Objectives
In response to increasing environmental and nutritional challenges, mindfulness and mindful eating are gaining considerable prominence as innovative strategies that may contribute to sustainable food choices. However, research on the role of these approaches in sustainable food choices, especially concerning their influence on food selection, remains inconclusive and incoherent. This review aimed to identify and summarize available empirical evidence investigating the association of mindfulness and mindful eating (both as a trait and a state) with these food choices, and the effectiveness of mindfulness and mindful eating practices in promoting them.
Method
A literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar until January 2024. A total of 477 records were identified, of which 16 papers met the inclusion criteria. Specifically, 9 studies relied on a correlational design, while the remaining evidence employed an experimental approach.
Results
The results of this review indicated that mindfulness and mindful eating can be related to sustainable food consumption and adherence to environmentally friendly dietary models. However, the extent to which they enhance sustainable food behaviors remains unclear. Mindfulness-based interventions primarily demonstrated their potential in enhancing awareness, attitudes and intentions to adopt more sustainable dietary practices rather than in directly changing individuals'current behavior.
Conclusions
This review showed considerable heterogeneity in the included studies and highlighted research gaps that should be addressed to overcome the inconsistencies and limitations of the existing evidence. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Preregistration
This study is not preregistered.