How Food Affects Your Mood

Crabby? Have a breadstick. Tired? Eat more tofu. Eating properly goes a long way in helping cope with stress. Different types of foods affect you in different ways. Carbohydrates -- those breads, pastas and cereals that are demonized by popular high-protein diets -- actually help keep you calm and relaxed.

Low-fat proteins like yogurt and soy products give you energy. Food heavy in fats, such as most fast food and our beloved donuts, do not promote optimal brain function and can make you feel sluggish. (Remember how you loagy used to feel after downing a Big Mac, supersized fries and milkshake?)

Vitamin deficiencies can also affect your mood. If you don't get enough B vitamins (found in peanuts and soybean products) you can feel nervous, grouchy and depressed. An iron deficiency can make you forgetful. If you're having problems sleeping, try adding more thiamine to your diet by eating more oatmeal, oranges or fresh green peas.

Forget about crash diets that advocate eating only one kind of food. A balanced diet is essential for good mental health. Use the food pyramid as your guide. Base the bulk of your diet on complex carbs like whole grains, rice and pasta. Eat lots of fresh green peas.

Drink plenty of water. It flushes out the toxins in your body that make you feel lethargic.

You've heard it ad nauseum, but it's true: Eat breakfast! Your brain thrives on nourishment early in the day. In a hurry, grab some portable food like a muffin, banana or juice.

It doesn't take any more time to eat healthier, and it doesn't cost any more than eating junk foods. It's about making wiser food decisions and doing a litte planning. Instead of soda, try a flavo red bottled water. Instead of a custard-filled long john, have a blueberry muffin. Instead of a mound of fried flesh on a bun, why not try a veggie sub?