Sexy Foods

The New Hot Meal

URL: weight-loss/sexy-foods

Sexy Foods: The New Hot Meal

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  Chocolate
  This sensual sweet does more than just make your tongue happy; it also contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which is linked to the release of endorphins, those natural feel-good chemicals that flood our bodies after a workout. Interestingly, though, research from the University of Guelph, which examined hundreds of studies on potential aphrodisiacs, found that even though people believe their sexual desire increases after eating chocolate, it's not linked in any way to sexual arousal or satisfaction. In other words, chocolate's sexy powers are likely all in the head, where it triggers serotonin and endorphins. But hey, that works too! When you're jonesing for a fix, enjoy a portion-controlled amount (half an ounce) with some hot tea.
  
  
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  Coffee
  OK, coffee breath may not be that alluring, but java does possess some sexy properties. A study from Southwestern University found that the female sex drive perks up after a little joe, which stimulates the part of the brain that regulates arousal. One caveat: Because getting back to a healthy sleep pattern is so important for your overall health, be sure to pay attention to your afternoon cutoff time. For many people, restricting caffeine after 2 p.m. is a good general rule.
  
  
  
  
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  Eggs
  These are a reliable source of L-arginine, an amino acid that's been shown to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction. And they're not just for breakfast. Try an easy frittata recipe for dinner some night.
  
  
  
  
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  Peaches
  The creamy texture, beautiful color, and summery smell are defnitely attractive, but these are just bonuses: It turns out that peaches' high vitamin C count makes them something of a fertility drug for your guy. Higher consumption results in better sperm counts and less sperm clumping (without going into details, that's a positive thing). Frozen slices are actually a little higher in vitamin C than the fresh ones, so stash some in the icebox and toss them into a smoothie for you—and your man.
  
  
  
  
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  Saffron
  A gorgeous, bright-yellow spice, saffron comes from the crocus flower and has a mild, delicate flavor that's popular in Spanish and other Mediterranean dishes. Researchers have found that saffron lives up to its reputation of improving sexual performance (worth its expense at about $11 per gram). The best way to bring out its favor is to soak the threads in hot (but not boiling) water or broth for 15 minutes and add the "tea" to your recipe. It's superb in any grain dish—Spanish seafood paella is a classic one—as well as in soups and stews.
  
  
  
  
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  Steak
  Beef has loads of zinc and iron, as well as plenty of satisfying protein and B vitamins. Plus, there's just something so tantalizing about the sound and smell of steak sizzling on the grill—it's like foreplay you can eat! Besides being good for sexual performance, steak has that special-occasion feel to it. Go for a grass-fed variety to make it extra healthy.
  
  
  
  
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  Watermelon
  This juicy favorite has an unusually high level of an amino acid called citrulline, which your body uses to pump out another amino acid, arginine, that's related to vascular health. In guys, that can translate to healthier erections; in women, it has been linked to increased libido, according to research from the University of Hawaii. And let's be honest, there's something kind of sexy about biting into a dripping hunk of melon on a hot day.
   Excerpted from the book Slim Calm Sexy Diet by WH nutrition expert,    Keri Glassman.
    Pick up a copy today!