Eating our fave foods is a pleasurable experience, but did you know it can also lead to pleasure in the bedroom? Celebrity nutritionist, founder of Glow Bio smoothie shop and author of The Beauty Detox Solution, Kimberly Snyder recognizes the importance of nourishing your body with beauty-boosting ingredients, and knows that feeling sexy is as essential to feeling fit when it comes to your confidence. But given the stressors in our daily lives, sometimes we just aren’t in a seductive mood. Physical intimacy is key to maintaining a healthy, committed and happy relationship, so for those days when you’re just so bogged down and worn out that using the bedroom for anything but sleep is the last thing on your mind, Kimberly suggests snacking on these six aphrodisiacs that are sure to get you feeling flirty in no time.

Named for the goddess of love, Aphrodite, an aphrodisiac is a food, drink or substance that increases your sexual desire by stimulating blood flow, positively affecting neurotransmitters or reducing stress ~ all factors that improve your libido. The next time you’re cooking in the kitchen, incorporate these foods into your main dish so you can get things cooking in the bedroom, too.

Celery:This aromatic vegetable delivers more than just a satisfying crunch ~ it makes you more physically attractive, too. Celery contains androsterone and adrostenol, chemicals that are known to be sexual attractants, and it is also high in essential nutrients necessary for great sex. What more reason do you need for downing that Glowing Green Smoothie every day?

Avocado: This silky fruit established its reputation as an aphrodisiac in the Aztec times. The Aztecs actually referred to the avocado tree as “Ahuacuatl,” which literally means ~ get ready ~ “testicle tree.”

Enough said. Slice up an avocado for a delicious snack or toss it into your next salad.

Nutmeg: This sweet spice’s aphrodisiac reputation dates back to early Hindu times, when they believed its warming properties stimulated sexual appetites while the sweetening effect it had on one’s breath led to increased attraction. Grate a little nutmeg into your tea, and sip your way to sexy.

Chili peppers: Lusting after a special someone? Turn up the heat with chili peppers. They contain capsaicin, which heats up body temperature and increases blood flow while also stimulating the brain to release endorphins, the “feel-good chemicals.” Chili peppers also add some physical oomph, leading to plump lips and flushed skin, two characteristics that boost your sexual attractiveness. Sprinkle cayenne on soups and stir-fries to get things really cooking, or on top of avocados for a double-dose of desirability.

Garlic: So, it might not make your breath smell so great, but garlic is still a potent aphrodisiac. It contains allicin, which is known to increase blood flow, which in turn leads to improved stamina and sexual energy. Blend some garlic into your salad dressing – its properties are most powerful when it is consumed raw, crushed or very finely chopped.

Ginger: Just like chili peppers, ginger is known to spice things up by increasing circulation and body temperature. Legend has it that the famous French courtesan Madame du Barry used to offer ginger to all her lovers to increase their desire and pleasure. Ooh là là indeed. Add ginger to your stir-fry dishes for that extra dash of va-va-voom.

 For more information, visit www.kimberlysnyder.net.