Mood Boosting Foods

By Ana Mantica, "Eat to Beat the Blues," March/April 2010

Boost your mood with these uplifting foods.

READER'S COMMENT:

"I just love some good ice cream; sometimes with a banana or other fruits like strawberries. I try not to eat too much, but I probably always over do it. "

2. Go ahead: order the bagel.

In a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, people who for a year followed a very-low-carbohydrate diet—which allowed only 20 to 40 grams of carbs daily, about the amount in just 1⁄2 cup of rice plus one piece of bread—experienced more depression, anxiety and anger than those assigned to a low-fat, high-carb diet that focused on low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruit and beans. Researchers suspect that carbs promote the production of serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical. Also, the challenge of following such a restrictive low-carb diet for a full year may have negatively impacted mood, says study author Grant D. Brinkworth, Ph.D.

Next: 3. Have a little chocolate »