Mindful Eating Is Related to Lower Intake of Energy and Added Sugars Among Overweight, Premenopausal Women

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Mindful eating (ME) is the act of engaging in intentional awareness to eating experiences and internal body sensations in a non-judgmental manner. ME interventions have improved stress-related eating, which is associated with increased energy intake from highly palatable foods. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between ME and dietary intake. Methods Premenopausal, overweight/obese [body mass index (BMI) of 25–40 kg/m2], women (n = 65), ages 25–50 years, completed three days of dietary recalls using the Automated Self-administered Recall System (ASA24) and an online survey including the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). A 5-point Likert Scale was used to assess MEQ responses with higher scores reflecting greater ME. Linear regression was used to assess relationships between MEQ scores and energy intake, as well as, energy from saturated fat and added sugars. Results The average MEQ score was 3.22 (SD = 0.48). On average, participants consumed 1852 (SD = 540) kcals with 12.8% (SD = 3.5) and 10.8% (SD = 6.3) kcals from saturated fat and added sugars, respectively. MEQ scores were inversely related to overall energy intake (β = −349, F = 6.95, P = 0.01), and percentage of energy from added sugars (β = −3.44, F = 4.77, P = 0.03). Saturated fat intake was not related to MEQ scores. Energy intake was inversely related to only three of the five MEQ subscales: eating with awareness (β = −273, F = 7.40, P = 0.01), stress/emotional eating (β = −140, F = 4.49, P = 0.04), and distracted eating (β = −194, F = 6.13, P = 0.02). Conclusions Overweight/obese women consumed significantly less energy by paying attention to flavors, colors, textures, and tastes of food, eating meals without distractions, and coping with stress through means other than food. Interestingly, energy intake was unrelated to eating based on biological or environmental cues. Funding Sources Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine DPG, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Research Grant Committee, University of Alabama.