We all know some foods make you gain weight, while others help you lose it. However, did you know food might affect your mood?

During stressful times, almost all of us feel the temptation to grab so-called “comfort foods.” According to health experts from institutions like New York University and the Mayo Clinic, however, going for the typical chocolate bar may only worsen your mood in the long run.

This is because every piece of food you put in your body has a chemical effect. It's that chemical effect that causes mood alterations. Certain foods — like caffeine, for instance — cause an initial increase in blood-sugar levels, making you feel energetic and happy. That feels great, right? It comes back to haunt you, though, when the caffeine makes your blood sugar drop and sluggishness and irritability set in. The food that gives an initial boost in mood may turn around and make you worse off than before.

What about that bagel or pastry you have for breakfast? By midmorning, the carb overload that made you so energetic that morning will swing the other way and leave you feeling tired. That's because carbohydrates release serotonin. In proper amounts, serotonin causes a sense of calm and relaxation. In excessive amounts, like from a pastry full of refined flour and sugar, it causes you to feel sluggish and drowsy.

So what happens next? If you reach for a cup of coffee or another empty carb, the cycle will continue. Even worse, your good (or bad) mood will start to depend on whether you get your “fix” of the foods that put you in this position in the first place.

According to experts like Samantha Heller of the New York University Medical Center, the key to a more positive mood is to give your body the healthy fuels it needs to maintain a steady blood-sugar level. To do that, you need to avoid mood-altering foods like caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar and white flour. Instead, give your body the fuels it really needs to operate at its maximum capability — water, vegetables, fruits, raw seeds, whole grains, high-quality proteins and healthy fats.

When your body gets the nutrients it needs, it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain balance. For instance, protein causes increased alertness and energy, so just adding 21 to 28 grams of protein to your morning meal will help you get through the morning better. The overall effect is a happier, healthier you.

If you experience mood swings or if your energy goes up and down like a yo-yo, eating healthy foods will make a world of difference in your life. Also, getting those foods as close as possible to their natural state — such as with raw fruits, vegetables and seeds — will help even more.

So, the next time you feel tempted to indulge in “comfort food,” take comfort in the fact that, by passing it by in favor of healthier foods, you can create a happier, healthier existence for you and your body.