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Fighting the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mindfulness, Exercise, and Nutrition Practices to Reduce Eating Disorders and Promote Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Baldassano

    (Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Anna Alioto

    (Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy)

  • Alessandra Amato

    (Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy)

  • Carlo Rossi

    (Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy)

  • Giulia Messina

    (Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy)

  • Maria Roberta Bruno

    (Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy)

  • Roberta Stallone

    (Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy)

  • Patrizia Proia

    (Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy)

Abstract

Over the past two years, the world’s population has been tested by the COVID-19 health emergency. This has changed population habits worldwide by encouraging a sedentary lifestyle and overnutrition. Isolation and reduction of social life, for most of the population, was mandatory but it quickly became a new lifestyle. Nowadays, we are encountering the consequences with an increase in nutritional associated disorders and conditions that cause illnesses in the general population. These disorders include diet excesses that lead to obesity and diet deficiencies and malnutrition which could rapidly lead to death. These eating disorders are very complex to manage because they become mental disorders which can negatively impact physical or mental health. This work will disucss the benefits associated with the mindfulness–exercise–nutrition (MEN) technique. From a nutritional point of view it will focus on the nutritional effect of a plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD) which has a high tryptophan content which can increase serotonin (the “feel good” hormone) levels. The MEN technique takes a multidisciplinary approach and aims to integrate healthy behaviors into clinical practice using healthy eating, active living, and mindfulness. This method includes controlled physical movements, stretching techniques such as yoga, and aerobic exercise to achieve optimal mental and physical health. This literature review, carried out using the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, aims to investigate the latest research on this topic. This study may be useful for healthcare professionals and clinicians and may help patients to be more self-aware, encouraging them to lead a healthier lifestyle, make thoughtful choices, and ameliorate their mental health. The final aim of this study is to promote physiological homeostasis and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Baldassano & Anna Alioto & Alessandra Amato & Carlo Rossi & Giulia Messina & Maria Roberta Bruno & Roberta Stallone & Patrizia Proia, 2023. "Fighting the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mindfulness, Exercise, and Nutrition Practices to Reduce Eating Disorders and Promote Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-15, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:2120-:d:1044427
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alessandra Amato & Sara Baldassano & Sonya Vasto & Giuseppe Schirò & Chiara Davì & Patrik Drid & Felipe Augusto Dos Santos Mendes & Rosalia Caldarella & Marco D’Amelio & Patrizia Proia, 2022. "Effects of a Resistance Training Protocol on Physical Performance, Body Composition, Bone Metabolism, and Systemic Homeostasis in Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Giuseppe Grosso & Ujué Fresán & Maira Bes-Rastrollo & Stefano Marventano & Fabio Galvano, 2020. "Environmental Impact of Dietary Choices: Role of the Mediterranean and Other Dietary Patterns in an Italian Cohort," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-13, February.
    3. Farah Naja & Leila Itani & Rena Hamade & Marie Claire Chamieh & Nahla Hwalla, 2019. "Mediterranean Diet and Its Environmental Footprints Amid Nutrition Transition: The Case of Lebanon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-18, November.
    4. Alessandra Amato & Patrizia Proia & Gaetano Felice Caldara & Angelina Alongi & Vincenzo Ferrantelli & Sara Baldassano, 2021. "Analysis of Body Perception, Preworkout Meal Habits and Bone Resorption in Child Gymnasts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-13, February.
    5. van Dooren, C. & Marinussen, Mari & Blonk, Hans & Aiking, Harry & Vellinga, Pier, 2014. "Exploring dietary guidelines based on ecological and nutritional values: A comparison of six dietary patterns," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 36-46.
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