Colleen Pierre, RD, is an associate profesor of aging, nutrition, and fitness at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and coauthor of Jerry Baker's Giant Book of Kitchen Counter Cures (Baker Books 2001). We got this from prevention.com

SAD Meals to Make You Happy

Ease your Seasonal Affective Disorder with these meal plans designed to lift your mood

by Colleen Pierre, RD

If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), try a high-carb diet from November to March. But not everyone with the condition responds well to carbs. Those who don't may find relief on a high-protein diet, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, who designed these menus.

High-Carbohydrate Diet

Breakfast: Oatmeal with wheat germ and fat-free milk, whole wheat toast with jam, orange juice

Snack: The PMS Smoothie: Soak 4 dried apricots in 1/2 cup of apple juice, then drain. Place in a blender with 1/2 cup of fat-free milk, 2 tablespoons of orange juice concentrate, 1 banana, 2 peeled kiwifruits, 3 tablespoons of wheat germ, and ice. Blend for 3 minutes. Makes two 8-oz servings

Lunch: Curried mixed vegetables and tofu, brown rice, nectarine

Snack: Whole wheat bagel with fat-free cream cheese, kiwifruit

Dinner: Broiled salmon, baked potato with fat-free sour cream and chives, steamed green beans, salad with dressing, fat-free milk

Snack: 1/2 toasted English muffin with jam

High-Protein Diet

Breakfast: Egg white omelette, low-fat cheese, and spinach; whole wheat toast; cantaloupe; fat-free milk

Snack: Almonds and dried fruit, orange juice

Lunch: Turkey sandwich on whole wheat, spinach salad with dressing, fat-free milk, nectarine

Snack: Low-fat cheese and whole grain crackers, kiwifruit

Dinner: Spaghetti with marinara sauce, steamed green beans, garlic bread, salad with dressing, fruit plate

Snack: 1/2 toasted English muffin with jam

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