Food and Mood: The Complete Guide to Eating Well and Feeling Your Best

There are lots of reasons why you might not be in a good mood. If you thought it was because of a bad relationship, you'd probably check out a relationship book. And, if you thought it was because you needed more exercise, you'd check out a book on exercise (BTW rec. Exercise Beats Depression for that). Having said that, this is a great book to check out if you think your nutrition might play a role in your moods AND you want to learn what it is you can do about it. So what does the book cover? Well, the book is about and inch and a quarter thick and among other things, discusses... -how food can affect your mood -a self-assessment of your diet -a section on sweets and cravings -diet and energy levels -diet and PMS, SAD -stress and your diet -smart foods -foods and your sleep -eating disorders -the "Feeling Good diet" -supplements As you can see, the book is quite comprehensive, and there's really not a nutritional stone that's been left unturned. I don't know that anyone needs to read every page of this book cover-to-cover, as not everyone will need to know about all its info (such as PMS). Instead, look at this book as a tremendous resource to refer to, and a big step in covering all your "nutritional bases" when it comes to food and feeling good.

This is a fantastic book and highly recommended. Somer does an excellent job in breaking down the science on eating and succintly conveys these points to the reader. Not only will your body feel the benefits of Somer's advice, but you will also learn a lot about how the scientific relationship between food and mood. I felt that the best thing about this book is that Somer does not say that you must eat any specific diet. Rather than advocating for a strict and boring diet, the author recommends eating habits that mean that eating can still be a great experience.

It's so refreshing to read a book that doesn't preach "diet". It's a vicious cycle. What we eat affects our mood and our mood affects what we want to eat!! The book (at the beginning) goes into some detail about the chemistry of the body and brain and the purpose is to show you HOW your body uses the fuel it gets. It is an easy read and very easy to incorporate the changes into your life. The book has really been my "Bible" and I have told hundreds of people about it. It's about eating the right foods for your body and your mind, it's NOT a diet, it's a lifestyle change. The reason so many women can't lose weight and keep it off is that they are focused so much on "diet" and losing weight. It's really about being healthy overall. And what we eat directly affects our moods and THAT is a mental thing, which eventually turns physical if our moods are depressed and we continue to eat things that hurt us. Another great thing about it is that it covers all the different types of moods and changes women go through and how what they eat either makes the mood better or worse. It also has lists of foods in the back that are good for your lifestyle. I never realized there were SO MANY fruits and veggies and other foods out there that are good for you, that I could eat. And knowing which foods to stay away from or eat during certain moods is so helpful. For instance, late in the day when you are at work and feeling tired, eat a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread. It does NOT put you to sleep, it's in small amounts, it actually does the reverse and perks you up. Try it!! At least go to the library and check the book out first, I guarantee you will love it and want to buy it so you can use it for reference. I am so glad I found it, this book has changed my life!!!

I bought this book before I bought the South Beach diet book.At the time, I did not comprehend what White bread and insulin levels were doing to my body. After I went on the South beach diet, I went back to reread some of Food and mood. I realised that what had been written in SBD, had been covered in much more depth in Food and Mood. There is so much information in this book. Each food does something to your body. Too much sugar, and 20 minutes later you are tired and cranky. Same could be said for white bread, white rice, white pasta.The bibliography at the end is priceless. For once, the author of a diet book has backed up her claims with countless studies from reputable sources. In conclusion, get this book.

As the mother of two little boys, one and three years old, I found myself getting as tired and cranky as they were at 2PM nap time. I just assumed it was a natural part of being a busy mom. If I didn't sneak a nap while they were down, I'd rewarm the morning coffee and 'reward' myself with a cookie. When I picked up "Food and Mood" I actually had my husband in mind! When I started using the author's eating strategies, I noticed I wasn't craving a nap or coffee at midafternoon and I was really feeling good. For other 'tired' mom's, one key that helped me was when I started eating a protein-based midmorning and midafternoon snack, which helped me avoid the quick high of coffee and sugar that wore off too soon. I've since incorporated the same strategies with the kids and my husband (a habitual midafternoon candy bar eater), and he says he notices a difference and a better energy level too. I've recommended Food and Mood to so many friends that I actually wanted to write a review to help spread the word. This is one less cranky mom wishing you well.