• Eating even when full (disinhibition)
• Being aware of how food looks, tastes and fragrances
• Eating in response to ecofriendly cues, such as the sight or smell of food
• Eating when sad or harassed (emotional eating)
• Eating when distracted by other things

The investigators found that people who practiced yoga were more mindful eaters according to their scores. Both years of yoga practice and number of minutes of practice per week were associated with better mindful eating scores. Practicing yoga helps you be more aware how your body feels. This heightened awareness can carry over to mealtime as you savor each bite or sip, and note how food smells, tastes and feels in your mouth.

A boost to weight loss and maintenance
People who practice yoga and are mindful eaters are more in tune with their bodies. They may be more sensitive to hunger cues and feelings of fullness.
Researchers found that people who practiced yoga for at least 45 minutes once a week for at least four years, gained less weight during middle adulthood. People who were overweight actually lost weight. Overall, those who practiced yoga had lower body mass indexes (BMIs) compared with those who did not practice yoga. Researchers attributed this to mindfulness. Mindful eating can lead to a more positive relationship with food and eating.

Enhancing fitness
Yoga is known for its skill to soothe tension and anxiety in the mind and body. But it can also have an impact on a person's exercise capacity.
Investigators deliberate a small group of inactive persons who had not skillful yoga before. After eight weeks of practicing yoga at least twice a week for a total of 180 minutes, participants had greater muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory fitness.