Taking the time to investigate which fruits and vegetables appeal most in terms of their fragrance, shape, touch, texture (and of course, taste), allows us to see our sustenance with new eyes. With these characteristics in mind, gathering the ingredients for a "sensual" new way of eating can be fun.

Here are some tips:

• Feast on fruits. Bursting with fiber and antioxidants, and thought to be imbued with aphrodisiac properties, many fresh fruits are as sensual as they are nutritious. Apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, coconut, dates, figs, grapes, mangoes, papayas, peaches, pears, plums, pomegranates, quince, raspberries and strawberries are celebrated in erotic literature throughout the world. Whichever fruits you choose, enjoy them often, and with a new appreciation of their attributes.
• Devour delicious vegetables. Asparagus, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, carrots, eggplant and several other phallic-shaped vegetables have long been prized for their aphrodisiac effects. Although it may be hard to think of them as "erotic", these earthly delights certainly invigorate the body with vitamins and minerals. The avocado, on the other hand, is undeniably sensual—so much so that the Spanish conquistadors helped spread its reputation throughout the world as a powerful stimulant.
  
  The juicy tomato, or "love apple," a potent source of the powerhouse antioxidant, lycopene, was once a highly sought-after libido enhancer. Other veggies reputed to turn up the heat and fortify the body, include: beans, garlic, leeks, onions, parsley, peppers, soybeans, spinach, truffles, turnips and watercress. Serve these foods often for optimal sexual health.
• Savor fruits of the sea and lean proteins. Shellfish including abalone, oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster and deep, cold-water fish like cod and halibut, fuel the body, brain the and sex drive. Oysters, for instance, are rich in zinc and iodine. Zinc, a vital sexual nutriment, is essential for testosterone production in men and women.
• Eat lean meats. Meats such as chicken and turkey are healthful in moderation. "Good protein intake is important, but excessive amounts can interfere with sexuality," warns Elson Haas, M.D., and author of "Staying Healthy With Nutrition". If possible, choose organic meats to avoid hormones, antibiotics and other additives typically found in these foods. Nuts, seeds and beans are also excellent sources of protein. Both pine nuts and pumpkin seeds are sexual adjuvants.
• Get a little on the side. Although a healthy diet provides most of the nourishment necessary for sexual wellness, a multivitamin/mineral supplement offers extra health insurance. Vitamins including A, the B group, C and E are necessary for sexual functioning. Vitamin E, for instance, supplies the sex organs with sufficient oxygen. B vitamins, including niacin and B-5, can help men and women reach orgasm and improve sexual stamina. Selenium, manganese and of course, zinc, are also vital in regulating hormones and revving up sex drive. Rather than taking these individually, take a multivitamin/mineral to ensure correct dosages. Check with your doctor to learn which brands he or she recommends.