A lot of people say they'd like to have a healthy love life, but it all boils down to the question, "Are you willing to work for it?"

First thing to do is to get physical.

When most people would choose a twinkie over an apple, you'll have to be the one who has the wisdom and willpower to choose the apple. In a world increasingly addicted to TV, you and your mate will have to come up with the willpower to go out on a nature walk or bicycle ride.

Why?

Because you can't have a healthy love life unless you treat your body with the kind of love and respect that we're discussing. We're not talking about a six-week diet, we're considering a life-long program of better nutrition. We are not advocating a three-month exercise program here to take off two inches from the waist; we're pushing for regular exercise every day of our lives!

A good way to kick-start is with some cardiovascular exercises. The Harvard School of Public Health reports that men who were physically inactive were 40 percent more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than men who exercised a half hour a day.

A foundation of correct nutrition and regular exercise is necessary before we can begin to think about a healthy love life.

Eat to live and love.

Most of us do not realize how foods affect our moods, feelings, energy level, and behavior.
When we get down in the dumps, we don't automatically say, "Gosh, I must not have been eating right."

On the other hand, when we're feeling on top of the world we don't stop to think, "I'd like to feel this good more often." We don't relate how we feel to what we've been eating, but foods, vitamins, and minerals can make all the difference in the world between a so-so love life and the kind of love life that makes you smile every time you think about it.

Many people who think they have sex problems are actually victims of poor nutrition. They don't have sex problems. They have food problems. And food problems can be solved.

• Cut out or cut down on the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and coffee.
  
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks and fried, fatty foods. Sugar interferes with the sex life and reduces its pleasure.
  
• Cut back on milk and wheat products.
• Substitute herbal teas for coffee and regular teas, juices for commercial soft drinks.
  
• De-stress and relax. The physical effects of long-term stress include colds, ulcers, asthma, heart attack, stroke, and chronic fatigue--all ailments that can erode your health and your love life.