That's Fit

Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.

Keeping our hormones in balance is one of the keys to health, happiness and vitality. If they are out of whack, forget about it. Testosterone plays a key role in both men and women in helping us to feel alive, happy and interested in sex. Foods naturally high in zinc help boost natural testosterone levels. We often correlate testosterone with muscular development, virility and teenage boys! But, this powerful hormone is actually beneficial to both sexes.

Women going through both periomenopause and menopause might benefit in increasing their testosterone levels naturally. Did you know after the age of 30 men typically experience a 2% drop in testosterone each year, which may lead to "Andropause" or male menopause? Part of the solution may be elevating testosterone naturally by eating a zinc-rich diet. Exactly what foods are high in zinc? Oysters score high on the list, as well as red meat, and poultry. Check out this list of foods ranking them from highest to lowest in the "romantic" mineral zinc!

Other benefits of consuming a diet rich in zinc are: a strong immune system; optimal wound healing; increased sense of taste and smell; improved digestion; diabetes control; and healthy physical growth.

So this week, "Turn On" your testosterone and your health by eating more foods rich in zinc!

• Women's hormones shift and change throughout their lives. These shifts can physically cause a decreased desire for sex. Lowered progesterone levels is often found in those women who seem to have zero desire for being intimate with their partner. Low testosterone may also be a factor in both men and women whose interest in sex has waned. Instead of taking the rejection personally, where many men often do, seeking a solution is so extraordinarly wise of you to do. Biochemistry makes or breaks libido in men and women. I would recommend that your wife seek advice from a health care professional whose expertise is in this area. I found this link as a nice resource for more information.
• Poor nutrition and fitness can lower one's desire for "romance". A diet high in refined carbohydrates such as foods made with white flour and sugar and are low in fiber, vitamins and minerals essential for optimal health may upset the human "biochemical apple cart"! In order for humans to feel vivacious and alive, we need to consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies, lean protein (vegetarian or animal sources) and most importantly, "good fat", essential for optimal hormonal production and balance. Omega 3 fatty acid sources such as fatty fish, walnuts and flax seeds or oil, consumed daily, can positively effect hormonal balance...plus, side benefits of ingesting Omega 3's are improved heart health, decreased inflammation and elevated moods. Working out, especially resistance exercise, can elevate "youth hormones" naturally. Increasing muscle mass is directly correlated to elevation of testosterone to healthy levels which may help in the "love" department for both men and women.
• Emotional intimacy. As a woman, I can tell you that if I don't have an emotional connection with my partner, my desire for him is just not there. Simply having a "real" conversation with your wife may help. And listen to her....really listen. If you show your wife that you are truly interested in how she thinks and feels, it can be a positive turning point in your relationship. Give it a try. It works...trust me. When my boyfriend asks me how I am, looks me in the eyes and actually responds with words that tells me he cares, my attraction to him increases.

Hopefully w.b.r, my words of "woman's wisdom" will help point you in the right direction. There is no one "magic bullet", regardless of all the spam you might receive expounding upon the benefits of sexual enhancement products! We women are complicated to say the least. But having a partner that will hang in there during the challenging times in a relationship, which for you is now, has potential to present great rewards in the long run!

Best of Luck in Love!

Healthfully Yours,

Laura Lewis, Life Fit Expert for That's Fit!

If you need guidance and motivation in making positive changes in your life, send your questions to "Ask Laura" in the comments section of this post!