When you hear the phrase "happy foods," which dishes come to mind? Many people think of sugary desserts or fatty fast foods, says Felice Jacka with the Food and Mood Centre at Deakin University, in Geelong, Australia. After all, in the U.S., we celebrate with cake and ice cream. Parties often feature pizza. Our Thanksgiving feasts usually end in an array of pies and whipped cream.

But the idea that these foods will make you happy comes directly from advertisers , Jacka says. "People are like walking wallets to food companies ," and they sell you this myth that eating these foods will make you feel good.

"It's a bit like if you gave someone a glass of champagne. Feels good in the short term, but the long-term impact is the opposite," Jacka says.

Food impacts mood

For the past fift

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