Mood News.(Survey)

Byline: Lois B. Morris

31% of women say they are comfort eaters. --American Psychological Association

Sugar and Stress

P eople under stress often reach for carbohydrates, including sugar, research shows. Besides having a comforting effect, the simple carbohydrate glucose is known to improve mental performance--even in conditions of high stress, a new study from the Netherlands suggests. C.R. Markus, a psychologist at Maastricht University, gave 37 healthy men and women a glass of orange juice containing either 20 grams of sugar or a nonsugar sweetener. Then the researchers attempted to increase the subjects' stress levels by having them perform a variety of demanding tasks and intermittently place one hand in ice water. Three weeks later, the volunteers repeated the experiment after having the other drink. Markus reported that the participants performed more quickly and accurately and felt more energized when they consumed the sugary, high-carbohydrate beverage. Blood samples indicated that such a drink may increase chemicals in the body that help the brain absorb tryptophan, which in turn helps the brain synthesize the hormone serotonin, a regulator of mood and energy. To try to reap these benefits yet avoid overeating under stress, fruit is a healthier choice than a sugary drink or processed foods.

Looks vs. Health

Women who exercise primarily for its effect on their looks might be more motivated if they instead focused on their health. In a study led by Thomas D. Raedeke, a sport psychologist at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, women took a single workout class. With half of the participants, the instructor wore tight-fitting exercise clothes and made comments such as "Stand tall, ...