Mindful Eating: Self-Regulation Strategies for Dysregulated Eating

This chapter explores the relationship between mindfulness and dysregulated eating, focusing on mindful eating as an effective approach to achieve better-regulated eating behaviors. Dysregulated eating behaviors will be conceptualized as maladaptive strategies rooted in reward-based patterns, emotional regulation, and responses to dietary restraint. The components of mindful eating and how targeting them through particular strategies can improve dysregulated eating behaviors will also be explored. Through a narrative review of reviews, the current state of mindful eating interventions and their impact on emotion regulation, self-regulation, and psychological well-being are described. Examples of mindful eating strategies are provided, demonstrating their role in fostering healthier choices, portion control via awareness of hunger and satiety cues, and the alignment of one’s attention and attitude toward the eating experience. The chapter acknowledges current limitations, including inconsistent definitions and applications of mindful eating techniques, while charting future directions for research methodologies and a comprehensive exploration of the attitude component of mindful eating.