Valentines Day Magical Love Potions-By Keren Gilbert

Even if you haven't settled on a Valentine's Day gift for your significant other (don't feel guilty, we haven't either), it's not too early to start planning your menu for February 14.

According to registered dietitian Keren Gilbert, president and founder of Decision Nutrition, certain foods can be key to getting in a lovey-dovey mood, revving your sex drive and increasing your stamina.

Here are three surprising food items (no oysters!) that will make this your most "satisfying" V-Day yet.

We ♥ Chia Seeds

Why they work: According to Gilbert, chia seeds were originally used as energy-boosters by Mayan and Aztec running messengers, who would carry a pouch with them on long-distance deliveries. Clearly, that could translate between the sheets. Additionally, they're packed with omega 3's and 6's, protein, calcium, zinc (important to sexual fluids), fiber and antioxidants. All of this adds up to stamina, improved circulation and an increased ability for your body to feel stimulation. Hello there!

Did you know that chia seeds contain the highest plant source of Omega-3 on the planet?


Love potion: In the a.m., drop a handful into your (or your partner's) oatmeal, yogurt or shake. You can also add them to any kind of cake, quick bread, pancake or waffle batter the way you would add wheat germ. To work them into lunch or a dinner entree, sprinkle on a salad (a la sesame seeds), add to pasta sauces or garnish steamed veggies.

We ♥ Raw Cacao Powder






Why it works: "Chocolate has the ability to make you feel good, which explains why we all crave it," says Gilbert. "However, most chocolate we buy is cooked at high temps, loaded with sugar, saturated fat, hydrogenated oils and chemicals. Unadulterated and raw cacao is what we need for a love potion."

According to Gilbert, cacao is naturally rich with antioxidants and fiber and is one of the highest dietary resources of magnesium and other minerals -- all of which provide energy. It also provides your brain with a feel-good chemicals as well as an endorphin that only exists in cacao.
Love potion: For a sweet, healthy treat, add it to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or ricotta cheese. Or mix it with a cup of warm almond milk and a packet of Stevia for a guiltless, endorphin-pumping hot chocolate.

“The only true love drug we have is cocoa,” says Chris Kilham, author of Hot Plants: Nature's Proven Sex Boosters for Men and Women. Cocoa stimulates production of the “feel good” hormones serotonin and dopamine, and contains phenylethylamine (PEA), produced by the brain in large quantities when we’re falling in love. Cocoa is most sensual when made into chocolate, which melts easily and sensually in your mouth. Since chocolate feels good to eat--and makes us feel good after eating it--a box of sweet treats is never a bad idea. “Chocolate is an agent of love,” Kilham says.

We ♥ Oat Bran





Why it works: OK, oats probably don't scream sexy, however, they are packed with zinc, which increases testosterone production -- key to revving your sex drive. In addition, the complex carbs are released slowly into your bloodstream, keeping your blood sugar stable for long-lasting energy. "You'll feel passionate and sexy, and you can execute as well," says Gilbert.

Love potion: Use it as an ingredient in baked goods including muffins, breads, pancakes and waffles. Do we smell breakfast in bed? For a main dish, add to burgers, meatballs or soup.