Evaluating a Mindful Eating Curriculum, "Savor the Flavor"

Evaluating a Mindful Eating Curriculum, "Savor the Flavor" to Promote Healthy Eating Among Head Start Preschool Children

The overall goal of this study is to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility and efficacy of the "Savor the Flavor" intervention.

The overall goal of this study is to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility and efficacy of the "Savor the Flavor" intervention. The goal of this curriculum is to teach children how to savor foods and slow down while eating by focusing on the sensory experience of eating. The intervention will also teach children attention control techniques so that they are better able to delay consumption of high energy, low nutrition foods, when appropriate.The study will also evaluate a modified version of the Eating in the Absence of Hunger task for use in a preschool classroom setting.

Child Inclusion Criteria:

• Child must be enrolled in a Head Start preschool center
• Child must be between the ages of 2 and 6 years old

Child Exclusion Criteria:

• Food allergy or restriction to foods included in protocol

Parent Inclusion Criteria:

• Parent or other primary caregiver of a child enrolled in the study
• 18 years of age or older
• English speaking

Parent Exclusion Criteria:

- None

Teacher Inclusion Criteria:

• Actively employed as an early childhood education provider in the Head Start classroom where intervention is delivered
• 18 years of age or older

Teacher Exclusion Criteria:

- None