It can be difficult to stick to dietary changes. A randomized controlled trial found that mindfulness training can help.
The study gave home blood-pressure monitoring devices to 201 participants with high blood pressure. The control group was given educational brochures on controlling high blood pressure. The intervention group received ten educational sessions, including an orientation, a seven-and-a-half-hour one-day course, and eight two-and-a-half-hour group mindfulness training sessions. Education was aimed at addressing blood pressure risk factors such as following the DASH dietary pattern, being physically active, lowering alcohol consumption if necessary, and taking blood pressure medication as directed. These participants were encouraged to practice mindfulness (such as meditation, yoga, self-awareness, attention control, and emotion regulation) at home for at least 45 minutes a day, six days a week.
Six months later, participants in the intervention group were more aware of their bodies, including their hunger and fullness cues, and more likely to be following the DASH diet than those in the control group. Being more mindful of one’s thoughts, feelings, actions, and bodily reactions may support healthy decision making.