What about wine? The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who drank a glass or two of red wine a day reported "higher...sexual desire, lubrication and overall sexual functioning." I imagine this will cause many to celebrate, reinforcing their nightly ritual. I remember once making plans to go on a romantic dinner date. I asked if I could bring a bottle of red or white...he said, “No, I never drink on a date, and I prefer you don’t either.” What? A romantic dinner without wine? But he had a point. While alcohol might lower our inhibitions, causing us to feel relaxed and even sexy, it actually dulls our sexy circuits leading to decreased sensitivity and numbness and even erectile dysfunction.Quite the opposite desired outcome.
Regardless of the chemical compounds and effects on hormone levels that science does agree on, if it makes you FEEL sexy, you’re likely to BE sexy. And let’s face it, most of us are visual creatures, and imaginations can spark flames too. Some might remember when Jennifer Beals raised the heart rates of her date and neighboring tables as she seductively tongued and toyed with her lobster in Flashdance. Eating foods like chocolate covered strawberries or an ice cream cone … slowly and suggestively … and with a little sultry eye contact can go a long way to getting you and your partner in the mood. But remember that all of our senses are in play here. So that suggestively eaten banana can go from hot to not if you’re eating it with too much offensive lip smacking. And the ocean-floor odor coupled with outrageous slurping of oysters might just counteract any aphrodisiac property you were counting on.
With all this talk about what foods lead to turning up the heat in the bedroom, it’s equally appropriate to add what to avoid - anything that makes you bloated, gassy, increases irritability, or smells bad. So refined sugar, dairy, alcohol in large amounts are out. By the way, avoid milk chocolate as it contains mostly milk and sugar with only trace amount of cocoa.
So If you’re dining out, eat that garnish.