N08: Mindful Eating

(2 points)

INTENT

Encourage mindful eating behaviors and communal dining opportunities. 

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires designated eating spaces that contain tables and chairs and the provision of daily meal breaks. 

ISSUE

Eating behaviors are influenced by a variety of factors, including physiological and environmental. Eating alone and distracted eating have become emerging social concerns in modern life and are associated with a variety of social and health outcomes. Studies have found that people who tend to eat alone may be more likely to choose unhealthier foods, eat fewer fruits and vegetables and eat at irregular times. Eating alone may also be a potential risk factor for metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. There is also some evidence to indicate that distracted eating while working, reading, watching television or listening to music is associated with higher food intake both immediately and later on. Fortunately, eating attentively and placing focus on the process of eating may lead to better control of food intake, and a positive relationship exists between mindful eating and mental well-being.

SOLUTIONS

The provision of designated eating spaces can encourage individuals to enjoy meals together, prevent distracted eating at workstations and lead to better eating habits. Eating spaces should ideally be free of televisions or televisions should be turned off during meal times. Psychological detachment from work (mentally and physically distancing oneself from work) during a break is associated with increased positive mood and life satisfaction and decreased burnout. In addition to eating spaces, having designated meal periods can help ensure individuals have and take time to eat meals mindfully. 

IMPACT

Providing dedicated eating spaces and dedicated meal breaks can allow individuals to consume meals together and away from their workstations and encourage mindful eating.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Include Designated Eating Space (1 point)

Verified by Architectural Drawing

For All Spaces

The project has a designated eating space for regular building occupants that meets the following requirements:

1. Contains tables and chairs to accommodate at least 25% of regular building occupants at peak occupancy. If multiple designated eating spaces are present, the combined seating space must accommodate at least 25% of regular building occupants at peak occupancy.

2. Provides protection from environmental elements (e.g., direct sunlight, rain, wind) or is in a climate-controlled space. 

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for WELL Core and MFR Certification, projects should provide amenities sized for tenant capacity in leased spaces or in tenant-accessible non-leased spaces.

Part 2

Provide Daily Meal Breaks (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces

The following requirement is met:

1. Eligible employees and students (as applicable) have a daily meal or lunch period of at least 30 minutes and the opportunity to eat away from their workstation.

© International WELL Building Institute