Compared to self-immersion, mindful attention reduces salivation and automatic food bias
Scientific Reports October 17, 2017 Constanza Baquedano, Rodrigo C. Vergara, Vladimir Lopez et al. 34 citations
Imagining food can make it feel real, but mindful attention reduces this effect. In one condition, participants were instructed to immerse themselves in food images; in another, they applied mindful attention. Saliva volume and automatic approach bias toward attractive food were measured. Mindful attention reduced saliva volume and automatic approach bias compared to immersion. During immersion, higher saliva volume, subjective realism, and food craving traits were linked to stronger approach bias, while meditation experience was linked to weaker bias. The findings suggest that mindful attention can de-automatize automatic food biases.