1.     Peppermint. It's nature's drill sergant, telling your brain to "wake up and focus!" Perfect for all thise must-do holiday details. The next time you're dragging, pop a piece of peppermint gum and listen to your brain say, "can do!"

2.      Dark chocolate. An ounce or two may be just enough to release the feel-good brain chemical serotonin, plus you'll get a three-way energy kick from chocolate's caffeine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine (a cousin of amphetamine). And the antioxidants in 70% dark chocolate do your arteries good too. No wonder we crave the irresistible stuff.

3.      Wild salmon (mackerel and herring, too). Logged more miles in a day at the mall than you usually do in a week on the treadmill? The accumulated anti-inflammatory action of omega-3s in a fish platter or a grilled salmon steak can help ease the wear-and-tear on your tired body.

4.      Half a dozen Blue Points.  You get more zinc from six oysters than you need in a day to fuel your production of testosterone-the hormone that keeps both men and women in the mood for love. Oysters are also a storehouse of dopamine, the brain's pleasure chemical.