Integrating Yogic Dietary Concepts and Mindful Eating for Mental Well-Being: A Narrative Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Mental well-being is increasingly challenged by modern lifestyles characterized by chronic stress, unhealthy dietary patterns, and mind–body disconnection. While Yogic practices have long emphasized mental discipline, self-regulation, and holistic health, mindful eating has emerged in contemporary health sciences as an effective approach to improving psychological and metabolic outcomes. Classical Yogic concepts such as Mitahara, Yama, Niyama, and Sattvika Ahara inherently embody principles of mindful eating. Despite these conceptual parallels, yet their integrative role in promoting mental well-being remains underexplored within a unified conceptual framework. Aim & objective: To critically review and synthesize classical Yogic concepts related to food and eating behaviours and examine their relevance to modern mindful eating practices. Material and Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using classical Yogic texsts (Gherand Samhita, Haṭha Yoga Pradipika, Bhagavad Gita, Shiv samhita) and contemporary peer-reviewed literature on mindful eating, dietary awareness, and behavioral nutrition. Relevant studies were identified through electronic databases and classical references using keywords ‘Eating Awareness’, ‘Mindful Eating’, ‘Yogic Diet’, ‘Mitahara,’Result: The review demonstrates substantial conceptual alignment between Yogic dietary principles and mindful eating behaviours, particularly in eating awareness, moderation, sensory regulation, emotional control, and ethical food choices. Concepts such as Yama, Niyama, Mitahara, Swarayoga and Satvika Ahara closely correspond with modern mindful eating constructs and are associated with improved digestion, mental clarity, and metabolic balance. Conclusion: Yogic dietary principles offer a well-established, integrative framework that complements contemporary mindful eating approaches. Their incorporation into mindful eating interventions may support sustained healthy eating behaviours and promote holistic and mental well-being.
DOI: 10.65370/rw6jay73
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7223184732