Ah, Valentine’s Day. It’s come around so fast. And whether it’s one of your favourite holidays of the year or you simply cringe at the thought, if there’s one thing that everyone should be doing no matter what their relationship status is, is showing themselves some much-deserved love.
We’ve given you some yoga poses you can try to open your heart, foods you can add to your plate to make you feel sexier and tips on buying yourself lingerie, because why not?
This delicious smoothie recipe by yogi Claire Grieve is packed full of soul-loving superfoods that will not only help boost your libido and get your endorphins flowing for Valentine’s Day, but it’s also a healthy option for every other day, too!
RECIPE: VALENTINE’S DAY LOVER’S SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen Strawberries
1 ripe avocado
1-2 tbsp Cacao
1 tsp Maca
1 tsp camu camu
1 tbsp honey (or dates)
1 cup almond milk
Toppings:
Fresh strawberries
Cacao nibs
Goji berries
Pomegranate seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Edible rose petals
Method:
- Place ingredients in a blender.
- Top with toppings and enjoy!
Now for the nutritional breakdown…
Avocado
The Aztecs used the avocados as an aphrodisiac long before modern science had anything to say about it. Now we know that Avocados contain Vitamin B6 which helps keep your bedroom energy up and folate which has been shown to increase sperm count. Plus, the texture lends to some sensuously creamy vegan desserts.
Strawberries
Nothing is sexier than chocolate covered strawberries (and they’re super healthy too!). Strawberries are known to be an excellent source of vitamin C, which studies have shown may increase sexual desire when delivered in high doses. Aside from being deliciously sweet and healthy, strawberries will also give your lover’s smoothie a passionate tone.
Cacao
Creamy melted chocolate can invoke sensuous visions on its own, but chocolate also contains flavanols, which have been found to increase blood flow, meaning more fuel for a sexy sesh. Dark chocolate is considered to be the healthiest and will make your smoothie feel like a decadent treat.
Maca
In Peru, this superfood is thought to increase energy, stamina, and vitality all excellent benefits to take into the bedroom. It has even been referred to as nature’s Viagra. Science agrees — maca has been shown in one study to increase sexual desire.
Goji Berries
Goji berries have been used in China for centuries for a number of health purposes, including as an aphrodisiac. Studies confirm that a polysaccharide in Goji berries may improve performance and increase sex hormone levels. Their flavour will add an electric tang to any smoothie or bowl.
Pomegranate
A quick search on pomegranate will draw headlines such as ‘is pomegranate juice the new Viagra?’ Not only does it have a rep for being a sexy fruit because of its luscious shape and seedlings, but researchers have found that drinking pomegranate juice can increase testosterone levels. Pomegranates are also high in antioxidants, making them a very healthy addition to any meal.
Visit www.clairegrieve.com and follow @claire_grieve for more!
