EAT YOURSELF HAPPIER

We reveal the foods guaranteed to put a smile on your face this autumn

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Feel sluggish and low after a carby meal or sugar-loaded blowout? Our diet has a big impact on our mood. That's because the gut-brain axis is connected by millions of nerves that transmit messages in both directions. So just as you might experience a 'knot' in your stomach when you're sad, if you eat food that disrupts the gut bacteria, you can feel low almost instantly. Here's what to add to your grocery list to keep tum and mind happy.

SALMON

A power food that is packed with vitamin B12 - vital for steering clear of depression and maintaining good mental health. Salmon also contains mood-stabilising fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are highly concentrated in the brain and are important for normal brain function and overall mental health, says dietician Helen Bond.

BANANAS

This popular lunchbox filler is packed with amino acid tryptophan and vitamins B6 and C, which help support everything from your immune system to eye health. Plus, they're loaded with potassium, known to lower blood pressure. Eat before they're fully ripe, as they contain less sugar then, and you'll avoid the blood-sugar highs and lows that can affect your mood.

DARK CHOCOLATE