Abstract
Objective
The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate a 5-week intervention that targeted
self-regulation and healthy food liking through mindfulness and classroom-based games
with exposure to fruits and vegetables.
Methods
Children (mean age, 3.6 ± 0.05 years) in 1 Head Start center received the classroom-based intervention (n = 24) and children in a second
did not (n = 15). Assessments of self-regulation and liking of fruits and vegetables
were administered pre- and postintervention.
Results
Children in the intervention, but not the comparison group, experienced significant
improvements in behavioral regulation (P = 0.003) and liking of fruits and vegetables (P = 0.02).
Conclusions and Implications
This study lays a foundation for future research that replicates findings with a larger
sample using a randomized controlled design, incorporates more typical mindful eating
practices, and includes additional, broader measures of food liking.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 21,
2020
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors have not stated any conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
