You know the story. You're feeling down, you need a pick-me-up and eating chocolate seems like a perfectly reasonable option. After all, indulging in your favourite snack makes you feel better, doesn't it?

Turns out, you might as well be munching on carrot sticks.

Research published in the Health Psychology journal suggests that eating nothing has the same effect on a bad mood as comfort foods.

The study asked participants to watch an 18-minute video designed to make them feel anxious or depressed. They were then split into three groups and given either their preferred comfort food, a granola bar (the neutral food) or no food at all.

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The results? "Participants' moods improved over time," said the researchers. However, "this happened to the same extent regardless of which type of food they ate, or whether they at any food at all," they added.

While 81% of the group believed eating comfort food would make them feel better, the researchers explained this is just an "excuse" to satisfy their cravings and eliminating this belief could encourage healthier diet choices.

"Removing an excuse for eating a high-calorie or high-fat food may help people develop and maintain healthier eating habits, and may lead them to focus on other, food-free methods of improving their mood," they said.

And we thought a plate full of mac and cheese could solve everything.

Here's some healthy eating inspiration the next time you're feeling down in the dumps...