Dinner date dos and don'ts

So the date is fixed, the restaurant is booked and your outfit chosen but, if you want to make a good impression on Ms or Mr Right on your Valentine’s Day date, are there foods that can help?

Avoid bloating

You have a gorgeous slinky dress/fitted shirt that you want to wear on your date but you have a tendency to bloating as the day goes on and you’re worried it might ruin the streamlined effect. Is there anything you can do in the run up to your big date?

• Avoid taking in too much air while you’re eating. It sounds simple but often the cause of bloating may be just that. So go back to the advice your Mum always gave you and slow down your eating, chew your food properly and don’t talk with your mouth full.
• Along the same lines, avoid fizzy drinks – their gassiness can make you bloat and, if that’s your tendency, it’s probably worth avoiding the sparkling wine aperitif too.
• If you’ve noticed a link between eating certain foods and bloating, consider carefully what you choose for lunch before your big night. Lots of people find that wheat makes them bloat so soup may be a better choice than your usual sandwich.
• Longer term issues with bloating may be due to a digestive issue. Underlying problems with digestion are likely to be more complex and you may need professional advice to help you deal with them so you may have to resort to the magic knickers for this Valentine’s Day.

Sweeten your breath

You’re all dressed up and ready to go but suddenly remember that you chomped on a couple of pickled onions earlier and, despite having brushed your teeth, fear that your breath might overwhelm your date. Is there anything that can be done?

• Stop eating the pickled onions. Obviously this requires foresight but really, what were you thinking? Other foods to avoid are garlic, curry, eggs, smelly cheeses and alcohol.
• If it’s too late and you’ve already eaten/drunk something smelly, a number of herbs are said to help. Parsley has long had a reputation for reducing the pungent impact of garlic and onions so chew on your garnish instead of ignoring it. Basil, rosemary and coriander are said to have similar properties too: you can chew on fresh sprigs or make them into a tea by pouring on boiling water.
• If all else fails, encourage your date to share a garlicky starter with you – at least that way you’re both in the same boat.

Foods for love

You’ve made it to the restaurant and the menu is full of suggestive dishes that promise aphrodisiac qualities but is there any truth in it or should you just plump for your favourite steak and chips?

• Oysters are generally high on the list of aphrodisiac foods and Casanova allegedly ate up to 60 a day to boost his performance. They are high in the mineral zinc, which is important for male sexual function, but their suggestive appearance probably has a lot to do with their reputation too.
• Asparagus is another food touted for its aphrodisiac properties but again, its reputation probably has more to do with its appearance. Having said that, sharing a plate of asparagus, eaten with your fingers, could be a very sensual way to start your evening.
• Choose a salad made from rocket rather than lettuce. The Romans considered rocket a powerful aphrodisiac but believed lettuce to be helpful for sending you to sleep. It may be the spicy flavour that gives rocket its reputation but it’s also another good source of zinc (see above).
• Last but by no means least – chocolate. Chocolate has long been associated with romance and the evidence suggests that it contains chemicals associated with feelings of relaxation and emotional euphoria, both of which may well put you in the mood for love – sharing a chocolate pud may just be the clincher.

Bon appétit!

The advice given here is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your GP if you are concerned about your health.

Clare Jones, BA(Hons), Dip ION, mBANT
Nutritional Therapy 07985 166606.

If you would like to make an appointment for a personal nutrition consultation with Clare, please contact her on the above number or click here to visit Clare’s website.