Mindful Construal Reflections: Reducing Unhealthier Eating Choices

• Published in: Mindfulness 2021-07, Vol.12 (7), p.1757-1767
• Main Authors: Hussain, Misba, Egan, Helen, Keyte, Rebecca, Mantzios, Michail
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Consent; Diet; Eating behavior; Food; Fruits; Health care; Hunger; Intervention; Mindfulness; Original Paper; Pediatrics; Psychology; Public Health; Social norms; Social Sciences
• ISSN: 1868-8527; 1868-8535
• DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01638-0

Objectives Regularly choosing unhealthy energy-dense foods can have negative health consequences. The present study tested whether a mindful eating–specific tool, namely Mindful Construal Reflection (MCR), would promote healthier eating behaviors. Methods Eighty-five university students were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness or control condition and were served M&Ms and grapes as an unhealthy and healthy option respectively. Results Participants in the mindfulness condition consumed significantly less M&Ms than those in the control condition, but no significant differences were found in the consumption of grapes between the two conditions. Furthermore, control participants ate significantly more M&Ms when displaying some hunger compared to those presenting no hunger, and although participants in the mindfulness condition also ate more when displaying some hunger, this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Together, these results suggest that the MCR may be effective in reducing consumption of unhealthy energy-dense foods. However, future research is warranted in developing the MCR to encourage consumption of healthier food options.