Beat the energy-slump you feel in the middle of the day and overcome anxiety, tension and mood swings by choosing what you eat intelligently

Eating well and choosing what you eat with care can change the way you feel, says The Kitchen Shrink author Natalie Savona. The book says that the basics of eating for good moods are dictated by common sense eat food as close to its natural state as possible, eat a variety of foods and relax and enjoy your meals. Few health concepts are as poorly consensual as the "balanced diet", hence the core element of the healthy eating programme has to be just that balance. Broccoli and brown rice are indeed healthy foods, but they alone will not sustain you. On the other hand, the occasional bar of chocolate or red wine can be positively good for the soul. We give you five common problems that can be solved just by letting your kitchen help you.


Victoria's Secret supermodel Marisa Miller loves to eat yogurt with organic fruit

THE FEEL-GOOD DIET

The basic qualities of any balanced diet are:
>>Freshness
>>Variety
>>Eating food as close to its natural state as possible
>>Pure water

These basics translate into practice like this
>>Drink at least one and a half litres of pure water through out the day.
>>Have fresh, coloured vegetables, raw or slightly steamed stir-fried, twice a day.
>>Have at least two pieces of fresh fruit everyday.
>>Eat a variety of lean proteins: Eggs, poultry, soya produce, dairy produce.
>>Eat plenty of fibre-rich food.
>>Limit the amount of sugar you add to your food.
>>Limit intake of refined food (white bread, white rice).

Up brain power, feed on good fats

On the list below, tick any of the symptoms that you experience regularly
>>Dry skin
>>Acne
>>Eczema
>>Allergies
>>Fatigue
>>Cracked nails
>>Dry, limp hair
>>Depression
>>High blood pressure

If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, your diet could be lacking essential fatty acids (EFAs). These fats have been shown to form part of healthy cell membranes and are crucial to the well being of our brain and nervous system. EFAs are converted in the body into more concentrated versions of fats and other substances. These are put to very good use in balancing hormones and keeping skin soft. They also ensure that brain cells and neurotransmitters work efficiently and that makes them such an important factor in maintaining stable moods and optimum brain-power. Walnuts, flax-seed oil and fish such as mackerel and sardines are rich in such fats.