Mood and carbohydrate cravings

The relationship between mood and carbohydrate cravings, and the possible r ole of gender in these associations, was investigated in a sample of 113 ma les and 138 Female college students. Participants completed a Cravings Ques tionnaire and several mood inventories (profile of mood states, Beck Depres sion Inventory, and the Vitality Inventory) in groups of 25. Individuals cl assifying themselves as "carbohydrate cravers" reported foods rich in carbo hydrates, and "protein cravers" reported protein-rich foods as being the on es they most strongly craved. Carbohydrate cravers reported feeling distres sed prior to their cravings and satisfied, happy/good and relaxed following carbohydrate consumption. Protein cravers reported feeling anxious or hung ry prior to their cravings and happy, normal, bored, and energetic followin g protein-rich food consumption. A non-significant correlation existed betw een "protein" cravers' ratings of craving intensity and mood, but a signifi cant positive correlation existed between "carbohydrate" cravers' ratings o f craving intensity and almost all mood scales assessed for both male and f emale "carbohydrate" cravers. The correlation between craving intensity and mood existed predominately with individuals who craved sweet carbohydrate- rich foods. (C) 2001 Academic Press.