The Aphrodisiac Shake

An unlikely pairing at first blush, but fully embracing sensuality relies on dropping into the physical. So many of us are detached and uncomfortable there—for more reasons than room to list—but one in particular, is feeling sluggish and foggy. While metabolism has a reputation for dealing with weight, it’s a chemical process necessary to maintain life, help the body “pick up the pace”, and achieve system-wide synchronicity. A thriving metabolism promotes circulation and proper blood flow; both functions are critical for spiking sex drive, dilating, and finding yourself in the mood for seduction.

And if you thought seduction was only applicable in the realms of romance, think again. Writer and feminist, Audre Lorde, once wrote, “For the erotic is not only a question of what we do; it is how acutely and fully we feel in the doing.” Meaning, everything in life can be a seductive, pleasurable experience, so long as we accept the invitation: to take things slow, become more present, and lean into the erotic. Not to mention, the polarity of a fast-acting metabolism and a slow and sensual headspace, creates tension that is primed for pleasure.

What better way to kick off your own sensual exploration than with food, the thrice daily act that gets all five senses involved?

Below, discover recipes that are lessons in pleasure; put them together as an act of self-nourishment, luxuriate in the process, and savor as you take each bite. Notice the flavors, the textures, and let it sit on your tongue a while instead of eating unconsciously. The ingredients were mindfully chosen for their ancient plant wisdom, and their capacity to encourage blood flow, energy, and prana in the physical body. Enjoy.

THE APHRODISIAC SHAKE

WHY IT TURNS YOU ON:

This creamy, chocolate dream will get you giddy about the morning as it's packed with energizing, aromatic ingredients. The base begins with magnesium-rich bananas and a couple handfuls of fibrous greens. Then, add flavor, healthy fats, and depth with a scoop of almond butter (or whichever nut butter you crave), cinnamon, and cayenne—both of which stimulate blood flow and raise body temperature. The adaptogens that seal this smoothie's fate as an erotic recipe include ashwagandha, shatavari, and cordyceps. Ashwagandha promotes adrenal healing and relaxes the nervous system, while cordyceps is thought of as "an ancient sexual energy mushroom," enhancing libido by increasing ATP and oxygen to the cells. Shatavari is a traditional tonifying herb for the reproductive organs, and regulates estrogen balance. The star of it all is the Metabolism Super Powder, providing the rich cacao flavor and the functional ingredients like black pepper piperine, fucoxanthin, and horsetail extract, to stimulate circulation, stoke a sluggish metabolism, and regulate blood sugar. Live moment-to-moment in the sensations of flavor, texture, and subtle-bodied pleasure.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 frozen bananas
• 1 scoop/sachet Metabolism Super Powder (substitute: 1-2 tablespoons cacao powder)
• 1 cup organic greens (suggestions: spinach or kale)
• ½ cup plant-based mylk (note: add more, if needed, to ensure drinkable consistency)
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Dash of cayenne

Optional adaptogens:

• 2 teaspoons ashwagandha powder
• 2 teaspoons shatavari powder
• 1 teaspoon cordyceps powder

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high until smooth, pushing down sides with tamper as needed.

MORE SMOOTHIES + LATTES + SHAKES

The Greenest, Cleanest Detox Smoothie

Red Velvet Metabolism Smoothie

Cinammon Mocha Latte

Maca-Mocha Metabolism Brew