Top tips for a sexy Valentine's Day (and beyond!)

Nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy and co-star of TLC’s Freaky Eaters, offers the following approach for making every day feel like the sexiest Valentine’s Day ever:

I take an integrated approach to optimal wellness and long-term weight management. This means eating well, exercising consistently and having sex three times a week (at least) with a partner. Studies have shown that that this is critical for men’s brain and heart health (not sure why the studies didn’t include women, hmmm … ). I always get crazy reactions when I mention this in my talks or at dinner parties, seeming as how it isn’t something we usually think about in terms of a way to optimize health. I know that we all get fired up to lose weight when spring is right around the corner, but I am hoping that the quickly approaching Valentine’s Day holiday will inspire you to make regular sex with a partner a part of your optimal health routine. And before you ask: No, it doesn’t take the place of exercise!   

1. Try having a little romance before dinner. You won’t be as hungry for dinner (and you’ve already had dessert!)
2. Fire up your fitness. Not only will you improve your stamina, but you will have more confidence in your body. It improves every area of your life.
3. Show off silky smooth skin. Healthy fats from cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, eight or more glasses of pure spring water daily, a rainbow of non-starchy veggies, herbs, low-glycemic fruits and green tea all support healthier, younger looking skin. Also try adding an essential fatty acid blend that contains GLA, an omega-6 fat that has been found to help reduce inflammation and maintain pretty skin.
4.  Make sure your skin is looking its best by exfoliating. I love dry brushing before getting in the shower, which is also a great addition to your daily detox routine. Follow up with a bronzing lotion: think about how sexy you feel with a little tan!
5. Add 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate (go organic and raw) to your daily diet. The neurochemicals in chocolate mimic those you release when you are in love.
6. Set the right mood with arousal scents. For men these include doughnuts, cinnamon buns, pumpkin pie, lavender, oranges and black licorice. For women: cherry, almonds, black licorice and cucumbers. Good thing I said scents, as I am not recommending serving most of these foods. Instead try a lavender bath or an orange-scented candle. I’ve always loved cucumber water; I guess I know why now!  By the way girlfriends, when your man eats a few stalks of celery it raises his androstenedione, causing him to emit an odor that is sexually attractive to us. An added bonus is that celery may support healthy blood pressure levels.
7. Manage your stress. Nothing kills your sex drive like stress, so be sure to build some “daily bliss” into your schedule.

For an “inspiring” Valentine’s Day dinner, here is a sexy menu to get you in the mood! These foods have been considered aphrodisiacs for thousands of years. By the way, eat light and focus on finger foods – think about the movie 9 ½ Weeks but without the mess (I don’t find sticky to be very sexy!).

•  Arugula salad with orange slices, avocado, asparagus and pine nuts, with a lemon olive oil vinaigrette 
•  Seafood platter with oysters, jumbo prawns and grilled scallops 
•  Dark chocolate with berries
• Glass of Pinot Noir. Keep it to just a glass, though: a little wine is a great aphrodisiac, but too much is a total mood killer.
• Artichokes. Steam, then finish in the oven with olive oil and an Italian herb blend.

It doesn’t hurt to give your performance a boost, either. Try Tenaga to amplify your sexual vitality.