MEALS TO PEP UP YOUUR LIBIDO
DURING the menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can cause physical changes that make sex painful and leave you less interested in making love. But there are foods that will boost a flagging libido. Nuts, seeds and oily fish supply healthy fats, including
BREAKFAST Crunchy almond muesli (with 250ml glass of soya milk)
FLAxseeds and soya milk are rich sources of natural oestrogen, and almonds contain essential fats and zinc to boost your sex drive.
l 450g/1lb/4½cups rolled oats l 100g/3½oz sunflower seeds l 225g/8oz chopped almonds l 150ml/5fl oz brown rice malt l 150ml/5fl oz soya oil l 150ml/5fl oz apple juice l 225g/8oz raisins
l 100g/3½ oz desiccated coconut
l Flaxseeds and soya milk or yoghurt, to serve PReHeAT oven to 150c/300f/ gas 2. Mix together oats, sunflower seeds and almonds in a large mixing bowl. Whisk rice malt, oil and apple juice together in a jug and pour it over mixture. spread evenly onto a baking tray and bake for 35 mins or until lightly browned, stirring every 5–10 mins.
Remove from oven and leave to cool, then return to mixing bowl. stir in raisins and desiccated coconut, mixing thoroughly. serve with soya milk or soya yoghurt and sprinkling of flaxseeds. Remaining muesli can be stored in an airtight container for up to four weeks.
LUNCH Spanish Omelette
eggs contain the amino acid L-arginine, which has been shown to help prevent erectile dysfunction so it helps men too. The soya milk will boost oestrogen in your cells. Serves 6 l 3 tbsp olive oil l 3 small desiree potatoes (about 350g/12oz), sliced
l 1 medium red pepper, cut into 2cm (½in) strips l 1 red onion, thinly sliced l 2 bacon rashers, rind trimmed, cut into strips l Salt & black pepper l 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves l 6 eggs l 125ml (4fl oz) soya milk l Salad of rocket, olives and shaved parmesan HeAT oil in a large, oven safe non- stick frying pan over medium heat. Add potatoes and red pepper. Cover, cook for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. Add onion and bacon, and cook for another 10 mins. season with salt, pepper and oregano.
Preheat grill to medium. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs and soya milk and pour into pan with vegetables. Cover and cook, still over medium heat, for 5 mins or until base is golden. Transfer pan to preheated grill and cook for a further 10 mins or until top is golden. slice. serve with salad.
DINNER Preserved lemon risotto with flaked salmon & asparagus
sOyA milk will boost oestrogen levels, while salmon is a rich source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids, boosting your brain and sex hormone function. This recipe also contains zinc-rich chicken stock and garlic, full of allicin, which help build stamina. Serves 6 l 750ml (1½pints) soya milk l 500ml (18fl oz) chicken stock l 30g (1½oz) butter l 1 tbsp olive oil, plus a bit more l 1 small red onion, thinly sliced l 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped l ½ preserved lemon, chopped l 330g (11½oz) arborio rice
l Salt & black pepper
l 290g (10½oz) marinated artichoke hearts, sliced l 400g (14oz) salmon fillet l 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed PLACe soya milk and stock in a saucepan and bring just to the boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Heat butter and oil in a second saucepan over medium heat, add onion and garlic and fry until soft, stirring often. Add lemon and rice and stir for 1–2 mins until the rice grains are slightly glassy.
slowly add soya milk and stock to rice mixture, adding in a ladle at a time then stirring constantly until liquid is completely absorbed. Continue stirring until all stock is absorbed and rice is just cooked (about 20 mins.) season with salt and pepper. stir through artichokes. set aside.
season salmon with salt and pepper, then rub with olive oil. Cook salmon in a frying pan over medium heat for 2–3 mins per side or until just cooked. Transfer to a plate and use two forks to gently flake into pieces. Blanch asparagus in boiling water, then drain and refresh under cold running water. serve risotto topped with salmon and asparagus.
SNACK Banana bread
Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar, try a healthy snack teeming with hormone-balancing ingredients to help you orgasm. soya milk boosts oestrogen levels, while bananas are a rich source of potassium. Makes 1 loaf l 100g (4oz) ripe bananas l 125ml (4fl oz) vegetable oil
l 2 eggs, beaten l 90g (3½oz) brown sugar l 125ml (4fl oz) soya milk l 225g (8oz) self-raising flour l 75g (3oz) plain flour l 1 tsp ground cinnamon l 60g (2¼oz) roast hazelnuts
l 60g (2¼oz) chopped dried banana l 120g (4½oz) fresh raspberries l Soya cream cheese and honey Preheat oven to 180c (350f, gas 4). Lightly grease a 22cm x 11cm x 6cm (8½in x 4½in x 2½in) loaf tin. Mash peeled bananas, then whisk together with oil, eggs, sugar and soya milk. sift in all flour, and cinnamon.
Gently fold hazelnuts, dried banana and raspberries through mixture. Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 1hr or until done ( when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean). slice and serve with soya cream cheese and honey.