Sex and chocolate - they're good for you!

Happy belated Valentine's Day! Hope you used the day to recommit yourself to love, both romantic and platonic. Because in all its forms, love is our best weapon for promoting well-being.

You see, true love requires sacrifice, not just empty promises. Self-love, romantic love, and familial love can be great motivators to help us get healthy and live healthier lives.

February is a great time to spread awareness about the importance of overall health and heart health in particular. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is that many risks can be mitigated or prevented altogether.

Here are some simple steps you and your partner can take to improve your heart and your overall health:

1. Have an orgasm or two. Research has shown that the benefits of sex go far beyond pleasure. Sex boosts your immune system, relieves stress and pain, makes you sleep better, and improves skin, mental acuity, and maybe even heart health. So, go ahead and snuggle, hug, and kiss more often.

2. Add aphrodisiacal foods to your diet. These foods have a sexy rep. Whether that's true, they are definitely good for you:

Almonds. Legend has it that their feminine shape translates to aphrodisiac power. Well, maybe. But they are definitely chock-full of vitamin E, magnesium, fat, and fiber. They taste great plain or dipped in chocolate.

Asparagus. The phallic-looking vegetable is rich in antioxidants, folate, potassium, fiber, and B vitamins.

Avocado. The Aztecs thought that avocados looked like male testicles and that this fruit increased sexual desire. Avocados are rich in folic acid, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Chocolate. It's the mother of all aphrodisiacal foods, right? Well, science does bear that myth out. Chocolate contains complex compounds that stimulate brain chemistry in pleasurable ways. So, go ahead and indulge a little.

Figs. Long been regarded as a sexy fruit, figs' erotic appearance led some ancient cultures to associate the fruit with love and fertility. Dried Turkish figs are my favorite; try them dipped in chocolate.

3. Do it together. Strive to make healthier choices together. Two heads are better than one, so - with love - encourage your partner to eat healthy, stay active, get regular medical checkups, and manage health conditions.

Mix it up and try one or all of these fun partner fitness activities that are also great bonding opportunities:

Weightlifting. Hit the iron together to help tone and shape muscles. Working out together will surely have you appreciating each other's physiques. Motivating each other in the gym (or at home) has exponential benefits that will go beyond the workout.

Yoga. Classes are another great way to stay fit and bond with your love. Meditate, warm up, and share the serenity.

Outdoor walks. A nice summer stroll in the park. A brisk winter walk through the snow. Skipping through colorful falling leaves. Walking together in any season is a romantic and healthy way to stay fit and keep the flames burning high.

Kimberly Garrison is a wellness coach and owner of One on One Ultimate Fitness in Philadelphia. Her column appears Wednesdays.