Most people recognize comfort foods as the familiar ice cream or macaroni & cheese or fried chicken or even udon noodles- usually it’s the basics you grew up on that make you feel good. According to a new study men and women are divided when it comes to the ultimate comfort food. So what simple culinary delight leaves you feeling happy when you are sick, or tired, or far from home?

If you are female, the study, published in Physiology and Behavior, claims you prefer sweet-tasting comfort snacks that take little preparation when you are feeling down. The study reveals men prefer meat and meals prepared by mom as their comfort food. And unlike women, they eat mostly when they are feeling at their best.

Mood can also determine what foods give comfort. A person may crave pizza when happy, reach for cookies when sad, and open up a bag of potato chips when bored.

Women trying to lose weight may want to follow the men’s approach -  while sweets and fatty foods are better at helping to eliminate negative emotions, a favorite salad or fruit or a piece of baked chicken can also make you feel better, without the guilt. Comfort foods can be healthy and are not always high-fat/high-sugar combinations. Whether you favor a hot fudge sundae or a T-bone steak, slow down, savor it, and enjoy every bite.