THINK sweet treats make you feel better? 'Comfort foods' could be adding to your misery.

We're programmed to reach for certain foods when we're feeling low, and usually these foods are based on sugar or carbs.

A recent survey by Tilda rice (tilda.com) found that seven out of 10 women, and half of men, indulge in cakes, sweets and chocolates when they're stressed or looking for a mood boost. The trouble is, these sugary delights will not bring your mood up. Quite the opposite, in fact, and experts say our reliance on sweet treats as a pick-me-up actually means we're "eating our way to sadness".

Basically, this is all because of spiking blood sugar levels.

"After eating sugary foods or refined carbohydrates, your blood sugar levels can rise rapidly which may cause feelings of stress and anxiety," explains clinical dietitian Dr Sarah Schenker, "only to crash soon after, which can then leave you feeling lethargic or in low spirits.

With this in mind, Schenker is working with Tilda and food psychologist Dr Christy Fergusson to launch a new 'Eat Your Way to Happiness' campaign, to help more of us make better food choices when we're looking for a boost during a bad day.

So if biscuits and ice cream are out, what should we be reaching for? Brazil nuts, broccoli and rice is the answer.

"Wholegrain basmati is a great addition to the diet," says Dr Schenker.

"It's a low-GI food so it contains the type of carbohydrate that releases energy slowly, keeping your blood sugar levels steady and maintaining a more balanced, calm mood."