The Relationship between Mindful Eating and Portion Amounts of Daily Foods Consumed in Adults

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindful eating and daily consumed portion amounts of foods.

Individuals and Method: A total of 332 adult individuals, 127 men, and 205 women, between the ages of 19-45 years participated in this research. Research data was collected with an online survey form. Mindful Eating (ME), was measured using the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-30). Mindful Eating Scale was evaluated by taking the average of the total score and sub-factor scores. Scores of three and above indicate that ME is high. Food consumption data were obtained by evaluating the portion amounts of foods consumed daily by individuals according to the Food and Nutrition Guide Specific to Türkiye.

Results: Individuals’ mindful eating was found to be high. (MEQ-30 total score mean was 3.29±0.46). Among the sub-factors, emotional eating score was higher in men, while eating control and conscious nutrition score were higher in women (p<0.05). The amount of daily consumed portions of foods and the amount of fat consumption did not differ according to the gender (p>0,05). Only, daily sugar consumption was higher in men (p<0.05). As the portion amount of bread-cereal group foods increased, all sub-factor scores except awareness and interference, and MEQ-30 total score decreased (p<0.05). There was a positive relationship between the portion amount of dairy foods and the eating discipline score (p<0.01). According to the results of the regression analysis, 7.4% of the variance in the MEQ-30 total score was explained by the amount of portions of foods in the bread-cereal group and vegetable-fruit group, while 1.7% was explained by the amount of fat consumed daily. The portion size of bread-cereal group foods and the amount of fat consumed daily were significant independent variables on the MEQ-30 total score (p<0.001).

Conclusion: ME could be effective in providing portion control and choosing healthy foods. In individuals with ME, especially the consumption of bread-cereal group foods is high. Using ME practices in healthy nutrition will benefit individuals in terms of behavioral change.