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We've all heard it: "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Watching my husband's actions in the kitchen confirm that this adage is true. Allured to the stove by the aroma of whatever is simmering, he will lift the steamy lid, close his eyes, and inhale. Like a forklift in motion, he'll grab a nearby spoon and plunge it into the pot, pulling up a hot, savory surprise. He'll longingly blow on the spoon and at last, open his mouth to taste my "love potion." The food passes from his lips to his stomach—all the way to his heart—and then, he smiles. Success! He knows he's loved.

Taking the time to prepare a meal, no matter how simple, communicates love and care. So, if you want to add a little spice to your relationship, start in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to warm things up.

For success in any area of life, you first need a plan. And if you want to have food on the table for dinner, you definitely need a plan. Take a few minutes each week and decide on your menu. If you need some fresh inspiration, dust off the cookbooks and recipe file and try one new recipe a month. Cooking, like marriage, becomes boring when we get stuck in a rut and don't have fun exploring new ideas. Keep a list on the refrigerator of recipes for the food you have on hand to prepare. Decide in the morning what you'll serve in the evening.

If your home life is busy like most, stock up on food so you'll have things on hand to prepare quickly. Fill your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer with staples and favorite items you frequently eat. The more convenient you make healthy eating and cooking, the more apt you are to eat at home; this actually saves money and can eliminate some stresses in your marriage. Proverbs 21:20 affirms this: "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil." Be wise, stock up.

Keep your menus simple and fresh. A lean meat, delicious salad, and whole grain bread or pasta make a superb, simple dinner. I make no apologies; I am a simple cook. If a recipe has more than five ingredients, I rarely prepare it. Proverbs 15:17 says it this way, "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love, than a fattened calf with hatred." In other words, better to serve a simple meal with a loving attitude than labor over a fancy feast in a rotten mood. Simplify for your sanity and everyone will benefit.

Believe it or not, you hold the keys to much of your good health and happiness with the foods with which you choose to fill your kitchen. How? When you eat healthy foods, you feel better. When you feel better, you act better and that affects your marriage big time!

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