It’s widely known that maintaining a healthy daily diet will have a huge impact on all facets of our health. From increasing our mental focus to becoming more physically fit, the foods we put into our bodies change how we act, feel and look. In addition to these mental and physical changes, did you know the foods we eat can also increase our sexual drive and prowess? Foods not only provide our bodies with the essential vitamins and nutrients we as human beings need to survive, but they can actually make us better lovers. One could argue that foods that increase the body’s circulation are directly related to improving ones love life, especially for men. Increased circulation leads to better erectile response in men.

With the upcoming holidays many wonder, is Turkey healthy? Here are some ‘fast facts’ on this popular main dish*:

• Dark turkey meat typically contains more vitamins and minerals than white turkey meat but also more fat and calories.
• Removing the skin of a turkey also removes much of the fat content.
• Pasture-raised turkeys typically have higher omega-3 content than factory-farmed turkeys.

Eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids helps to improve the functionality of the nervous system. Multivitamins and minerals help, too. Relating directly to the flow of blood into the penis, these foods can increase a man’s erectile response. Fish can also provide the body with an abundant amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. So, if you plan on wining and dining that special someone think about ordering the fish.

Another set of foods that improve circulation, resulting in better male sexual response are foods rich in L-Arginine. Foods such as granola, oatmeal, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, green vegetables, root vegetables, garlic, ginseng, dairy, soybeans, chickpeas and seeds are all high in L-Arginine. The L-Arginine in these foods has been shown to increase male sexual function.

Throughout history, humans have forever striven to enhance their sex lives. From the Romans to the Chinese, almost every civilization has had its own set of aphrodisiacs. Modern society is no different. We still scour the globe in search of foods that will make us better lovers and increase our sexual experience, both individually and collectively. A few of the right foods, especially during these bountiful holidays, very well may be the extra boost you and your partner were looking for.

*Source: Medical News Today

She’s hot. You’re eager. And there’s so much sexual tension. Everything’s going well and you’re one drink away from suggesting you go back to your place. Should you?

Sex on the first date is a tricky subject. Despite women’s progress in shedding stereotypes associated with first date sex, there is an overarching message that many women have received throughout time warning them that sex on the first date will ruin their chances for a second date. All these reasons are tied to other religious, biological, scientific, and self-esteem related implications. But the fact remains: women are held to a very confusing and difficult standard while men are left wondering if they’re respecting her boundaries, should they go with their libido, or let her make the first move. Either way, it’s confusing for both parties.

So let’s get past all the stereotypes and just focus on pure emotions, welcome to 2018 where people recognize sex as an important component of a successful relationship and therefore nothing to be ashamed of – no matter when it happens. For men and women both, sex is now seen as an important factor that establishes compatibility early on while everything else follows. Ultimately, it’s still your choice. Getting naked with someone after only knowing them for two hours might still be daunting however the point here is, there are no hard and fast rules like “no sex till date three” and old fashioned expressions like the vile: “why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” Ouch. These are the shameful and unnecessary components of our lives that come between something so simple and normal as dating and sex.

Having sex on the first date is a choice between you and your date. If the moment feels right and there’s chemistry, why not take that chance and sleep together? There is a common misconception according to Cosmo’s poll that 83% of women believe that men will think less of them if they have sex on the first date. However 67% of guys polled said they don’t care when sex happens – if the moment is right, go for it. Unlike women, men are simple creatures. If he’s into her, he’ll ask for more. It’s really then up to the woman on which way she’s swinging and what signals her brain is giving her.

Nowadays, most people can tell if they’re a perfect fit within a couple of hours of meeting each other. Ever heard the expression “love at first sight,” or “I knew within hours of meeting her that she was the one for me,” etc.  First date sex seals the date in most cases. What if you meet your soulmate but they’re bad in bed? Most people want to know first hand before investing too much time getting to know someone. It’s sad but true. And even if the date doesn’t continue after the first night sex, don’t feel sorry for yourself. You gave into your emotions; you’re human.

Instead of seeing sex as a bad thing, we should work to shift our perspectives and focus on how we’re feeling in the moment. You have reasons for your actions. Don’t feel guilty or get caught up in what society is saying, religions or ethics. Do what you feel is right for you and the moment. Sex is a normal wonderful thing, if we put aside the stereotypes and just focus on the sex, that’s where the fun begins.

There’s no arguing that “quickie sex” can be arousing, exciting and satisfying. It’s good for when passions override all thought and desire wins. However, most women will agree that the best sexual encounters occur when a man knows and understands the importance of foreplay.

Foreplay is defined as “a set of intimate psychological and physical acts between two or more people meant to create and increase sexual arousal.” Unfortunately, there’s no instruction manual for this “act.” Foreplay is not just a case of pushing the right buttons in the right order. It’s actually a bit more complicated and you need to understand what turns your partner on and that necessarily won’t be the same thing day to day – and it certainly won’t be the same woman to woman.

What’s great about foreplay is that it ensures both partners are ready for the main act – sex. A good session of foreplay will guarantee that your lady is ready, willing and excited. Her inhibitions will be lowered and her comfort level will increase;  but most importantly, her body will prepare itself for the penetration.

During foreplay, a woman’s clitoris will become erect, her cervix will rise up to the occasion and elongate the vaginal canal (this makes room for you), and her vagina will become lubricated.  This preparation means when you “head in,” it’s more comfortable for you and enjoyable for her. You wouldn’t go down a water slide if it wasn’t wet, right? The famous sex researcher Dr. Alfred Kinsey once said that an orgasm “can be likened to the crescendo, climax, and sudden stillness achieved by an orchestra of human emotions … an explosion of tensions, and to sneezing.”

Fact is, most women need this stimulation in order to reach an orgasm. During an orgasm, the “pleasure center” of the brain lights up. The “pleasure center” reinforces that something is enjoyable and desirable. This area of the brain also turns on the “reward circuit.” The “reward circuit” includes all kinds of pleasure: sex, laughter, and even certain kinds of drug use. In the late 1990s and the mid-2000s, a team of scientists at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands conducted several studies of both men and women to determine brain activity during sexual stimulation. The team used PET scans to illustrate the different areas of the brain that would light up and shut off during sexual activity. In all of the tests, the subjects were scanned while resting, while being sexually stimulated and while having an orgasm.

Interestingly, they discovered that there aren’t too many differences between men’s and women’s brains when it comes to sex. In both, the brain region behind the left eye, called the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, shuts down during orgasm. Janniko R. Georgiadis, one of the researchers, said, “It’s the seat of reason and behavioral control. But when you have an orgasm, you lose control.”

If you put in the hard work during the early stages, you’ll both be satisfied in the end. If you ask most women, foreplay is the best part of the lovemaking process; it makes it easier for them to reach an orgasm with you. However, foreplay isn’t just for the ladies. Men, you might notice, that as you get older, it takes a little longer for the trouser snake to rise up to the occasion. Foreplay helps get the blood pumping to all the right places and it also heightens your desire for sex. This also increases the quality of your sex. Just don’t get carried and “peak” too soon.

When it comes to foreplay, it’s important to understand two things: men tend to get stimulation in a visual form and for women, sex begins in their brains. What does this mean? You shouldn’t head straight for her genitals. If you’re unsure, an honest and caring conversation is a good start. Letting her know that she’s wanted for more than just sex and that you care about her while slowing stroking and massaging her will help you begin the process of foreplay. As her body responds to your urges, she will begin to open up and respond.

“Foreplay is crucial for good sex. It’s not just an old wives’ tale that foreplay is something that people should spend more time doing,” says Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University, in Bloomington.  Foreplay isn’t something to be rushed. There’s a reason why most people call it an art. If you’re unsure of where to start, begin with kissing and a bit of dirty talk and slowly feeling each other’s bodies to see what triggers a response.

In the long term, foreplay will help you maintain a long term relationship and also guarantee sexual satisfaction for both partners. It will also help you both remain emotionally and physically connected meaning even better sex down the road. Overall, it’s a win/win for both partners so don’t ignore the foreplay.

You might be sitting there thinking to yourself: he’s got a good thing, why stray? The reasoning isn’t always that simple. Just because a woman is beautiful doesn’t guarantee a man will remain faithful. It also doesn’t excuse his infidelity but let’s take a look at reasons why men might cheat on their beautiful significant others.

She’s too good: Plain and simple. The pressure to live up to a great and gorgeous woman can be too much for any guy to handle. It doesn’t excuse his behavior but perhaps he thinks he can’t compete. So what does he look for? Someone more like him, someone more at his level, and someone he doesn’t have to measure up to. This is a personal problem and has nothing to do with the woman he’s with so women shouldn’t feel bad for being “too good.”

She’s self-absorbed: Chances are the beautiful woman you’re with knows she’s beautiful and that’s all she’s focused on – her beauty. This self absorbed behavior might also make her shallow or less intelligent. A man might cheat because he’s looking for attention and someone he can talk to.

‘He’s bored: After a while, there’s a comfort level that develops in a relationship and/or marriage and the guy wants something more.  Instead of conveying this message to his partner, he seeks it out in someone else.

No Drama: After a while, some relationships can get complicated. Sometimes a man just wants a mindless romp, no strings attached. This is more of an escape from the problem instead of addressing it head on and dealing with what’s going on at home.

He’s insecure: This goes back to “she’s too good.” If he’s worried about her sleeping around, he may convince himself that she’s cheating on him or not worthy of her.  So to get over this fear, he may cheat even though she is not.

She’s insecure: Some beautiful women are constantly worried about their looks and bodies. They’re always watching what they’re eating, spending endless hours at the gym and worried about how their clothing will fit. All this worrying and obsession leaves less time for a relationship and this is another self absorbed behavior that led a man to cheat.

Peer pressure: Some guys think it’s cool to cheat or their buddies are cheating so to fit in and be part of the crowd, a guy cheats.

Temptation: Women get hit on every day and if it’s happening in his presence he may get upset and feel the pressure to cheat, even if she’s ignoring all advances and remaining faithful. If he gets the same attention, he may feel inclined to return it.

She’s busy: If she’s beautiful and successful, she might not have time for her boyfriend/husband. Busy also means intimate time may lapse and this might lead a man to seek attention somewhere else or to help him get release.

Fear of loneliness: Deep down inside he might want to break it off but he can’t because he’s scared or afraid of losing her therefore he wants to have his cake and eat it too.

He doesn’t think he’ll get caught:

This one is plain and simple. “She’ll never find out, so why not?”
Fact is: she usually does (Don’ be the guy caught on Ryan’s Roses).

Being in a relationship isn’t easy. It takes hard work to be committed, be involved and remain faithful. Cheating doesn’t make anything better or resolve any current problems. In fact, it usually makes things worse and could end an otherwise great relationship like those of Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock and Elizabeth Hurley. The best course of action before resorting to cheating is to talk to your partner, seek therapy, take a break, or admit that you need to move on and see other people.