Food cravings are associated with increased self-regulation, even in the face of strong instigation habits: A longitudinal study of the transition to plant-based eating.

ABSTRACT: Frequently engaging in a positive health behaviour, like following a vegetarian or vegan (veg*n) diet, can bring benefits to both the individual and society. We investigated the roles of two psychological determinants of behaviour-instigation habits and self-regulation strategy use-in a cohort of individuals who were newly transitioning to a veg*n diet. In a longitudinal study over 6 months (7 waves including baseline), 222 individuals transitioning to a veg*n diet reported their monthly habit strength, craving frequency, self-regulation strategies and animal product consumption. Our results supported the benefits of having a healthy habit, as stronger habits predicted fewer cravings and lower consumption of animal products, in line with the person's target diet. However, in contrast to so

SUBMITTER: Saunders B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11649395 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature