Aphrodisiacs are usually thought of as herbal concoctions that supplement your diet to enhance libido and endurance. But you might be surprised to learn that some foods that you eat every day can also help you finish whatever you start...

These foods may seem run-of-the-mill, but I've personally seen results that are anything but. And there's a pretty good chance you've got all the ingredients of a truly memorable sexcapade in your kitchen. (Or anywhere the mood strikes you for that matter.)

Here's my menu for a night you'll never forget:

A little pre-gaming

As you know, I'm a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy--but celery deserves credit as a bonafide sex food. As it turns out, this unassuming vegetable contains androsterone, an important hormone that helps reinforce libido.

Try snacking on a couple of pieces throughout the day. The results may just surprise you.

The main course

This little gem (or pearl) has been touted for years as a natural aphrodisiac. But most people don't know exactly why.

Oysters are loaded with zinc, and zinc, as I've told you, is closely tied to testosterone levels. One clinical study of men 64 and older showed that six months of zinc supplements resulted in a doubling of testosterone levels. Your body's testosterone production decreases as you get older, so you have to find a way to boost it, and oysters are a tasty way of keeping you fit and ready to perform!

Zinc is also essential for vaginal lubrication. As women age, natural lubrication diminishes. Eating oysters is an easy way to increase that natural moisture.

But what to drink?

Well, a glass or two of heart-healthy wine is always good to get in the mood, but so is a less recommended beverage.

While everyone has told you to lay off the coffee because it'll stimulate you too much, maybe that's exactly what you need. Being stimulated is what sex is all about! Although you might have to take it in moderation, one cup of coffee could be just what you need to get your blood vessels dilated and blood rushing in.

Sure, a cup of coffee that late in the evening is going to keep you up. But isn't that the idea?

And now, on to dessert…

There's an old standby in the romance game that never disappoints. Cocoa beans have been revered as a way to create sexual desire and instill virility and endurance. Despite its rich history, chocolate's effect on sensuality has been treated as nothing more than unsubstantiated hype.

Whether or not mainstream medicine wants to acknowledge it, cocoa contains numerous components that produce positive moods and relieve negative feelings, including phenylalanine, an amino acid that replaces dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter associated with sexual pleasure and euphoria. Cocoa also causes your body to release beta phenylethylamine, a sexual stimulant and a mood enhancer.

Another item that happens to be a lot healthier than people give it credit for is the strawberry. This little fruit is one of the most underrated foods out there. This is especially true when you look at its credentials.

Strawberries contain a significant number of vitamins and minerals and 18 amino acids, including tryptophan and phenylalanine (mood enhancers), arginine (a precursor to the production of nitric oxide), and aspartic acid (an amino acid that helps your body use arginine in the production of nitric oxide).

Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring chemical created from arginine synthesis in the body. This amino acid is a powerhouse for two reasons:

• 1) It relaxes the muscles in the penis and allows blood to flow more easily through the tissue
• 2) It keeps smooth-muscle tissue flexible, resulting in improved cardiovascular health.

Besides the physical effect on your body, strawberries have another important element--color. Red is considered by most men and women to be symbolic of sex. The very image of popping a plump red berry in your mouth--or your partner's--has immense sensual appeal.

A personal favorite of mine is a combination of the two. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a delicious way to fuse the sexual powers of these foods into one dessert that is not only delicious to eat but fun to feed to your lover. If there's only one food you should be enjoying in bed this one is pretty much it.

These are just a handful of the snacks I recommend for turning up the heat in the bedroom. Not only do they offer you all of the goodies that get you in the mood, they're just plain delicious! I encourage you to experiment a little, and see what foods out there really get your engine revving.