15 Foods You Must Avoid If Planning To Have Sex

'Our libido can be affected by a number of outside influences, from stress, tiredness, shift work, financial worries or simply working long hours.' Avoid some foods if planning to have sex.

1. Black liquorice

Liquorice intake has been linked to lower testosterone levels. The stronger the testosterone, the stronger the sexual desire, for both men and women, so maybe best not to have this as a sweet treat.

2. Cheese

Dairy generally is a libido killer. For many dairy is congesting and mucus-producing, so not the ideal way to feel before sex!

3. Beans

'For some they'll feel full of energy after a bean-filled meal, for others they may feel sluggish or at worst bloated and even an increase in flatulence, so best avoided,' she explained.

4. Chocolate

Choose your chocolate carefully as not all chocs are bad. Go for dark chocolate that contains a minimum of 70 per cent cocoa, as it will be the most nutritious way to consume this delicious, sensual food!

'Dark chocolate is naturally high in many antioxidants, choose raw for the highest possible levels of naturally occurring nutrients. Chocolate is rich in L-tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin.

5. Hot dogs

The high saturated content of hot dogs can clog up the vaginal and penile arteries, making this the least romantic handheld treat around.

'All processed foods are a no for libido. Hot dogs are a very processed food in an overly processed bun that provides very little nutrition. Think about how you feel eating something like this.

'You may feel sluggish and low in energy – not good for feeling sexy.

6. Peppermint

The menthol in peppermint has been shown to reduce testosterone levels, sending your sex drive plummeting. And while bad breath is a turn off, definitely do not chew gum as chewing brings more air into your system, making you prone to burp.

7. Tonic Water

This often contains quinine which is used as a flavouring agent in tonic water and some other beverages.

'Quinine has been used as an anti-malarial agent, but it's been linked to a decrease in sexual function, so avoid before sex.

8. French fries

Again an overly processed food, that has a very high glycaemic index, meaning that this food releases its energy very quickly into our systems

'You may feel initially good on eating them, but pretty soon after, your energy levels will quickly slump, leaving you feeling low,' the nutritionist said.

'Plus you may not feel well if they've been cooked in bad quality oil, which may cause you to feel sluggish and even indigestion – all libido killers!

9. Red meat

It depends how you feel individually after eating meat. For some, it will energise them, providing them with iron, which will increase oxygenation throughout the body.

For some people red meat itself may make them feel more 'animal'.

For others, if they don't have good digestive function, or 'fire', then red meat may sit heavily in them, making them feel lethargic. So it depends on the individual.

10. Tofu

Tofu and soya products contain phytoestrogens, and eaten in excess, soy can decrease testosterone levels, so steer clear of tofu to keep your sexual desire high.

11. Canned food

Processed food, suspended in time, there for the long haul, but providing little nutritional value, plus energetically 'dead' food. This definitely won't increase your vitality, nor your sex life!

12. Red wine

In moderation red wine may increase blood flow, whilst relaxing you and lowering your inhibitions. But only have it in small amounts, as you don't want to overdo it!

13. Oatmeal

May be good for you by helping to lower stress levels, and this is a roundabout way may increase libido, but aside from keeping you full energy-wise, oatmeal won't directly increase your libido. Plus the high fiber content can lead to gassy feelings.

14. Energy drinks

These are often full of sugar and nasties such as artificial colours and flavours. They may give you an instant energy lift, which may increase endurance and stamina, but this may be short-lived.

15. Broccoli

While it can produce gas, broccoli is a wonderful vegetable that helps the body to naturally detoxify. 'Eating plenty of broccoli may have a positive effect on prostate health and may help prevent heart disease. A great food to eat to improve your hormonal health overall.'