Good Mood Food

If your mood takes a dip, it’s tempting to turn to comfort foods but could what you’re eating actually be affecting your mood, asks health writer Karen Evennett?

- Karen Evennett

When you’re feeling down, do you reach for a nice bowl of probiotic-boosting vegetables or the nearest chocolate bar?

Actually, don’t answer that! We all know how our sweet tooth kicks in when we’re feeling a bit stressed or grumpy. And there’s a very good reason for that, explains nutritional therapist Judy Watson (www. judywatsonnutritionist.co.uk).

“Sugar gives your brain an instant rush of serotonin, one of your main feelgood hormones. But that’s not all. It also releases dopamine, which relaxes you.”