Last week I did a TV segment all about LOVE FOODS, foods that can get you in the mood for love. Below are my notes that I used to prep for the TV segment. Give this a read & get inspired to eat these LOVE FOODS anytime, not just on Valentine’s Day…
Is it true that certain foods can really get us in the mood for love?
Yes! Research suggests that the same foods that can support overall heart health + circulation are also the best for your sexual health & libido.
What are some of those foods & why do they work?
I’m going to take you through 5 of what I call “love foods.” These foods are good for the heart, circulation, and can help you get in the mood for love.
1. Salmon
Why it works: Rich in heart healthy omega-3 fats. Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet, which contains lots of fish, is linked to better sexual health.
2. Spinach (or other leafy greens like kale or arugula)
Why it works: Contains compounds called nitrates that help open up blood vessels so more blood & oxygen can get to your brain, muscles, and all throughout the body.
3. Tomatoes
Why they work: Contain lycopene which can help relax blood vessels & improve blood flow. Extra credit here, your body can absorb more lycopene when the tomatoes are cooked w/ olive oil.
4. Dark Chocolate
Why it works: Contains a compound called PEA (phenylethylamine) which is a chemical in the brain responsible for boosting mood and feelings of passion.
5. Berries
Why they work: Contain a compound called anthocyanin (one of the compounds in red wine!) which decreases inflammation to keep blood vessels & circulation healthy.
If we eat these foods ON Valentine’s Day, will they will work immediately?
Yes, these would make a great Valentine’s Day meal and can potentially make you feel good right away. But ideally these are healthy foods you work into your routine on the regular for long-lasting effects.
How can we make a Valentine’s Day meal with these foods?
Here’s a Valentine’s Day meal w/ all of the “love foods” I just highlighted…
💕Sheet Pan Pasta + Salmon
💕Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse w/ Berries
A fancy & fast dinner… all on one sheet pan!
8 ounces whole grain or bean-based pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little extra for rubbing on salmon)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
3 cups baby spinach (or other leafy green like arugula or kale)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast or crushed walnuts)
2 salmon fillets (~4 ounces each)
Optional: lemon slices
1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Cook pasta and drain.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and spinach. Put mixture on a sheet pan & sprinkle w/ parmesan cheese (leaving some room for the salmon filets).
4. Rub olive oil on the salmon & put skin side down on the same sheet pan.
5. Bake for ~15 minutes, until salmon is opaque/easy to flake (or 145°F internal temp.) Optional: Top salmon w/ lemon slices.
INGREDIENTS
6 tablespoons hot water
4 medjool dates (pitted)
1 ripe avocado (pitted & peeled)
4 tablespoons cacao powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt
Any fresh berries
DIRECTIONS
1. In a blender, add hot water and dates. Blend until smooth.
2. Add avocado, cacao powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
4. When ready to eat, top w/ berries.
