Healthy eating is a great way of combating the winter blues, one article has suggested.

People need to opt for healthy recipes 80 per cent of the time, with treats reserved for once in a while, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Some of the best foods home cooks can go for are free-range turkey, buckwheat, flaxseed and dark chocolate, the article explained, as these can all help improve a person's mood.

Lemon grass chicken skewers with a spicy squash salad was also recommended by the newspaper, as was baked sea bass with avocado and pomegranate for those feeling down after the festive season.

This follows the launch of a new healthy eating initiative from the government, aimed at getting people to buy healthier ingredients and engaging in more exercise.

Many households will receive a voucher booklet to give them money off activities and foods.