As the weather cools down, most of us tend to find ourselves drawn to anything that’s going to warm up our insides. Understandably, a refreshing, tall glass of water doesn’t quite make the list in terms of what we think is going to help us withstand the cold however drinking water is just as important in Winter as it is in Summer! Here’s why

With the lower temperature outside, there’s no doubt most of us can be found inside under a heater, rugged up in 2-3 layers of clothing. Whilst we may not be perspiring in 35 degree heat, this warm environment can still be very dehydrating for our bodies and skin. By drinking 8 glasses of water a day, it helps to ensure our bodies are well hydrated and also works to more naturally keep skin soft and supple.

Maintaining our body temperature and keeping us cool isn’t the only purpose of drinking water. Our bodies are 60 – 80% water and we use water every time we move, eat, breath, have a bowel movement etc. Keeping up your water intake in winter is just as beneficial (and necessary) for your health and comfort as it is in the warmer months.

Light, fresh salads and juices tend to be back of mind once winter arrives as the cooler months make a lot of us crave richer foods – creamy curries, cheesy pastas and decadent chocolate treats sound familiar? With an increase of these more complex foods in our system, our bodies need water to assist with digestion. To avoid digestion problems and to truly enjoy your wintery treat, your body needs more water than what these foods can provide alone.

By not drinking enough water, your body interprets this as there being limited water available in the environment you’re in. It therefore takes action and begins to limit its abilities in order to survive. As a result, you may find it difficult to concentrate or generally perform at your usual standard. When your body is getting enough water however, you will find yourself operating at your best!

Whilst it may not be as inviting to reach for a cool glass of water when it’s cold outside, don’t think you need it any less. Water is a key ingredient that supports our bodily functions that also keeps us looking a feeling good ALL year round!

There are some foods that many of us know about which can really get you going… and I don’t mean to the toilet! Given that this time of year calls for improved effort and attention to matters of the heart and relationships, why not start your way there with food? After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!

For millennia, cultures have marvelled over the effects of food on passion, romance and libido. I therefore thought that if you had just a couple of minutes in your day, you might learn a thing or two just in time for a romantic night this coming Monday.

I never knew until recently that the vanilla ‘bean’ is in fact the gonads of the vanilla flower! One single vanilla flower gives rise to one single vanilla bean. Vanilla is said to be one of nature’s finest aphrodisiacs. Its fragrance, allure and taste could be something that you use to make your heart race a bit faster.

Traditionally foods high in zinc are said to enhance male potency and fertility. In the case of oysters however, I’m not sure if their consumption will improve fertility but certainly anecdotally, oysters are said to get the consumer in the mood for more fun later! These slippery little ‘suckers’ are most nutritious in their natural state, though kilpatrick and other cooked varieties may also have the same effect. This could be the best $30 entrée you’ve had!

Believe me, as a self confessed connoisseur of chocolate (in moderation of course) – the darker the chocolate, the better the effect. But don’t be fooled by chocolates that are milky but still organic. Just because it is organic, doesn’t mean they will be effective in achieving the magic. Dark chocolate of the higher percentage contains more polyphenols (chemicals that do the job) than the lighter or milky chocolate. Mixed with spices like cinnamon and chilli – you are sure to get some fire going.

Food is as enjoyable as it is nutritious and it is best to get the most nutritious foods that you can, as fresh as you can, as often as you can! Healthy food mixed with foods for stimulation will make your February 14th one to remember.

Valentine’s Day is just about upon us and now is the perfect time to start planning the big day. If you’re not usually that keen on making it a memorable day – then do something different this year. Send a strong message to your partner that you cherish them and show them that they’re important to you. That’s what I love about Feb 14th! It’s yet another opportunity in the calendar to get across to your loved one how much you adore them!

Now there are many things that you can do to celebrate the day. But for this year I’m going to focus on sharing a special meal with them.

Now Damian will look after the food side of things – I’ll focus on the romance!! Here are 5 key things to remember when having a romantic meal on Valentine’s Day:

1) Set the mood

Consider lighting, music, the table setting and the view. If there are kids around, make sure you’ve organised for them to be looked after for the night. Turn the cell phones and computers off, no TV and think about candles. The more effort you put in, the more successful the evening is going to be.

2) Give them a gift/ card

It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant. What’s important is that the gift and the card hit the mark – it needs to be special to the person that’s receiving it. Choose your words carefully in the card, date it and take your time – there’s nothing worse than spelling mistakes and doing a rush job! The great thing about cards and gifts, is that this marks the day and the occasion, and they can look back at this anytime they like.

3) Tell them why you love them

When you’re sitting down and sharing a meal together, it’s important to tell them why you love them so much. What sets them apart from everyone else? Think about why you fell in love and what you love about their character (e.g. parenting, kindness, fun, ambition, sense of humour, looks, fitness etc). Heap appreciation on them for being who they are and for making your life so much better.

4) Share future goals together

Also over dinner, take some time to talk about future goals. What do you want to be doing in 6 months, 2 years and 5 years time as individuals as well as a couple? Dream together and think big! Consider travel, house, children, money, career, friends etc. This will bring you close and consolidate the commitment you have together moving forward.

5) Initiate sex

This is a perfect time to initiate sex. Connect with them on a physical level but make sure that you focus on meeting your partner’s every need as well as your own. If you want to experiment, by all means! The important thing here is that you’re deepening your connection through being intimate, and it’s a great way of showing your partner that you desire and want them.

Now over to you Damian for some excellent food suggestions to make Feb 14th a Valentine’s Day to remember!

For more of John’s tips, blogs, and upcoming media appearances – sign up now on his website: www.johnaikenadvice.com