William Fishenden. They both embarked on their own fitness journeys, but couldn’t find tasty, healthy ready meals which made clean eating quick and easy. They decided to create their own, and the rest is history!
THE SECRETS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE FROM THOSE WHO HAVE LASTED THE DISTANCE