Live Healthy NYC: Sex in the Summer

Live Healthy NYC: Sex in the Summer: "Ok- So I got your attention! Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to increase your libido. And, it's not just by drugs and medicatio..."

Sex in the Summer

Ok- So I got your attention! 

Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to increase your libido. And, it's not just by drugs and medications.

Exercise is a great way to start. Regular physical activity and a healthful diet are two equal components that will result in a boosted libido.

There are foods to eat that will increase your sexual appetite! You can choose foods that are natural aphrodisiacs. Truly, many of the foods that I am about to tell you about have the ability to naturally boost your sex drive. 

So, both women and men, read on!

Capasaicin, which is found in chile peppers, curries and spicy foods has a stimulating effect on your sex drive. Capasaicin stimulates the production of endorphins that help prepare the body for sex. Ingesting capasaicin  results in an increase in heart rate, blood flow and sweat that is similar to the body's natural reaction to sexual arousal.

I am sure that everyone has heard that oysters are a natural aphrodisiac. I have heard that the famed romantic Cassanova scarfed down dozens of oysters each day. They have a high zinc content, a mineral that is crucial to the production of testosterone in the body. While there is no real scientific evidence to support this, it is true that low zinc levels have been linked to poor libido in both men and women. Fish that live in the deep sea and cold water have an effect on sex drive. In particular, fish that are high in omega fatty acids (salmon, sardines, shellfish) offer health benefits that may help maintain overall sexual health and libido.

Pumpkin seeds, like oysters, provides zinc. These seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are important to sexual health. Walnuts are also an aphrodisiac. 

Asparagus is a great source of vitamin E which helps men and women produce testosterone (which is a hormone that stimulates both male and female sex drive).

Eggs are also great for one's libido. They help balance hormone levels and fight stress due to vitamin B5 and B6.

Bananas too are  great for your sexual appetite! They contain potassium and riboflavin which help stimulate the production of testosterone.

And what about sweets? Well, I am sure you've all heard about the benefits of dark chocolate (like red wine)?  Dark chocolate contains serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters contribute to feelings of well-being and happiness. High levels mimic feelings of being in love and instills a sense of well-being and excitement similar to sexual arousal. Also, stock up on black licorice candy! The scent of this candy is sexually arousing to women!

So, if you want to boost your libido, incorporate these natural foods into your diet. Round it out with grains, fruits, and veggies. Stay away from fat and sugar (the kind found in fast foods and prepackaged foods). Get plenty of sleep and exercise and enjoy the hot summer days and nights!

Live Healthy NYC: July is Blueberry Month!

Live Healthy NYC: July is Blueberry Month!: "Experts often include blueberries in the top 10 healthiest foods. This is because they are rich in fiber, low in calories and boast vitamin..."

July is Blueberry Month!

Experts often include blueberries in the top 10 healthiest foods. This is because they are rich in fiber, low in calories and boast vitamin C and other important antioxidants. They may fight against aging, cancer and heart disease. With just about 80 calories per cup and virtually no fat, blueberries offer important nutrition and health benefits.

Did you know that when you bring a bunch home you shouldn't wash them until you are ready to eat them? You should eat them within 3-5 days and if  you have any left over, you can always freeze them in a plastic bag or container.

There are so many ways to eat blueberries! Top them off on your morning cereal, or in a smoothie. Bake them into pancakes, waffles, muffins or a pie. Add them to any fruit salad or stewed fruit compote. You can toss them on a green salad with a light vinaigrette or make a sweet sauce for grilled chicken or pork. And you can add them to a low fat ice cream or yogurt sundae. 

Enjoy them as they are at their peak of sweetness this month!

Live Healthy NYC: Want to Feel Good?

Live Healthy NYC: Want to Feel Good?: "Eating healthy and lots of exercise are sure fire ways to feel good, and so is giving someone a hand. I'm talking about helping out others..."

Want to Feel Good?

Eating healthy and lots of exercise are sure fire ways to feel good, and so is giving someone a hand. 

I'm talking about helping out others who are in need of more than they have. I try to take an active role in helping others. Take a look at my "community" page on my webiste www.livehealthynyc.com to see some of the organizations that are important to me.

It's so easy to do... there are many organizations that need your help. Really, it's easy. It just takes a minute or two to think about what you can do to help. For example, there are thousands of ways to preserve our environment. Do you recycle? Do you support our parks and beaches? Do you give away your old clothes? There are many who will think they are brand new. Maybe someone could use last year's shoes or pocketbook. What about the suit that you or your husband/boyfriend/girlfriend use to wear before "dress casual" came into the workplace? And, why wait til the holidays to donate gently used books or toys to kids at shelters. 

Giving charitably will make you a healthier person. And by setting a good example, others will follow. 

What goes around comes around!!!

Live Healthy NYC: To Eat or Not to Eat- That is the Question!

Live Healthy NYC: To Eat or Not to Eat- That is the Question!: "Summer time bbq's and eating ice cream cones on the boardwalk go hand-in-hand with the season. This may surprise you, but you can eat hot ..."

To Eat or Not to Eat- That is the Question!

Summer time bbq's and eating ice cream cones on the boardwalk go hand-in-hand with the season. This may surprise you, but you can eat hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream with out the guilt! 

You can make a killer burger from 90-95% lean ground beef, buffalo, turkey, or even fish (try salmon or tuna burgers). The leaner choices provide a ton of protein and energy boosting vitamins.

Be careful not to add tons of cheese and other toppings (such as mayo, fried onions) that can add unnecessary calories. Also, be aware of the size of the burger (you should have a 3-4 oz patty). It's best to pile your burger with lettuce, tomatoes, mustard and other fresh veggies. Also, a whole wheat bun is better than the store bought white.

 

What about the ultimate hot dog? Go for it! But, choose nitrate-free or reduced fat. Stay away from the brands that are highly processed and hold back on the sauces and sauerkraut (very high in sodium).

Does ice cream seem like the ultimate indulgence? Are you more likely to eat frozen yogurt and feel "healthy"? Eating yogurt instead of ice cream typically means a reduction in fat and calories. A half-cup serving of frozen yogurt typically average 100-140 calories and zero to 3 grams of fat. Some premium ice cream brands contain 3 times more calories and 5 times more fat than frozen yogurt. However, remember that frozen yogurt still stacks up equally to ice cream when you look at the sugar content. And, if you add candy and cookie toppings to your yogurt, you may as well forget the goodness (choose fresh fruit). And, some yogurts and even sugar-free ice cream have so many additives that they are more processed than good 'ol fashioned ice cream. Whatever your taste buds prefer, portion control is key! Choose "small" or "child" sizes when eating out and no more than one cup when eating at home.