The Good Mood Diet

You know what it’s like:  High energy one minute, slumped over the next. Why? Blood sugar levels. Fortunately, monitoring your carb intake and changing a few other habits can help even the seesaw.

Start with breakfast. Frequently find yourself in a midmorning slump? Begin the day with a meal that includes protein and a little fat, both of which delay the absorption of sugar into the blood and take longer to digest.

Don’t let yourself get too hungry. Going hours without food sets you up for a sugar-heavy snackfest and you’re more likely to overeat at your next meal.

Fuel your workouts. Exercise is great for both health and mood, but it can drag your blood sugar. To keep your energy high, eat a banana before you start and schedule a snack just after the sweat dries.

Pay attention. Keeping a diary may help distinguish what works and what doesn’t. Note how long after eating you feel crummy. Look at what you ate. Simple carbs are probably the culprit.