Food for that mood
As much as we'd like to think urban legends and our granny's best advice are the most appropriate cure to anything, this isn't always the case.
Follow our handy food and drink guide to get your facts straight.
When you can't sleep...
Eat a small, low-fat snack which includes carbohydrates and protein.
A good option is a tablespoon of honey with wholemeal bread and a cup of warm low fat milk.
Why? The carbohydrates from the bread help stimulate the production of serotonin in our brains, which is said to promote relaxation and sleep.
void spicy foods and caffeine. Big spicy meals are hard to digest and may upset your stomach.
When you're stressed...
Exercise - don't get food, get active.
Why? The endorphins our body produces when we exercise 'boost out' the stress and make us feel happy.
When you need to study...
Eat carbohydrates like bran breakfast cereal, a slice of bread or a low-fat smoothie, considered brain foods that provide fuel to keep your energy up.
Omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish like salmon and mackerel also help our brains function properly, as do linseeds and walnuts.
When you feel the afternoon burn-out...
Eat slow- to-digest carbs along with a serving of lean protein for lunch to get long-lasting energy.
Beans and pulses, salads, whole grain breads and fruits are all smart choices.
Avoid foods with a high glycaemic index, which will give you a temporary high and then cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels - so no fast food and processed, sugary foods.
When you're pumped ...
Eat easily-digested carbohydrates such as banana or watermelon an hour before exercise, and drink some water to avoid dehydration. Avoid any fatty, sugary or heavy food as this will remain in your stomach.
When feeling blue ...
Eat something you like. But make sure you eat slowly and in small quantities. Avoid too much comfort food as this will only induce guilt and make you feel worse.
Soft-drinkers are at risk
Soft drinks - even diet ones - may be linked with increased risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, US researchers say. They found adults who drink one or more soft drinks a day had about a 50 per cent higher risk of metabolic syndrome - a cluster of risk factors such as excessive fat around the waist, low levels of good cholesterol, high blood pressure and other symptoms. You also have a risk of developing diabetes.
- We recommend: Classic Cheese Souffle
- 50g butter
- 40g plain flour
- 290ml pint milk
- 4 eggs, separated
- 75g grated gruyere cheese
- 1tbsp grated parmesan
- 1tsp made mustard
- Salt and pepper
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 190C/375F then melt the butter in a large pan.
STEP 2: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat and slowly blend in milk.
STEP 3: Heat while stirring until thickened, then beat in the egg yolks and all the cheese.
STEP 4: Season with the mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
STEP 5: Whisk the egg whites until thick, fold a quarter into the cheese mixture and then fold the rest in.
STEP 6: Turn into an oiled dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until well risen and golden. Serve immediately.
We love... Sugar Cane
It typically comes from the South Americas, the Caribbean and the South East Asian region and is considered by health food experts a nutritious substitute for processed sugary foods and sweets. For anyone craving for sweet, chew on them to extract its juicy liquid or opt for a glass of refreshing sugarcane juice, pressed from freshly-harvested stalks and made with a touch of lemon and ice-sweet.
The writer is an International Student Correspondent for NOTES, studying at the University of Sydney, Australia
