Barbie DavenporteThe search for that new thing, the “all-natural” pill or seven-day hands-on intensive that'll make sex better and happen more often never quite ends. And while all that stuff might work (placebo effect or not) they're not the most affordable way to boost your libido and set your curious mind at momentary ease.
And that's why many of us turn to aphrodisiacs, foods that naturally occur in our cabinets and refrigerators and, when eaten at opportune times, can put a little tingle in our step. But what happens when oysters (acquired taste) and chocolate (calories) get old and we just want to eat fast food before we bone?
Oysters and forms of chocolate are a part of the aphrodisiac food family because of their exceptionally high zinc, beta carotene, B-vitamins and Omega-3 content. But believe it or not, you can find those vitamins and minerals in a slew of other edibles that'll be kinder to your palette, wallet and waistline.
Check out 5 Affordable Aphrodisiacs That'll Get You Skinny AND Horny for some ideas.
But if you're looking for a fast, easy-to-make meal or sex picnic snack that'll taste good and, ideally, aid in the getting-laid process, then check out this quick recipe for what is fondly called the Sex Salad.
Drs. Brian and Anna Maria Clement — a husband-and-wife team! — recently penned the “7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality,” a book that, among other things, explores various simple ways we can alter our diets and lifestyles to better maintain and satisfy our sex lives. In it, they describe what they call the “aphrodisiac salad” and assure readers that it's as desirable as its name conveys.
Disclaimer: Raw foods aren't just for hippies and skinny yoga masters. Cooking foods often depletes them of their full vitamin and mineral potential, so leaving them on their own means your body will benefit the most.
And for many of us the easiest way to choke down raw veg is via salads. So here's a recipe worth tasting tonight!
Step 1: The Base
Skip the romaine and iceberg, please. That shit's mostly water. Instead gather dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale or mustard greens and toss them together. These greens are packed with calcium — essential for blood circulation and stellar orgasms — and beta-carotene, which boosts production of core sex hormones that are key to the sexual response system. In other words, they help make sex happen.
Step 2: Accessories
Sure, you can add the usual suspects: tomatoes, cucumber, carrots (more beta-carotene!) But certain grains, seeds and veggies contain such high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids that you'd be insane to leave them aside. Omega-3s fuel your cells throughout the day, and during sexy times can boost sexual desire and even heighten skin sensitivity. So reach for avocado, flax seeds, almonds and even dried apricots!
What where you put that carrot…
Step 3: The Dressing
The Clements offer a simple salad dressing recipe that'll act as the perfect complement to the Sex Salad you plan to serve for dinner. (Not a euphemism.)
In a blender, combine 4 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, 1 ½ teaspoons herbs de provence, ½-pound fresh basil, pinch of cayenne pepper, and ½ cup extra virgin olive oil. Smush it all together and drench your leafy greens, making it the teaspoon of sugar that helps the sexual medicine — and your partner — go down. (See what I did there?)
So there. Three simple steps and barely any dishes to clean up. Try it tonight and see how you might score for dessert!
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.