Investigating the relationship between mindfulness and self-control related to fruit and vegetable consumption in young adults.

A 4-week behaviour intervention (BI) group designed to increase fruit and vegetable intake in young adults, compared to a combined 4-week behaviour intervention with mindfulness training (BIM) group. Both programs will take place in a classroom setting with one teacher and the group. The behaviour intervention (BI) program will be developed specifically for this study and will comprise of 4 weekly 1-hour meetings over a one month period, consisting of the following topics: a) Week 1: Information on health and behaviour and negative consequences of having an unhealthy diet. b) Week 2: Information on other’s behaviour, seeking approval, and social comparisons. c) Week 3: Motivation and instruction on how to successfully perform the behaviour. d) Week 4: Tips on overcoming hindrances and issues opposing the desired behaviour. The Behaviour Intervention and Mindfulness Group (BIM) will consist of the standard behaviour intervention (see above as presented to the BI group), with additional training and set homework exercises in mindfulness to be practiced on a daily basis over the four week period of the BIM intervention. These components are based on the mindfulness practices from the 8-week MBSR program, which will be condensed for this purpose into a four week intervention: a) Week 1: 40 min Body Scan Exercise and 10 min mindful eating activity b) Week 2: 15-20 min Sitting meditation, mindfulness in daily activities instructions c) Week 3: 20-30 min Sitting meditation, mindfulness in daily activities, 10 min walking meditation d) Week 4: 30-40 min Sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindfulness in daily activities. The homework exercises in mindfulness will consist of a daily 20-30 min sitting or walking meditation practice, with ad-hoc practice of mindfulness in daily activities when suitable. A weekly record will be recorded of time/practice during the four-week program. In total, about 3-5 hours of mindfulness meditation practice per week as homework will be expected of participants in the BIM group. The Fruit and Vegetable Consumption questionnaire will be completed on a daily basis by the participants over the four week period for both the BI and BIM intervention programs to monitor behaviour outcome.