So this post might get a little “spicy”. Just warning you. If you are a member of my family, you may want to stop reading now. I’m jussayin’….
It has come to my attention that certain foods are believed to be aphrodisiacs. Now, whether or not they work remains to be seen. But I say, it never hurts to give the old “vroom-vroom” a little kick start. Am I wrong? (Okay. So maybe this post won’t be THAT spicy. I am using phrases like “vroom-vroom” after all. So I think it’ll be a safe read.)
Armed with my list of aphrodisiac foods, spices and aromas, I set out to create a clean eating menu for a romantic dinner. A meal that would not only add a little spice to the dishes I was cooking, but to my life as well (Let’s face it. After kids, it takes work and planning to be “spontaneous”).
So here’s my plan and my menu:
Break A Sweat
To start the day off right, I’ll be getting in a rigorous workout. Exercise is not only good for your body, but it’s great for your sex drive as well. Anything to get the blood pumping!
Scents Wafting Through The Air
There are lots of aromas that are said to be aphrodisiacs. Musk and patchouli are two of them. But I’m not a fan of either, so I’m going with a third choice… vanilla. I’ll purchase some vanilla oil to burn in an oil burner to scent the room. Vanilla is said to produce a euphoric feeling that helps the nervous system. It works directly on sexual stimulation and is a very pleasant, non-invasive scent.
A Romantic Atmosphere
Folks, if you want to inspire some romance in your partner, you absolutely HAVE to set the right atmosphere. There’s just no way around it. Here’s what you need to get started:
- A babysitter – Need I say more?
- Candles - Beeswax candles are best. Their aroma will mingle well with the vanilla on my mantel and it won’t put out the toxins into the air that paraffin candles will. Who needs toxins when you’re trying to get frisky? (Just be sure you place the candles in a place where they won’t get knocked over)
- Some good background music – Nothing too overpowering. Something gentle and easy to relax to. We love old jazz, so I’ll be scavenging for all our best CD’s.
- A comfortable eating area – If all you have in your dining area is a rigid table and chairs, then consider setting up your meal in a more comfortable area. Perhaps, lay down a large blanket in the middle of the living room with lots of large pillows to lounge on. That’s my plan!
And Now For The Main Course
Now we get down to the star of the show. The meal.
A romantic meal is best served spicy. If you don’t tolerate spicy foods, you can cut way back on the spices to keep things a little milder. But relatively speaking… the amount of spice in your “activities” later on will be relative to the amount of spice in your meal. So the following menu will include lots of spice!
The Menu
- Arugula - This leafy little plant has been historically noted as an aphrodisiac. While I couldn’t find a specific or scientific reason, I’m not taking any chances. Arugula salad anyone?
- Mustard - The dressing I put on the salad will be a Clean Eating Vinaigrette made the traditional way… with mustard. Mustard is also considered an aphrodisiac.
- Curry – Thanks to it’s “spice factor”, curry is at the top of the aphrodisiac spice list. Toss in a little garam masala for extra spice, and you’ve got yourself a romantic meal in the making. I’ll be making Curry Chicken as a main course.
- Asparagus – The vitamin E found in asparagus has been linked to a healthy sex life. (Take your vitamin E supplements people!) Baked Almond Asparagus is a double whammy as the almonds are aphrodisiacs too!
- Pineapple - This lovely fruit has been used as a homeopathic cure for impotence. Generally speaking though, it is thought of as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. Grilled pineapple slices with dark chocolate sauce for dessert? That’s what you’ll find on my menu.
- Chocolate -Dark chocolate is not only good for you (in small amounts), it’s good for your sex life too, thanks to a chemical it contains called phenylethylamine.
You Ate What???
What you won’t find on my romance menu are any heavy carbs. I’ll be leaving out the rice, pasta and bread. There’s nothing like that “weighed down” feeling in your stomach to kill the mood. Better to keep things filling, yet light.
Other Menu Ideas
If my menu doesn’t sound appetizing, here are a few sites I used as sources for this article. They contain many foods believed to be aphrodisiacs.
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