Ask a Foodie: What Should I Eat While Waiting for the ‘50 Shades of Grey’ Premiere?
Here’s the top 5 natural foods to keep the, um, “fire” going.
I never read the book. Don’t plan to. BUT I’m shamelessly going to watch the movie. With girlfriends and popcorn. Judge me. At least I didn’t hide the book behind a "Game of Thrones” book jacket. Or worse, “Lean In.” (I saw you!!)
Sidebar: For you fans of “boudoir olympics” – the better movie always will be “Secretary” (with the original Mr. Grey, at that). Get it in your Netflix queue NOW.
I do have to say, though, that I enjoyed reading the menfolk’s reactions to the trailer. They are as enjoyable as the trailer itself. My favorite is Dave Barry’s “Everything You Need to Know About Being a Husband From Reading 50 Shades of Grey.” A must-read, more than the book itself.
For those who’ve seen the trailer with that BPM hyperslow-honey-drip version of “Crazy In Love,” I know you’re counting the months to the Valentine’s Day 2015 premiere (that’s six-and-a-half months, in case your hands were too shaky). However, you don’t have to go half a year without some “inspiration.” (I hope you’re noticing how much I’m using quotes in this article.) Inspiration can be found right on the table. (No, not like that.) On your plate. Natural foods for love. Aphrodisiacs for short (named after Aphrodite, the goddess of love, of course).
Here are the top 5 foods Aphrodite would have eaten and some Brazen Kitchen recipes to go with them.
As if you needed more reasons to eat vegetables.
1. Food high in zinc
This is one reason why oysters often are touted as one of the best aphrodisiacs. Just two oysters give you your RDA for zinc. Why zinc? Here’s why. But those who don’t eat shellfish don’t have to fret. Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, chickpeas and cashews all are packed with zinc.
2. Foods high in vitamin E
No, I am not trying to trick you into eating more asparagus. Asparagus and avocados are the most popular in this list. They are high in vitamin E, which helps hormone production and gives the skin a more youthful appearance. Asparagus is a legend in Greek and French cuisine for its powerful properties. Heck, it’s apparently even in the Kama Sutra. Which is, like, only the most authoritative reference material in this matter. The Aztecs revered avocados as much as they revered chocolate. Those Aztecs. Always partying.
3. Hot peppers
I mean, fuego, hello? Hot peppers are just HOT. They get our blood flowing. #endofstory
4. Bananas
Bananas are rich in magnesium and B vitamins — feel-good vitamins that relieve stress. And, of course, bananas are legendary for their potassium content — which is a key nutrient for muscle strength. Again: #endofstory
5. Chocolate
I don’t need to convince you to eat chocolate, do I? Why chocolate? Chocolate contains serotonin and caffeine – basically, chemicals that make you feel happy AND awake. The kicker, though, is the natural amphetamine called “phenylethylamine” — high levels of which are associated with love.
With that, here is your Brazen Kitchen date-night menu (perfect for these cool summer nights):
Lentil Chili with Chocolate
Hit three of the top 5 – lentils for zinc, lots of chili for kick and chocolate for looooove.
Brazen Kitchen Guacamole
Avocados do the trick and are perfect with the chili.
Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites
Banana and chocolate love bites.
Finally, a bonus: caramel.
For spreading around. Your food, you know! Jeez.
