Written by: Vincent Pedre M.D. | February 14, 2024 | Time to read 6 min
You can't buy me love, but you may be able to feed it to me.
Ah, the age-old saying, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach," takes on a whole new meaning with the latest scoop from the world of science. Who would have thought that whipping up a storm in the kitchen could actually pave a path straight to love?
But hold on, it's not just about tickling those taste buds. It turns out, our gut does more than just help us enjoy a good meal; it plays cupid in the complex game of love and attraction. Intrigued? Let's dive deeper into this love story, with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of science.
Ever heard of the gut-brain axis? It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's real! This special network is like a busy highway where messages zoom back and forth between our gut and brain. It's not just about deciding when to have that next snack; this connection plays a big role in how we feel, including those butterflies in our stomach when we're in love.
Now, let's talk about the stars of our gut - the "feel-good" chemicals— serotonin, and dopamine. Picture them as the cheerleaders of our mood, waving pom-poms of happiness and pleasure. It's fascinating that a whopping 90% of our body's serotonin is hanging out in our gut. Who knew our tummy was such a happy place?
But how do these messages get from our gut to our brain? Enter the vagus nerve, the longest nerve that's like the express delivery service for all those gut feelings straight to our brain. It's like the gut whispering sweet nothings to the brain, affecting how we feel and even how our heart flutters.
Speaking of fluttering hearts, let's chat about Heart Rate Variability (HRV). It's all about the rhythm of our heartbeats and how they change. A smooth, jazzy variability is a sign of a heart that's ready to adapt and embrace stress, love, and everything in between. And guess what? Our gut health can be the DJ, mixing the tracks that set the beat of our heart. Vagal nerve activation through the gut can help improve HRV.
Now, let's get a bit poetic with the idea of the "heart's brain." Yes, our heart has its own kind of brainpower, making decisions and influencing our emotions. It's like our heart is not just feeling love but also thinking it through, in its own way.
Ever heard of Heartmath and heart coherence? It's like the science behind a group hug, showing us how positive emotions can sync up our body's systems, making us feel more connected, stable, and just plain good. It's the body's way of saying, "Let's all get along and feel the love." Think of a moment when you felt most in sync with friends, loved ones, your partner — maybe you were on a hike, playing a game together, listening to an emotional song, feeling the same thing. Remember that feeling of connection? That’s heart coherence!
And here's where it gets yummy. Our diet plays a big role in this whole love equation. After all, that’s why food has always been a big part of Valentine’s Day (and pretty much any celebration). Eating the right foods can boost those feel-good chemicals in our gut, setting the stage for love and connection. Think brain-enhancing chocolate, fermented goodies, fiber-full fruits and veggies, and those oh-so-good omega-3 fats as the wingmen in our quest for love.
When you love your gut with gut-healthy foods, your body and mind will love your back.
And a satisfied YOU, can be a more LOVING you.
Now, for a sweet twist - Chocolate Nourish Plant Protein. Imagine it as a love potion for your gut. It's not just a treat for your taste buds but a loving hug for your gut, packed with all the good stuff like plant-based proteins, prebiotics, and metabolism-boosting L-carnitine. It's like saying, "I love you" to your gut, and who knows, that might just echo back in the language of love.
Here’s a recipe to WOW! him with on your next date night:
ALMOND-HEMP CHOCOLATE PROTEIN TRUFFLES
Delicious omega-3-rich chocolate bites, packed with metabolism-boosting protein, to satisfy any sweet tooth with this guilt-free pleasure.
MAKES 12 TRUFFLES
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup almond butter
6 tablespoons coconut oil, refrigerated until solid
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons wildflower or buckwheat honey
1 tablespoon unsweetened raw cacao powder, plus more to coat
1 scoop NOURISH Chocolate protein powder *
Unsweetened coconut flakes, to coat
Finely chopped almonds, to coat
STEPS:
1. Mix together all the dry ingredients first (except the coconut flakes, almonds, and
extra raw cocoa powder) in a mixing bowl.
2. Roll in the almond butter, coconut oil, honey and knead into a smooth mass.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut flakes, chopped almonds, and extra cacao powder until evenly distributed.
4. Using an ice cream scoop form into 1-inch balls.
5. Roll each ball in the coconut flakes, almonds, or cocoa powder to make a variety of truffle balls, coated with the dry mixture to prevent them from sticking together. Place on a serving dish lined with parchment paper or set aside in an airtight container, also lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Keep refrigerated to preserve shape and consistency. Lasts for 5 - 7 days refrigerated.
Tip: The hemp seeds add texture to these truffles. If you like a smoother consistency, grind the seeds in a food processor or spice grinder first before adding them to the mixture.
So, there you have it, the recipe for love might just start with a happy, healthy gut AND Almond-Hemp Chocolate Protein Truffles. Haha! It's all about the magical mix of gut health, the right nutrients, and the amazing gut-brain-heart connection. By taking care of our gut with delicious, nutrient-rich foods, we're not just feeding our bodies; we're nourishing our hearts and maybe, just maybe, unlocking the door to love.
Feeling inspired to turn your kitchen into a love lab? Try out this recipe. And let me know what you think in the comments below…
Love Potion for the Gut
Chocolate NOURISH plant-based protein powder is crafted with love, from the finest, all-natural ingredients, ensuring that you're not just enjoying a delicious dessert but also taking a step towards a happier gut and a healthier you.
With every sip, you're supporting your digestive health, boosting your energy levels, and nurturing your body with the care it deserves.
Now, can you eat your chocolate and have a thin waist, too?!?
Harvard researchers say… YES!!!
Eating chocolate early in the day reduces the desire for more food. Probably the opposite of what you thought, right?
But if that’s the case why not throw in a healthy source of chocolate, along with conjugated linoleic acid for fat-burning and creatine for muscle-building in a nutrient-packed, plant-powered breakfast meal replacement powder?
With chocolate-flavored Nourish, you can easily make a blended breakfast smoothie in less than five minutes to start the day with extra peace of mind, knowing you’re getting the right amount of protein, fiber, and metabolism-boosting support to maintain a healthy weight and slim waistline.
