History’s Romantic Foods from Chocolate to Pomegrantes

To join World Vegan Travel (and my husband!) on their amazing trip, Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: A Vegan Trekking Adventure, AND get a $50 voucher for REI, use JOYFULVEGAN as your code and THIS LINK to find out more information and to book your adventure! In today’s episode, we look at why Valentine’s Day—long before chocolates and cards—was rooted in the natural world and inspired by birds! And we explore how food, desire, and romance became intertwined with love, pleasure, and compassion.It’s a fun, playful, and historical episode, grounded in the senses, and—of course—rooted in compassion.Happy Valentine’s Day… or happy any day you choose to celebrate love. 💗(And enjoy the romantic story I share in the beginning!)In this episode, we explore:* What birds have to do with Valentine’s Day* What aphrodisiac foods really are * The difference between foods that support desire and those that undermine it* Why plant foods have been associated with sensuality, pleasure, and vitality across cultures* The role of color, texture, heat, aroma, and sound in creating a romantic experience* How to create about romantic menus that excite rather than overwhelm (or offend)* How compassion—for ourselves, for others, and for animals—fits squarely into the story of love🎧 Listen to the full episode of Food for Thought, celebrating 20 years of practical inspiration for living compassionately, sustainably, and healthfully.For the animals,—ColleenGet your RECIPES FOR ROMANCE E-BOOK, filled with delicious plant-powered dishes to beguile your beloved! ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME!Support the Podcast (20-Year Anniversary)!To keep Food for Thought Podcast ad-free and accessible to all, I rely on the support of paid subscribers. If you’re already one—thank you. If you’re not, please consider becoming one. None of the companies below sponsored this episode. They’re simply brands I personally use, love, and trust—which is why I agreed to be an affiliate.If you find this episode helpful, please consider giving it a like, share, comment, or restack. Remember Food for Thought is a listener-supported podcast, and your support as a paid subscriber helps me continue creating content that inspires compassion and action—for animals, people, and the planet.If you make a purchase using the links below, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you—and you’ll receive exclusive discounts using the codes provided!* Complement SupplementsEverything you need, nothing you don’t. Complement makes targeted supplements for plant-based eaters, including B12, D3, DHA, and more—all from clean, trusted sources.🔗 lovecomplement.com | Code: JOYFULVEGAN for 15% off all products!* Plaine ProductsRefillable, non-toxic, plastic-free personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash. Gentle on you, gentle on the planet.🔗 plaineproducts.com | Code: JOYFULVEGAN for 20% off all products!* Nama JuicerMy favorite cold-press juicer—quiet, powerful, and easy to clean. It’s become an essential part of my kitchen.🔗 namawell.com | Code: COLLEEN10 for 10% off all products!Additional Resources👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for.👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com/subscribe