Eating your way to a better mood Ways to avoid the sugar rush...

We’re all programmed to reach for certain foods when we’re feeling low, and usually these foods are based on sugar or carbs.

A recent survey by Tilda rice (tilda.com) found that seven out of 10 women, and half of men, indulge in cakes, sweets and chocolates when they’re stressed or looking for a mood boost. And even when you’re not looking for it, you’ll probably still get it - 12% of women said they buy their friends or colleagues sugary foods when it seems like they’re a bit down. The trouble is, these sugary delights will not bring your mood up. Quite the opposite, in fact, and experts say our reliance on sweet treats as a pick-me-up actually means we’re “eating our way to sadness”.

Basically, this is all because of spiking blood sugar levels.

“After eating sugary foods or refined carbohydrates, your blood sugar levels can rise rapidly which may cause feelings of stress and anxiety,” explains clinical dietitian Dr Sarah Schenker, “only to crash soon after, which can then leave you feeling lethargic or in low spirits. We need to replace the short-lived highs we get from refined sugar and processed fat with healthier options and new long-term shopping and eating habits,” she adds. ‘’It’s shocking to see wholesome eating habits go out the window when we face a challenge in the day, or a lull in a routine. This is when healthy eating is most important.”

With this in mind, Schenker is working with Tilda and food psychologist Dr Christy Fergusson to launch a new ‘Eat Your Way to Happiness’ campaign, to help more of us make better food choices when we’re looking for a boost during a bad day. So if biscuits and ice cream are out, what should we be reaching for?