Bhavash Padhiar shares his easy tweaks and top tips for a healthy Valentine’s Day…
The beginning of a new new always seems to herald some big changes in peoples lifestyles and dramatic changes in how we live. Never before have we been so conscious of our health, fitness and ecology that more and more people are eating healthier, exercising more and choosing environmentally friendly alternatives to literally anything and every aspect of modern life. Veganuary is likely to turn into vegan-2023 and dry January is likely to continue past Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to make Valentine’s an unhealthy sugar and calorie blow out accompanied by a lovely glass of Sancerre or twelve whilst lazing on the sofa watching another new mind numbing box set on Netflix.
It is time to power down the brand new 55inch OLED smart organic sound ding dong all dancing soon to be outdated TV screen, get up off your butt imprinted comfy sofa and reconnect with the gorgeous person right next to you. All without breaking those good new years habits you had set for yourself a month ago.
A Romantic Healthy Dinner Out
Someone once said – the best way to a persons heart is through their stomach. The dilemma is that you have gone vegan and given up the carnal desires of eating flesh and anything animal related. However most restaurants have a menu to tempt you back to your inner animal instincts The Dog and Fox has a special Valentine’s menu that has a “Wild mushroom, kale, lentil & vegan cream cheese mille fuille, spiced tomato sauce & vegan pesto”. I like the sound of this and would probably choose this over my usual non-vegan choices. Apart from sounding super tasty, there is the protein and vitamin D from the mushrooms, lots of vitamin B12 from the kale, calcium and a touch of sweetness from the mille fuille, antioxidants and a multitude of vitamins from spiced tomato and pesto.
Not vegan? Order smaller meal portions with lots of green vegetables. I do like the “Devon duck with quince, cabbage and rehydrated beets” at Black Radish. Their sommelier service is great to pick the best wine from their impressive wine list. Ask for some asparagus and rocket on the side which together have high levels of vitamin A, C and E, magnesium, potassium, folates and zinc to increase sexual hormone production in both men and women.
A Date At The Gym
Getting sweaty outside of the bedroom increases circulation and creates a surge of good hormones. Exercise has been well documented to relieve stress and increase sexual arousal. Results showed that both men and women had an increased libido following a work out. If the gym is a little unromantic, take a jog combined with some weight training with your special person at sunset on Wimbledon Common. Weight training and exercise are great to increase the production of adrenaline, endorphins and testosterone which lead to increased arousal and sexual desire. Who says you can’t get hot and sweaty before you get ‘hot and sweaty’.
Cutting Back On Alcohol
After feeling the healthy benefits of dry January, another good reason for reducing your alcohol intake is that too much alcohol reduces the way your body responds to attraction and a mismatch from yourself feeling turned on and your body actually being turned on. With the wonderful non-alcoholic versions of popular drinks available you can have a very alcoholic looking and tasting drink without the turn offs. Seedlip has a very impressive cocktail recipe list that are tasty, healthy and refreshing without making you feel like a designated driver on a night out. Seedlip is non-alcoholic, has no calories and is sugar free. Healthy cocktails indeed. I do like the Seedlip 94 mixed with sugar free ginger ale finished with an orange peel garnish.
Fancy a pint? Most big brands beer companies have alcohol free versions available with the same taste. There are many alcohol free alternatives to your favourite tipple so there is no excuse to be sloshed on Valentine’s Day. Looking into your loved ones eyes is much more romantic than reading the words Armitage Shanks at very close range. I know which I’d rather be doing.
Written By: Bhavash Padhiar
A pharmacist with over two decades of clinical experience – ranging from working in hospitals and serious injury units to owning an NHS pharmacy – Wimblederm founder Bhavash Padhiar has expertise in medicine, clinical pharmacy and advanced medispa treatments.
Facebook: @wimblederm
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Twitter: @bhavashmedical
