That's Fit

I don't recommend the sort of happy meal you'd find at McDonald's and other fast food joints. But I do suggest you try some of the happy foods Redbook magazine features in its June 2008 issue. For the whole run-down -- there are 15 of them in all -- head on over to this site. For a little taste, keep on reading this post.

First, let me tell you why these foods are considered "happy." It's because they do more than fuel the body -- they help fight stress, fatigue, even the blues. They make us feel good. They make us feel, well, happy. And here they are.

Oatmeal: Ever met a dieter who is angry and tense all the time? It's likely a lack of carbohydrates causing such irritation. We need carbs. Not doughnut carbs, but carbs rich in fiber so the body absorbs them slowly and allows serotonin to flow steadily. Oatmeal fits the bill. So do whole-wheat pasta and beans.

Whole-grain toast: To boost brain power, go for whole grains. They digest slowly and feed the brain with glucose -- the gas that makes it go. Glucose is also found in white bread and packaged cookies but it comes on too strong and too fast, causing blood sugar to spike and crash. This leads to impaired brain function -- poor judgment, memory lapses, analytical glitches -- so try whole-grain bread for breakfast. Studies show it will keep your blood sugar stable for 10 hours. Want something even better? Top your toast with some protein, like almond butter or a slice of low-fat cheese.

Almonds. Need energy? Eat almonds. They have lots of healthy fat, fiber, and magnesium, which helps convert carbs, protein, and fat into energy. Women with low levels of magnesium in one study were found to be much more tired than women with higher levels. A quarter of a cup of almonds provides 25 percent of the 320 mg women need daily. Add some Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds and a healthy trail mix you'll have.

Want more bliss in your life? Check out the other 12 happy meals here.