Revealed: The meals which make Brits the unhappiest

For some, nothing makes them feel better than cozying up on the couch after a long day of work and digging into a piping-hot cheesy slice of pizza.

But it turns out pizza is the meal that makes Brits feel the unhappiest.

According to a survey, 46 per cent of participants said the Italian staple made them feel ‘bad’ after eating it.

In fact, it’s mainly comfort meals like burgers and chips, Yorkshire puddings and fried chicken that are making the nation sad.

Even the national dish, fish and chips has made the list – with 42 per cent saying the seaside classic is making them miserable.

Lily Soutter, Nutritionist BSc MSc ANutr, who worked on the study, said: ‘These typically beige meals often come in large portion sizes and are high in fat, refined carbohydrates and salt, which may lead to the common post-meal slump and uncomfortable bloating.

‘They also lack the same brain-friendly nutrients and fibre found in wholefoods.’

Ms Soutter explained that comfort foods are popular because they activate initial reward centres in the brain but the effects are short-lived, causing an emotional dip after the food’s been eaten.

Three quarters of people agree that typically greasy food gives them an initial mood boost but once they’ve put down their knife and fork they feel uncomfortable.

In reality, 85 per cent are left feeling bloated for an average of 47 minutes after eating their favourite meals.

The research states that foods like grilled chicken with crunchy cabbage and steamed salmon with roasted vegetables and herbed potatoes are more likely to make us happy.

Ms Soutter added: ‘Nutrition plays a powerful role in emotional wellbeing.

‘Simple swaps – like adopting a Mediterranean diet alongside managing our stress and improving sleep – can have a profound impact on improving our mood.

‘Other ways to support your emotional wellbeing through diet and lifestyle include incorporating more gut-friendly foods, staying hydrated, practicing mindful eating and embracing the power of supplements.

‘Research shows that almost half (46 per cent) of people don’t currently take probiotics, even though a quarter (24 per cent) are considering it.

‘A balanced lifestyle is built on multiple factors, all of which contribute to emotional wellbeing.

‘The research also shows that eating healthy dishes is even harder during the colder months with half admitting that cold weather makes them crave stodge.’

File Image: Half of Brits admit that food is the first thing they turn to when feeling down

Yet half of Brits admit that food is the first thing they turn to when feeling down and 59 per cent confessed that after eating they feel more miserable than they did before.

Other unhappy dishes that Brits find hard to turn down are bacon sandwiches (19 per cent), spaghetti Bolognese (18 per cent), apple crumble and custard (18 per cent), lasagne (17 per cent) and sausage and mash (15 per cent).

Zoe Cooper, Innovation Manager at Garden of Life, who commissioned the survey of 2,000 Brits, said: ‘Our research shows that mood significantly impacts eating habits, with lasting effects on both body and mind.

‘Stress and poor sleep are key factors, making it essential to support emotional wellbeing through mindful eating, gut-friendly foods, stress management, hydration, and regular exercise.’