Evaluation of the relationship between mindful eating and diet quality of adult individuals

This study has been conducted with 207 volunteer men and women adults between age 20-50 in Ankara. The demographic characteristics, health information, physical activity status and nutritional habits of the participants were obtained through face-to-face questionnaires. In addition, Mindful Eating Questionnaires (MEQ-30), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS) were applied to the individuals and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score was calculated with the data obtained from the 24-hour recall food consumption record. Anthropometric measurements of the participants were taken with a bioelectrical impedance analysis device. Women' MEDAS score was found higher than men' (p<0.05). On the other hand, HEI-2015 score did not differ between women and men participants (p<0.05). The total score of MEQ-30, disinhibition and emotional eating subscales were found higher in men (p<0.05). As mindful eating increases BMI decreases for all participants and only in women waist circumference, body fat ratio and waist/hip ratio decrease (p<0.05). As the MEQ-30 total score increases, both women' and men' carbohydrate intake decreases and only women's intake of energy, protein, fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6 and niacin also decreases (p<0.05). As mindful eating increases, for all participants greens and beans score increases; also ın women consumption of milk and dairy, in men consumption of refined grains increases (p<0.05). It was determined that as MEQ-30 subscales of the eating discipline score increases and the awareness score decreases, HEI-2015 score increases (p<0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between the total score of MEQ-30, and HEI-2015 and MEDAS scores (p>0.05). Increase in mindful eating may have health promoting and quality of life increasing effects by providing improvements in diet quality.