Aim <p>This study aims to examine the relationship between sustainable and healthy eating behaviors in university students and their mindful eating, body image, self-esteem, and physical activity, and to determine the psychological and behavioral predictors of these behaviors.</p> Subject and methods <p>This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted at Mardin Artuklu University in southeastern Türkiye with 1055 university students. Data were collected using the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behavior Scale, the Mindful&#xa0;Eating Scale, the Body Image Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included correlation, multiple linear regression, mediation, and moderation analyses.</p> Results <p>Sustainable and healthy eating behaviors showed positive correlations with mindful eating (<i>r</i> = 0.285; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and physical activity level (<i>r</i> = 0.074; <i>p</i> = 0.012), and negative correlations with body image (<i>r</i> = −0.344; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and low self-esteem (<i>r</i> = −0.131; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, mindful eating (<i>B</i> = 6.958; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) was identified as the strongest positive predictor, while negative body image (<i>B</i> = −0.496; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) was one of the strongest negative predictors. Mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between self-esteem and sustainable and healthy eating behaviors was indirectly mediated by mindful&#xa0;eating (<i>β</i> = −1.686; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and body image (<i>β</i> = −3.174; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001).</p> Conclusion <p>The findings reveal that sustainable and healthy eating behaviors in university students are closely related not only to demographic and lifestyle factors but also to psychological processes such as mindful&#xa0;eating, body image, and self-esteem</p>