Love Foods: 3 Delicious Recipes With Aphrodisiac and Immunity Benefits

This February, love is in the air. And on your plate. This collection of three delicious recipes takes you on a culinary adventure throughout your day. Each bite contains one or more potent ingredients with proven aphrodisiac properties (aphrodisiacs are foods that balance the hormones related to relationships and human connection, and enhance your love life). And as a bonus, these ingredients can also help enhance your immune system. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or cooking for a cozy and romantic date at home, celebrate Valentine’s Day with this collection of easy, healthy meal ideas.

BREAKFAST: Creamy Maca-Infused Chocolate Smoothie

You can make this breakfast in under 60 seconds and easily pack it in a cup or Mason jar for a delicious and satisfying breakfast on the go. It’s rich and creamy, bursting with protein, fiber, immune-boosting antioxidants, and notes of decadent chocolate. This smoothie’s secret aphrodisiac power comes from maca root, a Peruvian root that’s been found to increase libido and also enhance your overall mood.

1 cup nut milk

1 frozen banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 tbsp Maca powder

1/2 tablespoon cacao powder

5 ice cubes

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy. Enjoy!

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LUNCH: Apple Aphrodisiac Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This super-fast lunch tosses crisp, immunity-boosting greens with a tangy balsamic dressing that’s perfect for busy work days or relaxed weekend lunches. The apples add a gentle touch of sweetness, while the pistachios provide healthy minerals and fats. Plus, pistachios have numerous health and aphrodisiac benefits. For example, studies have found that eating these nuts can reduce your blood pressure, improve your weight loss, and enhance blood flow throughout your entire body (which benefits your love life, too).

SALAD

1 large head of red-leaf lettuce, washed and chopped

1 Gala apple, cored and thinly sliced

1/4 c sliced red onions

3/4 c roasted pistachios (no shell)

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or your favorite plant-based cheese alternative

VINAIGRETTE

1/3 c oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp grainy Dijon mustard

2 tsp organic, local

Pinch of salt and pepper

Toss all the salad ingredients together, drizzle with the vinaigrette and enjoy!

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DINNER: Lemon and Herb-Drizzled Saffron Chicken

Saffron is one of the rarest spices on earth, making it the perfect flavor to use on a romantic date night this Valentine’s Day. Saffron has also long been used in herbal medicine to boost your mood and enhance your love life.

This chicken dish, slowly marinated and cooked with herbs and lemon juice, has just a touch of saffron. The rare spice gives it a beautiful hue, plus a unique flavor profile that will instantly transport you to exotic locales far from home. You’ll love how your kitchen and your home smells as this dish cooks!

4-5 boneless chicken thighs

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp grass-fed organic butter

1/4 tsp saffron

3/4 c chicken broth

Juice from one lemon

1/4 c minced fresh parsley

In a big frying pan, heat the oil and butter and saute the chicken thighs for a couple of minutes until cooked through (but not overcooked!).

Set the chicken aside. Then, in the same frying pan, saute the onions until fragrant and translucent. Add the chicken back into the pan, along with the broth and saffron. Simmer for 45 minutes, then add the parsley and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 20 minutes, then enjoy over quinoa, rice or on its own.

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Go Beyond Aphrodisiacs: Keep Reading For More Recipes:

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