Is heating up the bedroom on your calendar tonight? If not, scheduling that may be the first step because being on the same page as your number one is number one, for any relationship.

Or maybe you have a big date tonight with sparks to come, you’re going away for a romantic weekend, or are just looking for a libido boost. Ain’t nothing wrong with that — but to keep your mind (and hormones) on track, there’s some sex drive-friendly foods that may help.

Case in point though: eating this once isn’t going to heat up the sheets within the hour. Most of these foods were studied over weeks (sometimes months) for results — but the mind is a powerful thing too and sometimes we just need (constant) reminders in PG-13 ways.

That’s why we crafted a day’s worth of aphrodisiacs to keep sex on the brain.

Many fruits ⁠— including avocados, strawberries, and bananas ⁠— are considered to be aphrodisiacs.

Avocados contain high levels of folic acid and B vitamins, which provide the body with plenty of energy and stamina (wink). Bananas also boast energy-producing B vitamins as well as bromelain, a testosterone-boosting enzyme.

For better sex in general, include more apples in your daily diet. A 2014 study found a correlation between women who ate an apple a day and significantly better sex lives.

Phloridzin, a phytoestrogen found in apples, is thought to promote better arousal, lubrication, and sexual function. Hello, whole new meaning to “an apple a day.”

Try: Avocado toast or a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with apples.

Boost your libido with this powerful Peruvian plant. Maca has been shown to improve semen production, increase sexual desire, and regulate hormones.

Studies have proven that this ancient fertility remedy can boost libido, decrease sexual dysfunction, and provide overall mood-boosting and energizing benefits. Sounds like a recipe for an amazing roll in the hay.

Try: Make one of these simple and satisfying maca powder recipes or grab a maca latte to-go.

When it comes to lunch, think of these three S’s: spinach, salmon, and seeds.

Sexify that sad desk lunch with an omega-loaded and nutrient dense spinach salad. Spinach, a leafy libido booster, is chock full of magnesium which can help promote blood flow and increase arousal.

Top your salad with your favorite veggies, salmon, and seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower). The dopamine-boosting omega-3s in salmon will put you in a great mood, while seeds contain significant zinc (similar to oysters) that help produce important sex hormones.

Try: Top this simple spinach, avocado, and pumpkin seed salad with some smoked or baked salmon.

It’s not just the bedroom that’s heating up.

For your steamy evening, make a dinner that’s as hot as you. Spicy chili peppers contain capsaicin, the tongue-tingling compound that releases endorphins and adrenaline.

Capsaicin also boosts the metabolism and increases circulation, igniting the “internal engine” to get you in the mood.

Try: Make your own hot chili pepper sauce to use in your favorite noodle, rice, or meat recipes. Reminder: Wear gloves. For the sake of all genitals, wear the gloves.

Cap off the night with a glass of red and something sweet.

Antioxidant-rich red wine is linked to better overall sexual health, from boosting the libido to improving sexual function. While you can have a glass or two to get you in the mood, it’s important to drink in moderation — as too much will have the opposite effect.

Pair that vino with dark chocolate, which contains the feel-good chemical phenylethylamine, otherwise known as the “love drug.”

Try: Opt for dark chocolate high in cocao (70 percent or more). Don’t drink? Sip ginseng tea instead.

What to avoid:

When it comes to your pre-romp meal plan, there are a few foods you may want to avoid. These include:

  • gas-producing foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts
  • excessive alcohol or caffeine
  • processed meats
  • fried foods
Was this helpful?

Following our one-day food menu is a great start. You can also boost your sex drive by practicing healthy daily habits like getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and exercising.

Tiffany La Forge is a professional chef, recipe developer, and food writer who runs the blog Parsnips and Pastries. Visit her at her blog or on Instagram.