Positive mood food

Feeling down and unhappy?

But before you reach for your favorite cookie or that dessert you've been dreaming about, try these foods that should make you feel better because they can instantly boost your mood.

Fish like salmon and tuna contain omega-3s, which are proven mood elevators. In fact, a study showed that fish eaters are 31% less likely to suffer from depression.

Complex carbs such as beans, brown rice and organic whole grain bread can also increase serotonin levels. For the best results, they should be eaten with proteins containing tryptophan, like turkey.

Chocolate can help, but not just any kind. A little dark chocolate can help by boosting the brain's levels of serotonin (which promotes relaxation) and helping stimulate the production of endorphins, the same feel-good chemicals released during exercise.

Walnuts also raise serotonin levels, making them an ideal snack. Sprinkle them over yogurt or eat them with fruits; researchers discovered that walnuts can improve people's moods when eaten for 3-weeks.