12 November 2016 November 2016 13 Expert guide: Psychology 2016 be barriers within the wider public in terms of both an understanding of the concept of mind-fulness and mindful eating and the commit-ment and motivation required to engage with it on a regular basis. Firstly, mindfulness is often described as a Buddhist practice and this may impact on individual perceptions of relevance. Although mindful meditation originates from Buddhism, modern mindfulness differs in ap-proach and techniques. It is the responsibil-ity of researchers, practitioners, clinicians and teachers to publicise more relevant definitions and informative material in order to ensure mindful eating programmes more accessible. Secondly, mindfulness is not an easy activity to engage with initially and for some it does not come naturally. To tackle this caveat, it is vital that this is an essential part of mindful-ness teaching and training. Participants should be aware of the challenges of mindfulness and mindful eating and given the appropriate tools to support with them. This could be provided in the form of 1-1 or group motivational inter-viewing techniques, tasks and activities. Final thought Eating mindfully is not a weight management approach per se. It can lead to enormous self-progression in terms of self-development and self-acceptance. In a world where both women and men are subjected to images of often Pho-to-shopped body image ideals there is a need – now, more than ever to promote a kinder and more gentle approach to health behaviour change. Jennifer is a health psychologist, and founder of Horizon Shine Ltd, a psychological coaching ser-vice. As an expert in behaviour change she moti-vates and supports adults to thoughts and behav-iours in order to live happier and healthier life-styles. She has developed both face to face and on-line multi-disciplinary group interventions in the areas of mindful eating and fitness (MeFIT) and mindful compassion. Jennifer is also affiliated to Edge Hill University in Lancashire as an Tutor in Psychology and guest lectures at the University of Central Lancashire. Her research interests lie in the concept and development of self-compassion and its role in recovery from trauma. united Kingdom Box 1. How mindful eating works!