Transcript

Amy Riley (0:00)

Guys, thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree.

Nicholas Highlander (0:02)

Zoe, this thing weighs a ton.

Amy Riley (0:04)

Drew Ski, lift with your legs, man.

Cat Zamuto (0:06)

Santa.

Amy Riley (0:06)

Santa, did you get my letter?

Nicholas Highlander (0:07)

He's talking to you britches.

Amy Riley (0:09)

I'm not.

Cat Zamuto (0:10)

Of course he did.

Amy Riley (0:11)

Right, Santa, you know my elf Drew Ski here. He handles the nice list.

Nicholas Highlander (0:15)

And elf, I'm six' three. What everyone wants is iPhone 17 and at T Mobile. You can get it on them. That center stage front camera is amazing for group selfies. Right? Mrs. Claus?

Amy Riley (0:25)

Hi, Mrs. Claude Claus, much younger sister.

Cat Zamuto (0:28)

And AT T Mobile, there's no trade.

Amy Riley (0:29)

In needed when you switch, so you can keep your old phone or give it as a gift.

Cat Zamuto (0:33)

And the best part, you can make.

Amy Riley (0:34)

The switch to T Mobile from your.

Cat Zamuto (0:35)

Phone in just 15 minutes.

Nicholas Highlander (0:37)

Nice. My side of the tree is slipping. Kimber, the holidays are better. AT T Mobile switch in just 15 minutes and get iPhone 17 on us with no trade in needed. And now T Mobile is available in U.S. cellular stores with sweet monthly bill credits for well qualified customers plus tax and $35 vice connection charge credits and imbalance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel financing agreement. 256 gigs $830. Eligible for it in a new line, $100 plus a month plan with auto fees required. Check out 15 minutes or less per line.

Cat Zamuto (0:59)

Visit t mobile.com My guest today, best selling author Amy Riley has a Master's degree in gastronomy from the prestigious Le Cordon Blue. She's the author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. Yes, keyword aphrodisiac. She has dedicated the past 18 years to the study of aphrodisiac foods. She has been featured as an expert in several publications, websites, radio and television shows such as BBC, the Today Show. She's a freelance food, wine and health writer. She speaks and consults internationally and she started a really, really cool website called Eat Something Sexy. So true to cat on the lose organic approach when it comes to doing podcasts. I decided to take this one out out of the studio and into a fabulous kitchen because I wanted Amy to show us what are some of this fantastic aphrodisiac ingredients and explain to us how can we incorporate them in some delicious and easy and romantic and sexy recipes. So if you're listening to the audio episode, I highly recommend you go to our YouTube channel cat on the Loose podcast. Or even if you just want to see snippets of the episode, go to Instagram Real Cat on the Loose or my personal Instagram cat Zamuto Cat Z A M M U T o and go check it out. Because it was such a fun episode. We did it at the home of my dear, dear friends Natalie and Nicholas Highlander. Nicholas even participated. He is a very, very successful, fantastic opera singer. We had so much fun in their kitchen and I really hope you guys are going to enjoy this really fun, fabulous episode with Amy to cook with aphrodisiac foods and spice up our sex lives and of course, how to cook romantic, fabulous meals. Thank you to my wonderful sponsors that keep believing in my work and helping me take Cat on the Loose to the top of the charts and growing our worldwide community. Gold Standard Builders, a design and construction company in Los Angeles, California licensed general contractor, family owned business. A fantastic team of passionate professionals delivering great quality service and really, really fair pricing. So if you guys are in the greater Los Angeles area and thinking about remodeling your home, even if it's like a kitchen remodeling, summer is upon us and you have a backyard and you think, you know what, maybe I want to redo my backyard, get it ready for the summer. If you had some damage in your house because we had this torrential rains in la. Anything that you've been thinking about doing around your home. I know it's really hard to trust someone with this project. A lot of people in these indust unfortunately you cannot trust or the prices are sky high. Gold Standard Builders are really, really, really fantastic. The owner Adam is really, really trustworthy, super nice guy and they offer free consultations. I love the word free. No bs. Give them a call today, tell them I send you 1-800-469-9189 or info at Gold Standard Builders. Go check out their website and you can see beautiful, beautiful photo projects they do all around LA and the greater LA area. Gold standard builders.com this is a really great one for my New York audience. So guys, listen up and write it down. New York City Wellness. The very best place in New York for physical therapy, chiropractic services and beyond. They have an incredible team of experienced physical therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, podiatrists, sports medicine specialists and internal medicine specialists who are dedicated to helping you recover from any pain, injury or discomfort. Find high level of success in their treatment services, advanced technology and methods. Two fantastic locations, one in Midtown on Madison Avenue and one in downtown on Greenwich Street. Check out their website, NYC wellness.com and make your appointments today. There is no reason to be in pain, right? I'm gonna even gonna give you guys the phone number to make this easier. 212-682-6620. For Madison and for Greenwich, 212-374-0150. Amy Riley, welcome to Cat on the Loose.

Kat on the Loose – “EAT SOMETHING SEXY!” (March 27, 2024)

Host: Kat Zamuto
Guest: Amy Riley (author, aphrodisiac food expert), Nicholas Highlander (opera singer)
Theme: Exploring the real science and playful art of aphrodisiac foods—how what you cook can spice up romance, enhance libido, and make for memorable, sexy meals.

Overview

Kat on the Loose goes out of the studio and into the kitchen of Nicholas and Natalie Highlander to welcome aphrodisiac food expert Amy Riley. Together, they taste, discuss, and demonstrate the ingredients and recipes that aim to make your meals—and your love life—hotter, healthier, and more fun. The episode dives into the myths, practicalities, and science of “eats that seduce,” with plenty of laughs, candid questions, and straightforward advice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Makes a Food Aphrodisiac?

The term “aphrodisiac” is named after Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, not Africa (08:40–09:06).
Aphrodisiac foods are believed to boost libido, sexual performance, and create romance through nutrition, pleasure, or even suggestive associations (08:57–09:14).
Amy splits foods into those that are good for men, for women, and for seducing in general (08:18).

Quote:
“Aphrodisiac… supposed to be foods that increase sexual desire and sexual performance… The word stems from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess.”
— Amy Riley (08:57)

2. Specific Aphrodisiac Ingredients and Why They Work

Salmon

Linked to Aphrodite; all seafood in ancient Greece was considered sexy (09:54–10:17).
Superior source of protein (easier to digest than red meat); rich in omega-3s for brain health, better mood, and more creative loving (10:17–11:32).

Quote:
“You need [protein] for exercise, but hello—sex is exercise.”
— Amy Riley (10:55)

Dark Chocolate

Only dark chocolate is truly aphrodisiac; high cacao percentage equals more antioxidants and less sugar (12:08–13:08).
Antioxidants support youthful vitality—internally and externally—and promote heart health vital for sexual function (13:15–13:44).
Chocolate may help balance vaginal pH (27:34).

Quote:
“You can't experience an orgasm… without good blood flow. Therefore, antioxidants are important.”
— Amy Riley (13:44)

Coffee

Naturally aphrodisiac; mood-enhancer, especially for romantic meals. Amy suggests ending with coffee to keep the night going (14:33–14:55).

Quote:
“Coffee is a mood enhancer… If they like coffee, I will suggest ending with coffee. And they’ll say, ‘But then I won’t go to sleep.’ Exactly.”
— Amy Riley (14:38–14:55)

Peanuts

Good for women’s sexual health and fertility; great plant-based protein source (15:59–16:04).
Interesting fact: peanut butter can become diamonds under extreme pressure (16:30–16:57).

Chili Peppers

Chili raises body temperature, plumps lips, creates a healthy sexual flush (18:46–19:17).
Important: Always consider personal taste and allergies; the sexiest meal is the one your partner actually wants to eat (17:58–18:16).

Quote:
“The most important part of planning a romantic meal is considering the other person’s preferences… That’s going to go a lot further than whatever aphrodisiacs you put on the plate.”
— Amy Riley (18:09–18:16)

Fruits (Pineapple & Strawberries)

Pineapple: folk wisdom says it improves semen taste, but actually reduces bitterness due to acidity; packed with water for sexual hydration (26:10–28:31).
Strawberries: naturally sexy, full of antioxidants and water (28:23–28:47).

Pomegranate & Pomegranate Juice

High-fiber, low-calorie, supports digestive and sexual health for men and women, especially heart health (37:36–39:07).
Juice has been shown (studies often funded by juice companies) to boost men’s sexual performance (38:28–38:53).

Ginger

Promotes healthy digestion (essential for feeling sexy after dinner) and is also an aphrodisiac (45:16–45:27).

Watermelon

Contains citrulline, which acts as a natural vasodilator "potentially as effective as Viagra" (41:46–41:54).

3. Romance, Food, and the Senses

Food is a “sexual language” and central to how cultures express love, desire, and connection (20:26–20:38).
The act of choosing, preparing, and serving foods with care is itself seductive.

Quote:
“Food is very… it's a sexual language. It’s a way of showing love… a way of communicating.”
— Kat Zamuto (20:34)

4. Demonstration: Making Sexy Chocolate Ganache (33:41–35:15)

Amy demonstrates a simple ganache: equal parts heavy cream and dark chocolate, gently melted in a double boiler (or makeshift one).
Ganache is versatile: dip strawberries, make truffles, or pour over cake.

Quote:
“You can dip strawberries in it… there are a million things you can do. You can just eat it on a spoon, frankly.”
— Amy Riley (34:54)

5. Tips for Cooking and Eating for Romance

Lighten up: Avoid heavy, rich dishes (steak, mashed potatoes, heavy desserts) that can make you sluggish or bloated (44:02–45:11).
Bison is a suggested alternative to steak: more nutrients, easier to digest, less heavy (49:23–50:07).
Emphasize fresh, whole foods and personal favorites; let pleasure, not dogma, guide the menu (31:09–31:32).

Quote:
“The sexiest meal is the one your partner actually wants to eat.”
— Amy Riley (18:09–18:16)

6. Bringing Food into the Bedroom?

Amy endorses picnics in bed! Avoid “crumb food,” but sensual treats like chocolate, red wine, or even whipped cream are great options (39:24–40:18).
The key is playfulness and shared pleasure.

7. Cultural Myths and Fun Science

Debunking dangerous aphrodisiac myths (e.g., Spanish Fly from beetles—“stay away from that,” 45:51–46:46).
Romanticizing food is universal; formal studies now confirm what lovers always suspected.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“You need [protein] for exercise, but hello—sex is exercise.”
— Amy Riley (10:55)
“You can't experience an orgasm… without good blood flow. Therefore, antioxidants are important.”
— Amy Riley (13:44)
“Coffee is a mood enhancer… If they like coffee, I will suggest ending with coffee. And they’ll say, ‘But then I won’t go to sleep.’ Exactly.”
— Amy Riley (14:38–14:55)
“The most important part of planning a romantic meal is considering the other person’s preferences… that’s going to go a lot further than whatever aphrodisiacs you put on the plate.”
— Amy Riley (18:09–18:16)
“I think the best hunger is the hunger after sex.”
— Kat Zamuto (50:28)
“If you need Viagra, you need Viagra… but Mother Nature, yes, there are foods [like] watermelon.”
— Amy Riley (41:22–41:46)

Timed Segment Guide (Key Content Times)

06:00–09:06: Intro to Amy Riley, her expertise, and concept of aphrodisiac foods
09:39–11:32: Deep dive on salmon and why seafood is sexy food
12:08–14:01: Why dark chocolate is an aphrodisiac (and not all chocolate is created equal)
14:33–15:08: Coffee as an aphrodisiac and meal-finisher
15:55–16:57: Peanuts and their unlikely seductive power
17:36–19:17: Chilies—the most stimulating date food, and how to use them right
21:24–23:07: Fruits—pineapple, strawberries, why water content matters
26:10–28:31: Pineapple myths and reality
33:41–35:15: Making chocolate ganache with practical tips
39:24–40:18: Foods to bring (or not) to the bedroom
44:02–45:14: Why lighter meals = better sex after dinner
47:03–51:00: Final wrap-up, real-life tips, small portions, and “hunger after sex”

Takeaways & Practical Advice

Use fresh, whole, nutrient-rich foods (especially fish, berries, chocolate, nuts, pomegranate, and ginger).
Think light, sexy, and personal: avoid heavy or disliked ingredients.
The best aphrodisiac is attentive, considerate sharing—cook and eat what makes your partner feel good.
Get playful—you can turn the kitchen, the meal, and even dessert into teasing foreplay.
Romantic meals can start the party—but save the midnight snacks for after!

Where to Find More

Amy Riley’s website and resources: eatsomethingsexy.com
Video and photos: Kat on the Loose YouTube | @katontheloose
Connect with host and guests via Instagram (@catzamuto, @nicholashighlander)

Episode Tone

Warm, funny, cheeky, unfiltered, and informative—this is a raw and lively kitchen conversation packed with science, sex appeal, and plenty of real talk. Kat keeps it inviting and relatable, Amy brings the expertise and fun facts, and Nicholas adds humor and curiosity.

Summary by [Podcast Summarizer AI] | [2024]

(This summary captures all major themes, recipes, and insights from the episode, including time-stamped quotes and key moments for listeners who missed the audio. Find referenced recipes and more at the show and guest links above!)