The cultivating mindfulness stage happens across all 10 sessions of the MB-EAT intervention. It starts through the teaching of breath awareness and sitting meditation, and expands in session 2 to include "mini meditations" to focus attention in relation to eating experiences.

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These stages happen in parallel throughout the sessions, but they are introduced to the patients in the following order:

- 1: Cultivating Mindfulness
- 2:  Cultivating Mindful Eating
- 3: Cultivating Emotional Balance
- 4: Cultivating Self-Acceptance

Stages of Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training

Kristeller, J. L., & Wolever, R. Q. (2010). Mindfulness-based eating awareness training for treating binge eating disorder: the conceptual foundation. Eating disorders, 19(1), 49-61.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10640266.2011.533605

Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training for Treating Binge Eating Disorder

1: Cultivating Mindfulness in Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training

This stage occurs in the mid- to late-sessions of the intervention to create an awareness emotional triggers and eating patterns in relation to Binge Eating Disorder. It teaches patients through mindfulness to use smaller and more quality (in terms of enjoyment) food consumption to fulfill the same emotional needs as BED patterns.

It utilizes a chain reaction exercise adapted from Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 

3: Cultivating Emotional Balance in Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training

The final stage operates to create a better relationship for the patient with their physical self, self-identity, and self in relation to others. It increases body awareness, promotes self-care and forgiveness, and encourages "inner wisdom".

4: Cultivating Self-Acceptance in Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training

The second stage of MB-EAT happens primarily in the first through seventh sessions. It utilizes different mindfulness techniques to reestablish balance in the disrupted aspects of eating. This process begins with the introduction of guided meditation followed by discussion. Patients practice eating food in a more mindful way with a focus on taste, food quality, and identifying hunger and fullness while eating. 

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