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Mindful eating is associated with a healthier plant-based diet in the NutriNet-Santé study
Emerging research suggests that mindful eating (ME) may facilitate the adoption of healthy plant-based diets, although current evidence remains limited. The association between plant-based dietary patterns and ME was investigated in this cross-sectional study by Paolassini-Guesnier et al. (2025). In 2023, data from 13,768 individuals in the NutriNet-Santé cohort were analyzed. Participants completed the Mind-Eat Scale, at least three 24-hour food diaries, and a food choice questionnaire. The authors used the following metrics to evaluate plant-based food consumption: the healthy PDI (hPDI), the overall Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI), and the unhealthy PDI (uPDI). The relationship between ME and these indices, as well as intake of animal products (meat, fish, and dairy), and specific diet patterns, was assessed using statistical analyses that controlled for demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Results showed that higher levels of ME were positively associated with PDI and hPDI scores, and inversely related to uPDI, meat, and dairy consumption. Individuals with stronger ME tendencies were significantly more likely to consume less meat, and to follow diets such as pesco-vegetarian, vegetarian, or vegan. These findings suggest that mindful eating may encourage healthier plant-based dietary choices and reduced intake of animal products. To validate and build on these findings, more research using longitudinal investigations is required. [NPID: Nutrition, plant-based diets, vegetarian, vegan, mindful eating]
Year: 2025
