

Ladies, imagine coming home to your significant other and setting the mood instead of feeling like a slave to your spouse's needs of love and affection.
But with the demands of every day life - the kids that need to be cared for, jobs that need to be clocked into that spill into your after-hours life, and dinner that hasn't quite made it to meal prepped status - can leave you feeling the opposite of sexy. So sex slides down to the end of your to-do list, ironically enough.
Often times, when we think of adding spice to the bedroom arena to invoke that sizzle, we think a trip to the sex store is in order, or at the very least, swiping your card at VS. But let's get all the way real. Everybody isn't into toys, costumes, and playful adult gadgets to get them in the mood.
For those of you are that aren't, I've found a non-traditional way to prep for intimacy that has several health benefits.
If you find yourself running out of excuses of why you don't want to please your mate, then your sex drive is in critical need of a boost that can be fueled by integrating four healthy foods into your diet.
1. Watermelon
We all know that watermelon consists of water, (ninety-two percent to be exact) but don't discredit the power of the nutrients left in the eight percent. Watermelon is known to increase libido, a person's overall desire for sexual activity. Its sweet and tasty phytonutrient citrulline turns into an amino acid called arginine that boosts nitride oxide in the blood. As a result, your blood vessels relax in a fashion comparable to the effects of Viagara. You're no good when you're uptight, slice some juicy watermelon when you need to set the tone for an invigorating night with the one you love.
2. Figs
Figs have to be one of the most fascinating love-making foods in a class of its own. This fruit secretes pheromones, a chemical property that externally impacts the behavior of the receive counterpart distributed. It's also considered excellent stimulants of fertility at the height of sexual performance.
3. Oysters
Oysters may not be on the top of the list of your favorite shellfish to eat, but when it comes to getting in the mood, oysters are the heavyweight champ of increasing women's sexual hormones and sexuality. It is well known for its rich source of zinc, in which plays a key role in hormone productivity and sensitivity to female reproductive organs.
However, this hard shell, as well as other similar seafood, can absorb toxins and parasites from its aquatic habitat thereby overshadowing the benefits of the chemical property, zinc.
4. Spinach
Moreover, spinach is here for the win being a low-calorie, high zinc alternative option. Did I mention that it's low-cost too?
Healthy cells result in increased sensitivity, heightened senses, and blood circulation to sex organs so that they perform at its best.
Trans fat, processed fat (esp. baked pastries) decrease blood circulation and weaken our blood cells daily. Put your body in the best condition to please your mate by keeping the right foods in your diet.
Ja'Kya Sheppard is a fitness transformation coach that helps female professionals synchronize their bodies with their brands. As an award-winning women's health specialist, she has lead hundreds of ladies to achieve noticeable weight loss through reoccurring accountability, result driven training programs and guiltless food options. Ja'Kya currently works as the owner of The Fitness Empire LLC in Houston, TX, where she hosts private and group fitness classes. For more information visit her website at www.thebeastcoach.com.
Featured image by Shutterstock
- 10 Foods That Helps You Reach Orgasm ›
- 28 Sex Drive Boosting Foods - Aphrodisiac Foods to Increase Sex ... ›
- 7 Best Foods for Your Orgasm ›
- 52 foods that boost penis health, supercharge libido, and increase ... ›
- What to Eat for Better Sex Drive | Eat This Not That ›
- New Study Says Eating Apples May Increase Sexual Pleasure In ... ›
- 10 Natural Ways to Boost Your Libido ›
- Foods to Increase Libido for Women | LIVESTRONG.COM ›
- 9 Ways to Improve Sexual Performance ›
Eva Marcille On Starring In 'Jason’s Lyric Live' & Being An Audacious Black Woman
Eva Marcille has taken her talents to the stage. The model-turned-actress is starring in her first play, Jason’s Lyric Live alongside Allen Payne, K. Michelle, Treach, and others.
The play, produced by Je’Caryous Johnson, is an adaptation of the film, which starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lyric. Allen reprised his role as Jason for the play and Eva plays Lyric.
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
Mother's Day is approaching, and if you're looking for a unique way to celebrate, why not surprise her with a mother-daughter trip? As we age, vacationing with our moms may become rare and precious. Therefore, Mother’s Day presents an excellent opportunity to reconnect and engage in meaningful conversations about our lives. There are numerous destinations that cater to both of your interests and foster bonding experiences. Explore our top five mother-daughter vacation spots below.
For the Foodies: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Peathegee Inc/ Getty Images
There's no better way to bond than over a shared meal and Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers an unparalleled dining experience for a mother-daughter trip. The resort boasts Jalisco style ceviche making classes, a Japanese teppanyaki house right on the beach, and it recently launched ‘Las Recetas de la Abuela’ (Grandma’s Recipes.)
Las Recetas de la Abuela is a private dining experience where guests can enjoy the Executive Chef's abuela’s recipes and the heartfelt stories behind them.
For The Music Lovers: Grand Universe Lucca / La Residenza
Music is known for bringing people together and that's why Grand Universe Lucca is a great stay for music-loving mother and daughter. Lucca, steeped in classical music and opera heritage, offers a unique experience for music enthusiasts. During your stay, immerse yourself in the hotel’s Symphony Lounge, where the resident composer creates a personalized musical prelude, drawing inspiration from your personalities and life stories.
Additionally, don’t miss the city’s renowned Lucca Summer Festival, where world-class artists grace the stage each year, showcasing their talents to the local community.
For the Wellness Enthusiasts: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
Sabrina Bracher/ Getty Images
Wellness is crucial regardless of age, so why not bond over it? Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club announced its Mother's Day Restorative Yoga Retreat, an exclusive opportunity for mothers and daughters to unwind and rejuvenate together. Immerse yourselves in the tranquility of vinyasa, restorative yoga, breathwork, sound baths, and soothing massages.
Located in Cape Cod, MA, this resort offers a serene escape, just a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking beach and conveniently located near bike trails. For the active duo, these trails provide perfect avenues for exhilarating bike rides and leisurely beach walks. Alternatively, if relaxation is your preference, indulge in a day of pampering at the resort’s renowned spa.
For the Cowgirls: The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa
Get your boots on the ground and visit Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, WY. This resort is situated near two national parks that give picturesque views of the mountains and offers a range of activities, including their critically acclaimed spa.
After you and your mom complete your hydrating facials and restorative massages, head to Wild Sage Restaurant, where you two can indulge in local and seasonal dishes. Lastly, to complete your cowgirl experience, end the night at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
For the Shopaholics: Bellevue, WA
Golser/ Getty Images
The girls love to shop and if you and your mom love to tear the mall down, then try planning a mother-daughter trip at the shopping capital of the Pacific Northwest. Bellevue, Washington has a variety of shopping experiences from luxury goods like Gucci and Hermès to local speciality boutiques.
While you’re on your shopping spree, don’t forget to take a break and admire the breathtaking views of the mountains. After a day of shopping, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi and Oprah’s favorite chocolate store, Fran’s to indulge in some sweet treats.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Carlos Barquero/ Getty Images