Healthy Dinner Date Do’s and Don’ts

One of my favorite and most “successful” date ideas is a simple at home, dinner for two. Since I am a bit persnickety about my food, I much prefer to treat my date’s to a home cooked meal.

Not only does this save on money, but I find that being in a familiar environment takes the edge off dating jitters.

Having home-court advantage doesn’t just apply to the playoff’s.

That’s not to say that I don’t like going out. But since I love to cook, and love to cook for people, having dinner dates at home can lead to all sorts of goodness. Besides, being at home already takes away from the awkward end of the date, “do I invite you home” dilemma. They’re already there. And if the date’s going really bad though, saying good-bye is as simple as saying “Well, I had a great time, thank you for coming over…now get the hell out of my house!”.

Dating guru I am not. But following these simple Do’s and Don’ts will definitely better your odds:

Healthy Dinner Date Do’s

1. Get to know your date. Do a little homework and get to know what you’re date likes and doesn’t like. If your date doesn’t like spicy food, probably not a good idea to serve buffalo wings.

2. Check for any food allergies. Again, do your homework. Watching your date have a systemic reaction and ballon up like a blowfish because you accidently threw peanuts in your stir-fry, isn’t fair. Besides, it’s a lot more fun to grab your date’s ass than to stab it with an epi-pen.

3. Go grocery shopping together. Maybe it’s just me, but I find it uber-sexy to go grocery shopping with someone. Especially in a smaller, natural food store like A-Market. Something about being around fresh produce just does it for me. Not only that, but grocery stores are a great place to meet people. And if you’re trying to get the attention of that cute guy/girl behind the checkout, no better way to show them your studliness than with another date.

4. Cook and then clean up together. Roll up your sleeves, throw on an apron, and get to cooking together. You can learn a lot about person by how they work in a team so pay particular attention.

5. Create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Accouterment like candles, fresh flowers, a clean kitchen, soft lighting, good music, matching placemats and nice utensils may be little details, but they can make all the difference. Take the time and tidy up your pad.

6. Have a well-thought and upbeat playlist ready. Make a long list of songs, at least 2 hours. I’d even suggest multiple playlists, one more catchy and upbeat for cooking, and something a little more mellow for dinner and after dinner activities. But please, AVOID the cheese factor. “Lady in Red” is NOT sexy.

7. Control your alcohol intake. At this point in the game, you should have a general idea of where your “point of no return” is. Having a drink definitely helps calms the nerves, but tread carefully: there’s being a little buzzed and loosened up, and then there’s just plain ol’ sloppy. Know your limits and don’t overdo your drinks.

8. Always have a sweet dessert. Whether or not you believe that chocolate can stimulate an increase in arousal, chocolate is just straight up sensual, sexy and satisfying. Chocolate covered strawberries, brownies, homemade chocolate peanut butter cups (I’m working on putting up a recipe), or my fave: Luna and Larry’s Coconut Bliss Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge will do just the trick.

Healthy Dinner Date Don’ts

1. Don’t attempt to cook something for the first time. Having someone over for dinner for the first time is probably not the BEST time to try and tackle a complicated Indian curry dish. Don’t try to hard to impress, but keep it simple. This way you know for sure that you’ll have something edible to eat.

2. Don’t cook or serve strong flavors and smells. I love bacon, garlic, tuna fish and anchovies. But, would I want to smell like any one of those on a date? Absolutely not. These are very strong smells and they can tend to linger on you and your breath.

3. Don’t eat something that will make you gassy, burpy or bloated. The last thing you want is to pass wind while being intimate. Could you imagine? Being half-naked, vulnerable and exposed, only to let one rip? Not cool, and definetly NOT sexy. Here are some common food’s to consider to avoid: Cabbage, beans, gluten (especially if you’re gluten intolerant), chili, really spicy foods, carbonated beverages, or anything else that you know doesn’t agree with you.

4. Don’t take your eye’s off the food. You’re attracted to your date, that’s great, and you can’t stop googling at each other. Awesome. No doubt, eye-sex is hot. Burnt food, not so much.

5. Don’t rush through dinner. Slow and gentle. Slow and gentle. As with chewing, among other things. Not only will slowing down help you digest your food better, but you can enjoy the company of your date while not looking like a slob as you devour dinner.

6. Don’t prepare something overly complicated or that takes forever to cook. You’re hungry. You’re date is hungry. Don’t keep him or her waiting. For food, that is.

7. Don’t talk with food in your mouth. I once heard a story about a piece of food flying out of someone’s mouth because they were jabbing while chewing. Don’t let that happen to you.

Stuck for recipe ideas? Try these easy, simple and healthy choices:

1. Easy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-fry

2. Beef or Chicken Tacos

3. Homemade Pizza

4. Homemade Guacamole with Blue Corn Chips

5. Spaghetti and Meatballs

6. Baked salmon with asparagus

7. Cornish game hen with acorn squash

8. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes

9. Spinach Salad with Pecans and Cranberries