Mindful Eating Questionnaire Research Articles

Are anthropometric measurements an indicator of intuitive and mindful eating?

Intuitive eating and mindful eating are new approach eating behaviors. Assessing the relationship of some anthropometric measurements to intuitive eating and mindful eating. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Adults aged 19-45 living in the center of Ankara the capital of Turkey. 250 volunteers (68 men and 182 women) aged 19-45years. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire contained the Intuitive Eating Scale (IES-2), Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Anthropometric measurements were performed by the researchers themselves. Between-group analyses were performed to test statistical differences and relationships. There was a positive correlation between IES-2 and MEQ-30 scores (r = 0.477; p = 0.000), indicating that the higher the IES-2 scores, the higher the MEQ-30 scores. IES-2 scores and BMI were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) and also MEQ-30 scores were negatively correlated with waist-to-height ratio and BMI (r = - 0.143; p = 0.024, r = - 0.159; p = 0.012). The higher the "disinhibition" and "control of eating," the lower the body weight, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and BMI was found. It was concluded that the more the intuitive eating, the more the mindful eating. And also it is suggested that anthropometric measurements might be an indicator of intuitive eating and mindful eating. Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Eat Like a Chef: A Mindful Eating Intervention for Health Care Providers

ObjectiveTo compare changes in mindful eating habits between students receiving a mindful eating intervention (MEI) vs those who were engaged in usual course work. MethodsFrom 2017 to 2019, 109 nutrition and medical students completed a quasi-experimental study, including usual course work either with or without the addition of a 5-week MEI. The Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) was completed before and after the MEI. Repeated measures MANOVA was used to detect differences in changes in the overall MEQ score and its 5 subscales between groups. ResultsWithin the MEI group (n = 64), overall MEQ, disinhibition, and eating with awareness scores increased significantly (P < .001, P < .001, and P = .004, respectively). No significant changes were noted within the comparison group (n = 45). Significant between-group differences were noted for the changes in the overall MEQ (P = .03) and disinhibition scores (P = .01). Conclusions and ImplicationsMEI participation may improve students’ overall mindful eating scores. Future research could assess a larger cohort of participants, including health care professionals from other disciplines, assess additional mindfulness measures, and follow students for a longer period to determine the long-term effects on participants’ mindful eating.

Treating Severe Obesity to Reduce Dyspnea in Patients With Chronic Lung Disease: A Pilot Mixed Methods Study

Treating Severe Obesity to Reduce Dyspnea in Patients With Chronic Lung Disease: A Pilot Mixed Methods Study

Mindfulness in Eating Is Inversely Related to Binge Eating and Mood Disturbances in University Students in Health-Related Disciplines.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between mindful eating, disordered eating and mood in university students in health-related disciplines. A total of 221 university students participated in the study; 102 students studied sport and exercise science (SS), 54 students pharmacy sciences (PS), and 65 students health sciences (HS). Participants completed the Binge Eating Scale (BES), the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), and the Profile of Mood State questionnaire (POMS). 41% of the students were classified as binge eaters and 57% were above the POMS threshold of depression. Binge eaters were found to have significantly lower MEQ score and significantly higher total mood disturbance scores (TMD) compared to non-binge eaters (p < 0.01). Students with a high depression score exhibited no differences in the MEQ score but a significantly higher BES score compared to non-depressed students (p < 0.01). Gender differences were found in the MEQ with females exhibiting significantly higher scores in the MEQ score and in all MEQ subscales compared to males, with the exception of the emotional subscale that females were noted to have a lower score compared to males (p < 0.01). The MEQ score was inversely related to the BES score (r = −0.30, p < 0.01) and TMD (r = −0.21, p < 0.05). The MEQ score was a significant negative predictor of the variance of the binge eating behavior of the students (B = −3.17, p < 0.001). In conclusion, mindfulness in eating is inversely related to the binge eating behavior and mood state of university students studying health-related subjects and is a significant negative predictor of disordered eating behavior in this high risk population.

REDUCE BREATHLESSNESS THROUGH WEIGHT LOSS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE

SESSION TITLE: Monday Electronic Posters 5 SESSION TYPE: Original Inv Poster Discussion PRESENTED ON: 10/21/2019 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM PURPOSE: There are a variety of mechanisms by which obesity affects the respiratory system, creating increased breathlessness. This symptom is especially troublesome for those who concomitantly suffer from chronic lung disease. For chronic lung patients who are considered optimized from a medical standpoint, weight reduction may be a novel way to reduce shortness of breath, but there are no weight loss programs proven to produce results in this population. The aim of our study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a comprehensive, multi-component lifestyle intervention for patients with lung disease, MRC breathlessness class 2 or greater and clinically significant obesity with BMI>34. METHODS: The components of the intervention included telephonic health coaching, the Weight Watchers lifestyle online program, activity monitoring from a Garmin wristband activity monitor, a Bluetooth scale and mindfulness-based exercises. The participants were expected to wear the Garmin wristband activity monitor, log the food they ate in the Weight Watchers app and do the mindfulness exercises daily. Each week they were asked to weigh themselves with the Bluetooth scale and participate in a health coaching phone call that reviewed the data from the app (steps, weight, food logging) . Outcomes of the study included the chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ), positive and negative affects schedule (PANAS), mindful eating questionnaire (MEQ), body composition, and 6-minute-walk test. RESULTS: Mean starting weight was 265.3 lb with a mean BMI of 43.2. Of the 17 outpatients who were invited to participate in the study, 14 agreed to enroll and 13 finished the program. Eleven of the 14 carried a diagnosis of COPD and the other 3 had asthma. Improvements were seen in weight with average loss of 9lbs (p=0.0003), BMI (p=0.0001), 6-minute-walk distance (p=0.0008), and body fat (p=0.0072), mindful eating questionnaire external domain (p=0.0481) and summary (p=0.0153) and on the CRQ in the domains of fatigue (p=0.0358), and total score (p=0.0185). Every extra day of logging food was associated with a decrease of 0.4 lb, a loss of 0.16% of the baseline weight, and a BMI decrease of 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive, multi component lifestyle intervention is feasible in patients with severe obesity and chronic lung disease and has demonstrated clinically significant results in a small sample size. A potential next step would be a randomized control trial with a larger sample size to better determine the magnitude of effect possible with this intervention and the generalizability of results. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Weight loss is a valid means of reducing breathlessness in patients with chronic lung disease and significant obesity. This particular intervention may improve quality of life and decrease breathlessness in this specific patient group and could be a next step for in treatment for medically optimized patients. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Roberto Benzo, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Kara Dupuy-McCauley, source=Web Response

Mindful Eating Practice Predicts Lower Body Mass Index Among University Students

Background and Objective: The hectic life of university students may contribute to mindless eating and eventually may lead to obesity. Previous studies suggested that adopting mindful eating practice has a positive influence on eating habit modification and obesity rate reduction. Hence, this study aimed to assess the role of mindful eating practice and health attitudes in predicting the body mass index (BMI) of university students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 university students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Participants’ weight and height were measured and they were required to complete the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) and Health Attitude Scale (HAS). Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) of participants was 22.53±4.00 kg mG2 . The highest mean reported for the mindful eating practice subscale is the awareness subscale (mean = 2.7852±0.475). The results showed that a higher MEQ score predicted a lower BMI (p<0.05) and this explained 2% of the variance in BMI. However, BMI was not predicted by health attitudes. Conclusion: The results suggested that the concept of mindfulness has a positive impact on body weight, which could be incorporated into weight loss and weight maintenance intervention programmes.

Mindful eating: Differences of generations and relationship of mindful eating with BMI

The purpose of this study was to find the generational differences and similarities in mindful eating. For this cross-sectional study, Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) was chosen and the Turkish version of the questionnaire was used. Sub-scales of this version were Eating without Thinking, Emotional Eating, Eating Control, Awareness, Eating Discipline, Conscious Nutrition, and Interference. The questionnaire was published on the internet for one week in January 2019.143 males and 455 females aged 15–72 years had joined the survey. In this intergenerational study, there were 43 people from the baby boomers generation, 137 people from X generation, 383 people from Y generation, and 35 people from Z generation. Minimum BMI was 15.79 and maximum was 46.88 for the whole group. BMI values were inversely associated with MEQ score as expected. From this result, it can be said that mindful eating can play an important role in long-term weight maintenance. The mean value of Total Mindful Eating score appeared close to the upper limit in the specified range. This means the internet user participants of the study were mindful eaters. Baby boomers had higher scores for nearly each sub-scales than other generations. The competitive, individualist generation X had had significantly higher scores for Emotional Eating and conscious eating sub-scales than the other generations. The free spirit generation Y had no significant scores in this study. For the lonely, deeply emotional generation Z, mindfulness is not important.

Mindful Awareness or Self-Regulation in Eating: an Investigation into the Underlying Dimensions of Mindful Eating

ObjectivesMindful eating has been suggested to contribute a healthier relationship to food. However, its conceptualization and operationalization need further investigation. Our aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ).MethodsA cross-sectional survey study including a sample of Hungarian university students (N = 323) was conducted to unveil the construct validity of the MEQ.ResultsThe results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed an inadequate fit to the original model. Applying exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirmed the presence of the original five factors with minor deviations from the original structure. Correlation coefficients between factors ranged from − 0.36 to 0.52. As a further step, principal component analysis of the primary factors uncovered two second-order components, self-regulation, and awareness. A multivariate regression analysis with structural equation modeling revealed that higher levels of self-regulation in eating were positively related to trait mindfulness (β = 0.13, p < 0.05) and negatively related to uncontrolled eating (β = − 0.20, p < 0.05), emotional eating (β = − 0.40, p < 0.05), and meditation practice (β = − 0.12, p < 0.05). In turn, awareness was related to lower body mass index (β = − 0.20, p < 0.05) and higher levels of emotional eating (β = 0.20, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results suggest inadequate coherence of the subscales and an unclear locus of mindful eating within the nomological network of related constructs. Our study contributes to the progress in the measurement of mindful eating by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the MEQ. The outcome of the construct validation testing implies the need for further exploration of mindful eating.

Breaking habits with mindful snacking? An email-based intervention targeting unwanted snacking habits in an Australian sample

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential for an email-based, mindful eating exercise to improve unwanted snacking habits. MethodAustralian participants (N = 78, 86% female) with unwanted snacking habits engaged in a mindful eating email-based intervention, over a practice period of two weeks. All measures were completed using an online survey. Habit strength was measured using the Self-Report Habit Index (SHRI). Mindful eating was measured using the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) and self-compassion was measured using the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Participants were emailed a mindful eating exercise and asked to make action plans to practice it. Reminders to perform the task were sent via email after one week. After two weeks, the MEQ, SCS and SHRI were readministered. ResultsHabit strength significantly increased over the two-week period and self-compassion significantly decreased. The amount of practice reported was not associated with these changes, but self-reported effort expended during practice sessions was partially associated. DiscussionThe intervention resulted in increased habit strength; potential mechanisms underlying these changes are discussed. Decreased self-compassion may be linked to both the electronic delivery of the intervention and the nature of the mindful eating task.

Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of mindful eating questionnaire in women who seeking weight reduction

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to test the validity, reliability and factor structure of the original Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) for use in an Iranian population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted on 150 women who attended four athletic gyms and met the inclusion criteria in Ahvaz city in July of 2015. After linguistic validation of the Iranian version of the MEQ, the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) were assessed by an expert panel. Then, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the scale constructs and scale reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability) was assessed with respect to the psychometric properties of the scale.ResultsThe CVR and CVI scores for the MEQ were 0.89 and 0.93, respectively. EFA loaded all 28-items with a 5-factor solution (‘awareness’, ‘distraction’, ‘disinhibition’, ‘emotional response’ and ‘external cues’) that jointly accounted for 53.78% of the observed variance. The results of the EFA supported the item ‘When a restaurant portion is too large, I stop eating when I’m full’ being placed in the external cues rather than the disinhibition subscale. This displacement improved the reliability coefficient for this subscale.The results of internal consistency analysis, including Cronbach’s alpha (ranging from 0.73 to 0.81) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ranging from 0.73 to 0.91) were satisfactory.ConclusionsThe Persian version of the MEQ appears to be valid and reliable; therefore, it can be an effective tool in designing mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of individuals with eating disorders, overweight and obesity in an Iranian population.

Empowering individuals with mental illness to develop healthy eating habits through mindful eating: results of a program evaluation

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Lifestyle factors like unhealthy eating habits contribute significantly to high rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Approaches focusing only on nutritional education and portion control do not address underlying challenges, e.g. effects of medication, mood, stress and anxiety on eating behaviors. We developed a program to enhance self-efficacy and self-regulation based on mindful eating. Mindful eating has been effective in reducing obesity related eating patterns in other populations, but these studies have not included individuals with SMI.Methods: Forty six individuals participated over four rounds of the 14-week mindful eating and nutrition education program, responded to questionnaires about eating behaviors and provided qualitative feedback between January 2013 and December 2016.Results: Pre-post analysis of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire showed that participants ate with significantly greater awareness, less distraction, greater cognitive restraint, and engaged less in over eating and emotional eating at the end of the program. The program was well-received by participants.Conclusions: Mindful eating could improve the long term success of interventions to address unhealthy eating among individuals with SMI. More research is needed with rigorous experimental design, larger samples, and different settings.

Psychological inflexibility in overweight and obese people from the perspective of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

To identify the psychological inflexibility (PI) processes (experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, poor contact with the present moment, unclear personal values and lack of commitment to action) associated with body mass index (BMI), depression, anxiety and stress symptoms and binge eating in overweight and obese people by drawing on the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework. A cross-sectional study of 243 people with a BMI of at least 25 and aged from 18 to 60years old. The following instruments were used: Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ-II), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Weight (AAQ-W), Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ), Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ-7), Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Body Image (CFQ-BI), Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), Binge Eating Scale (BES) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and t tests. There were no differences between BMI categories with respect to PI variables, but PI was positively related to the severity of binge eating and to symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The development of interventions focused on psychological inflexibility can be useful for the treatment of symptoms associated with overweight and obesity. Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Development and initial validation evidence for a mindful eating questionnaire for children

Mindful eating interventions have become a focus among health professionals, which warrants a need for a psychometrically solid assessment tool. The current study outlines the development and initial validation of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) adapted for Children (MEQ-C). Participants included 262 third through fifth grade students (53% female, 57% white, non-Hispanic) who participated in a mindful eating intervention Foodie U. Data was also collected from 140 parents. Exploratory factor analysis delineated two factors (Awareness and Mindless Eating). Test-retest analysis with a subsample (n = 93) indicated moderate correlations for both factors. The two subscales have good construct validity and can be utilized in an exploratory sense for mindful eating interventions among children. Specifically, the eight-item mindless eating subscale has good internal consistency reliability and can independently be used as a questionnaire to assess overall mindless eating practices among children. Further research is needed to explore and better understand domains of mindful eating among children besides awareness.

An Abbreviated Version of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire

ObjectiveTo assess the psychometric properties of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). MethodsA total of 15 mindfulness experts evaluated the content of the 28 items and 5 factors of the MEQ. A sample of 1,067 Italian adults (61.4% women) completed the MEQ and other measures; 62 participants completed a 4-week test-retest. ResultsContent analysis reduced the MEQ to 20 items. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a 2-factor model based on awareness and recognition of hunger and satiety cues. Factors showed adequate internal consistency (α = .75 and .83, respectively) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.73 and 0.85, respectively), and were associated in expected ways, although with small to moderate effect sizes, with general mindfulness, meditation experience, yoga practice, not being on a diet plan, and body mass index categories. Conclusions and ImplicationsFindings provided evidence of validity and reliability for the 20-item MEQ and support its use by clinicians and researchers for addressing eating-related issues.

Understanding maternal dietary choices during pregnancy: The role of social norms and mindful eating

IntroductionSerious health complications associated with excessive weight have been documented for pregnant women and their babies during pregnancy, birth and beyond. Whilst research has focused on identifying particular foods that can be either detrimental or essential for the developing baby, pregnant women's food choices are likely determined by broader considerations. This study examined social influences as represented in reports of descriptive and injunctive social norms related to healthy eating during pregnancy, and individual differences in mindfulness while eating, as important potential correlates of pregnant women's self-reported diet. MethodsPregnant women (N = 139) completed a questionnaire that measured self-reported consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, descriptive and injunctive norms related to healthy eating during pregnancy and the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to assess the extent to which norms and mindful eating accounted for variance in consumption of both foods. ResultsNo significant associations were observed between perceived social norms related to diet during pregnancy and self-reported dietary behaviour. Mindful eating was found to play a role in pregnant women's eating behaviour, with the awareness subscale of the MEQ significantly associated with healthy eating and the emotional subscale associated with unhealthy eating. Age was also associated with consumption of unhealthy foods; younger pregnant women reported consuming more unhealthy snacks and fast food meals. ConclusionsThe associations between mindful eating and dietary behaviour suggests that improving mindfulness related to food consumption before and during pregnancy may provide a strategy to address excessive gestational weight gain.

Exploring Mindful Eating and Weight Status Among Underserved Youth and Their Parents Living in Public Housing

There is growing interest on the effects of mindfulness techniques, particularly mindful eating (ME), on eating behaviors and weight status. This study aimed to (1) evaluate whether the ME practices of adult parents and adolescents were associated to their respective weight status and (2) assess the relationship between a parent’s ME behaviors and those of their adolescent child. Data was collected as part of a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional observational study conducted with primarily Hispanic parent and youth dyads (n = 57) from public housing sites in Phoenix, Arizona. Participants completed the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) and research staff collected anthropometric data. Adjusted multivariate linear regressions were used in data analysis. No associations were observed between ME and weight status for either parents or youth. However, parent overall MEQ scores were associated with adolescent overall MEQ scores (r = 0.47, p < .01). Analysis using adjusted regressions confirmed the findings: overall adolescent MEQ score was associated with overall parent MEQ score (p < .01). These findings suggested that there may not be a relationship between weight status and ME among this low-income population. However, the relationship between parent and youth ME scores highlights the need for further research on the long-term impact ME has on weight status of youth over time.

Examination of the reliability and validity of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire in pregnant women

ObjectiveMindfulness is theorized to affect the eating behavior and weight of pregnant women, yet no measure has been validated during pregnancy. MethodsThis study qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated the reliability and validity of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) in overweight and obese pregnant women. Participants completed focus groups and cognitive interviews. The MEQ was administered twice to measure test-retest reliability. The Eating Inventory (EI) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) were administered to assess convergent validity, and the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS) assessed discriminant validity. ResultsParticipants were 20 ± 8 weeks gestation (mean ± SD), 30 ± 2 years old, and 55% were obese. The MEQ total score had good test-retest reliability (r = .85). The total score internal consistency reliability was poor (Cronbach's α = .56). The external cues subscale (ECS) was not internally consistent (α = .31). Other subscales ranged from α = .59–.68. When the ECS was excluded, the MEQ total score internal consistency was acceptable (α = .62). Convergent validity was supported by the MEQ total score (with and without ECS) correlating significantly with the MAAS and the EI disinhibition and hunger subscales. Discriminant validity of the MEQ was supported by the MEQ and NEWS total scores and subscales not being significantly correlated. The quantitative results were supported by the qualitative context and content analysis. ConclusionWith the exception of the ECS, the MEQ's reliability and validity was supported in pregnant women, and most of the subscales were more robust in pregnant women than in the original sample of healthy adults. The MEQ's use with overweight and obese pregnant women is supported.

Mindfulness and Nutrition in College Age Students

Primary Objective: The obesity rate among young Americans is now almost 25% with higher rates found in minority populations; lack of exercise and poor eating habits are some of the leading causes. The collegiate environment provides a unique opportunity to share nutrition-related knowledge while enhancing students’ awareness,both of which may ultimately lead to changes in health-related behaviors. Mindful eating is associated with a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and an increased intake of fruits and vegetables. A semester-long nutrition course may result in an increased awareness of eating patterns and may be associated with improvements in dietary intake over time.Methods: Of the 38 students registered for a college-level nutrition course held during an almost four-month-long-semester, 37 self-selected to complete an anonymous Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) before and after taking the nutrition course; the participants also answered two open-ended questions for qualitative data collection post-test.Results: Of the 37 students 22 were female and 16 male between the ages of 18 and 24; 35 % self-identified as African American, 29% self-identified as white, 22% as self-identified as Latino/Hispanic, 10% self-identified as other and 2% self-identified as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. No significant change in the MEQ score occurred from pre to post-test; however, there was a trend towards improvement. The students’ answers to open-ended questions regarding any shifts in understanding, approach, or changes in eating habits, revealed overwhelming increases in mindful eating and dietary changesConclusions: A collegiate course taught over a semester is a unique opportunity to introduce nutrition information, emphasizing the connection between nutrition, optimal health, and disease prevention. A student’s exposure to nutrition information while also observing their own eating patterns over time can provide a non-judgmental informed space that allows for the development of a heightened awareness. In turn, the heightened awareness can lead to changes in eating behaviors as evidenced here.

The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation Techniques During Yoga and Cycling

Background: The majority of U.S. Americans do not participate in regular physical activity or eat properly, resulting in 69% of the population being obese and/or overweight. Selfregulatory abilities can enable an individual to adopt health behaviors that enhance health outcomes. Mindfulness is the ability to direct the mind to the current state while cultivating a sense of nonjudgment. The purpose of this research was to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation techniques presented while participants were engaging in both yoga and cycling. Materials and Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise intervention that included 30 minutes of yoga followed by 30 minutes of indoor cycling, or a control group that received no intervention and did not cycle. For the intervention group, during the yoga and cycling sessions, mindfulness techniques, such as breathwork, visualization, body scanning, and mindfulness-based readings were provided. Participants assessed their feeling responses immediately following both yoga and cycling using the ExerciseInduced Feeling Inventory (EFI) scale. Additional data were collected using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), and the General Well Being Schedule (GWBS). Results: For this study, 29 adults were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 16 were assigned to the control group. More participants were assigned to the intervention group in order to detect a change if it existed. Participants engaged in the physical activities continuously for two 1-hour sessions per week, for 4 or 8 weeks, depending upon the subjects’ availability during the summer months. The FFMQ revealed a significant within-subjects increase in overall mindfulness score from pretest to post-test in the intervention group (P < 0.048) and significant improvements occurred in the facets of Observe (P < 0.008) and Non-judge (P < 0.035). A significant between-subjects crossover effect in mindful eating (P < 0.029) was measured, with the control group’s scores decreasing and the intervention group’s scores increasing. The GWBS data showed a within-group significant improvement (P < 0.048). During both cycling and yoga, the participants reported “feeling moderately” that they were upbeat, refreshed, peaceful, happy, energetic, enthusiastic, calm, and revived. Conclusion: Participating in physical activity while incorporating mindfulness meditation techniques is a productive way to improve mindfulness. The positive feeling states following both yoga and cycling suggest that mindfulness techniques may support the ability to direct the mind and reduce negative sensations. Mindfulness promotes self-care and selfawareness; ultimately, combining mindfulness with the participation of physical activity may be a successful approach toward the improvement of health-behavior management.

Plasma Total Homocysteine and its Relationship with Cardiovascular Disease

Physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity are serious issues plaguing the American public. The extent to which regular yoga participation may be associated with the adoption and maintenance of health enhancing behaviors necessitates further investigation. Through a mixed method of inquiry, this study investigated the exercise and eating habits of adults who participate in yoga on a regular basis exploring facets of mindful eating, exercise habits, and body mass index. Survey packets were distributed across seven yoga studios and fitness facilities in central New Jersey; 87 adults with a mean age of 47 years self-selected to participate. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected including a Mindful Eating Questionnaire, a 7-Day Physical Activity Recall, height and weight, yoga tenure recorded in months/years of consistent yoga participation, and average daily fruit and vegetable intake. Results showed that mindful eating was inversely correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and that 72% of the yoga participants had a BMI of 24.9 or less, placing them in the normal weight category. A significant difference existed in mindful eating score relative to yoga tenure and vegetable and fruit intake relative to yoga tenure. Participants reported a mean of 239 minutes of weekly exercise other than yoga participation. Qualitative data were collected through two open-ended questions to ascertain the participants’ perceptions of yoga and their health-related behaviors; the data revealed that 87% of participants felt yoga enhanced their exercise adherence and 91% reported yoga promoted the adoption of positive health habits. The results suggest that yoga participation is associated with mindful eating and the adoption and maintenance of other positive health-related outcomes such as regular physical activity and weight management.