I had the most wonderful carrot cake yesterday. Moist, fresh, with the most delectable creamy yoghurty topping. As I munched I felt a sense of childlike cheerfulness colour in my mood.

It wasn’t cheap sweet, fatty or breadcrumb coated rubbish, but a really delicious treat and it got me thinking about foods that lift our mood; not because health books tell us they will, but because they really do.

Carrot Cake
Home made, well made, oozing naughty health and sweetness.

Chocolate
Dark and as pure cocoa as possible. A beautifully presented box of Belgian or Swiss chocolates are also wonderful.

Honey
Drizzled on things, stirred into warm milk, eaten off the spoon. There are so many types to try, herb, heather, flowers…

Ice Cream
Home made, or the best manufactured from pure ingredients without additives.

Chicken Soup
Why a portion of roast chicken doesn’t have the same mood lifting affect I don’t know.

Home Made Flapjacks
It’s like eating a hug. Bought ones may taste great (though few do) but they just don’t work.

An apple fresh from the tree
The smell as well as the taste is mood enhancing.

Organic strawberries and clotted Devon cream
Try to spot someone eating without a smile.

Hot buttered crumpets
With honey…mmmmmmmm!

Treacle Toffee
Ishloverlyanshtickybuddushyerteeffin.