Your choice of pre-date fuel can make or break your evening. So, why not ensure you bring your A-game with some culinary planning? In this guide, we’ll break down which foods to steer clear of before your big night and the reasons behind it.
Alcohol
A drink or two may take the edge off, but too many cocktails can fizzle out chemistry.
Excessive drinking impacts your central nervous system, which slows down your reasoning and reaction times. {{1}} Not only does this make for a less enjoyable evening, but it can hinder your ability to connect with your date.
For men, too many drinks can throw a curveball at your sexual performance. More bathroom breaks lead to decreased blood flow to the nether regions, which can result in a disappointing evening. {{2}}
Moreover, if you’re one of the many men who need a little boost in the bedroom, ED meds like Viagra do not mix well with excessive alcohol. Combining Viagra and alcohol can lead to low blood pressure {{3}}, which can cause dizziness, fainting, and light-headedness. {{4}} This can be dangerous and ruin the mood on your big night.
Spicy Foods
Alt-text: A variety of aromatic spices in bowls and spoons
A little heat in your meals is always welcome, but spicy foods can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Avoid foods with large amounts of cayenne, curry powder, cloves, and black pepper. {{5}} For those prone to acid reflux, completely avoid foods containing chili oil, cayenne, and black and white pepper in your pre-date night menu. {{6}}
The last thing you want is to spend your date feeling uncomfortable and rushing to the bathroom. So, save the fiery dishes for another time and focus on enjoying the company instead.
Garlic and Onions
There’s no denying the deliciousness of garlic and onions, but nothing kills the mood faster than bad breath during a romantic moment.
If you can’t avoid these flavor powerhouses, brush your teeth, and pop a mint to ensure you have fresh breath.
Grapefruit
Alt-text: A red grapefruit cut in half
If you’re currently taking medication, exercise caution when consuming grapefruit.
While grapefruit doesn’t affect medications directly, it contains compounds that inhibit an enzyme in your intestines responsible for breaking down certain drugs. This inhibition can increase the absorption rate, leading to higher-than-expected medication levels in your bloodstream. Some medications susceptible to this grapefruit interaction include Viagra, statins, calcium channel blockers, and benzodiazepines. {{7}}
So, if you’re planning on taking Viagra for a helpful boost before the big night, try to avoid grapefruit so you don’t experience an unwanted increase in Viagra side effects. Shockingly, even a single glass of grapefruit juice reduces the intestinal enzyme by 47%. {{7}} If you’re uncertain whether your current medications interact with grapefruit, it’s best to consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
Beans
Let’s face it: feeling gassy and bloated is not welcome during a romantic evening of wining and dining.
Beans may be a fantastic source of fiber and protein, but they also contain complex sugars that can cause bloating and gas. {{8}}
If you want to avoid awkward moments, it’s best to skip the beans before your night out.
Food and Dating Tips
Alt-text: A couple at a restaurant holding hands. Cupcake and coffee on the table.
What kind of food should you eat on a first date?
Opt for something light and mess-free. Sushi, tapas, or bite-size pasta are perfect for an enjoyable and stress-free dining experience.
What should I eat while taking Viagra?
To ensure Viagra works like a charm, steer clear of fatty meals, grapefruit, and excessive alcohol. Skip the greasy burger, limit the cocktails, and savor the moment.
Should you get food on a first date?
Going for a meal on a first date provides a distraction-free environment for genuine conversation. Save the excitement for the second date and let the food pave the way for connection.
Bibliography
{{1}} Tzambazis, K. “Alcohol Impairs Speed of Information Processing and Simple and Choice Reaction Time and Differentially Impairs Higher-Order Cognitive Abilities.” Alcohol and Alcoholism 35, no. 2 (2000): 197–201. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/35.2.197.
{{2}} Baxter, Rachel. “Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction.” SMSNA, December 26, 2023. https://www.smsna.org/patients/did-you-know/alcohol-and-temporary-erectile-dysfunction.
{{3}} FDA. Viagra, March 2014. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/20895s039s042lbl.pdf.
{{4}} Penn Medicine. Low Blood Pressure, February 2, 2023. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/low-blood-pressure.
{{5}} TUMS. “Foods That Cause Heartburn.” Heartburn Triggers, October 23, 2019. https://www.tums.com/about-heartburn/causes/foods-that-cause-heartburn/
{{6}} Schmanski, Michelle. “12 Foods to Avoid with Acid Reflux – Gastroenterologist San Antonio.” Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio, December 14, 2023. https://www.gastroconsa.com/12-foods-to-avoid-with-acid-reflux/.
{{7}} Harvard Health. Grapefruit and medication: A cautionary note, March 30, 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/grapefruit-and-medication-a-cautionary-note
{{8}} Beck, Leslie. “Can I Eat Lots of Beans without Experiencing Gas?” The Globe and Mail, February 14, 2023. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/article-can-i-eat-bean-heavy-meals-without-experiencing-gas/.
