4 min read
You know that stepping outside for a breath of fresh air can clear your head and lift your mood, but can a walk in the park actually impact what you put on your plate? Emerging evidence suggests that the environment around you plays a surprising role in your daily habits, including the foods you choose to eat.
To better understand this connection, researchers recently took a closer look at how time spent in green spaces impacts nutritional choices. Take a closer look at what they found, along with simple ways to bring a little more nature into your daily routine.
What the research says about nature and nutrition
A study published in Social Science & Medicine explored the relationship between interacting with nature and dietary intake. Researchers used a mixed-methods approach, surveying 300 adults across the U.S. about their habits and conducting in-depth interviews with 30 of those participants.
The researchers examined three types of nature interactions: indirect (e.g., being in a room with a view of trees), incidental (e.g., walking past a park on your way to work), and intentional (e.g., actively going for a hike or gardening). They then compared these behaviors with participants’ overall diet quality and adherence to sustainable, plant-forward eating patterns.
The findings revealed that people who frequently engaged in incidental and intentional interactions with nature tended to have higher diet quality, which was defined as consuming more fruits and vegetables and following eating patterns that benefit both personal health and the environment. However, the study found no significant relationship between indirect interactions, such as simply being in a room with a view of nature, and diet quality or sustainable dietary patterns.
These results suggest that incorporating even small, intentional interactions with nature may positively influence nutrition choices and overall health—a connection that isn’t always considered when looking for ways to improve nutrition.
What to keep in mind about nature and diet
The data relies on self-reported surveys and food frequency questionnaires, meaning participants had to rely on their memory to report how much time they spent outside and what they ate over the past month, which can sometimes lead to unintentional inaccuracies.
Additionally, indirect interactions with nature were measured simply by asking how much time people spent in a room with a window facing nature, rather than measuring active viewing time.
Finally, while results highlight strong associations between outdoor time and better eating habits, they don’t prove that going outside directly causes you to eat healthier.
Why the outdoors might change how you eat
Aside from those caveats, the connection between environment and stress is well documented. When you feel anxious, your body may crave quick energy, which can lead to mindless snacking.
“Nature tends to slow people down a bit, which can encourage more mindful eating behaviors and reduce some of the overstimulation that comes with busy daily life,” says registered dietitian Samantha DeVito, M.S., R.D.N.
How to bring more nature into your life
You don’t need to embark on a weekend camping trip to reap the benefits of the outdoors. Small, manageable adjustments to your schedule can make a significant difference in your mental well-being and your dietary habits.
“For those with busy lifestyles, incorporating outdoor time can mean making simple, consistent habits, such as stepping out for a walk during breaks or eating a meal on a nearby bench,” says registered dietitian Hennis Tung, M.S., R.D.N.
If you are looking to build a closer relationship with the outdoors, focus on weaving it into activities you already do.
“Simple habits like gardening, taking phone calls outside, or spending a few minutes in natural light during breaks can all help support mental well-being and create a healthier routine overall,” says DeVito.
What if you can’t get outside?
There will inevitably be days when the weather is gloomy or your schedule simply keeps you indoors. Fortunately, you can still cultivate a connection to nature right from your kitchen. Tending to an indoor herb garden or keeping a bowl of vibrant, fresh produce on the counter can serve as a great reminder of the natural world.
“For those with limited access to outdoor spaces, nature-inspired eating habits can include choosing whole, seasonal produce and fresh herbs and being intentional with home-prepared meals,” says Tung.
Whether you are planting a garden in the backyard, enjoying an apple on a park bench, or just being mindful of the fresh ingredients you cook with at home, finding small ways to appreciate nature might just be the secret to a more balanced lifestyle.
The bottom line
You don’t need to overhaul your routine to notice the subtle effects of time spent outdoors. Even brief moments in natural settings, such as a short walk or a glimpse of greenery, may help ease stress and invite a sense of calm. Over time, connecting with nature may gently encourage more thoughtful choices in how you eat, offering quiet support as you navigate daily food decisions and routines.
If you’d like to bring a bit more nature into your days, simple steps like opening a window, sitting near a houseplant, or taking a relaxed walk when you can are good ways to start.
Let nature be your daily companion—a small step outside or a moment with something green might just spark the mindful choices and renewed energy that help you and your diet thrive, one day at a time.
Rachel Lustgarten (she/her), M.S., R.D., C.D.N., is a registered dietitian in clinical practice in New York City. Her primary area of focus is medical nutrition therapy and weight control. Rachel’s passion is sharing her knowledge and expertise of food and nutrition’s role in overall health and wellness. She co-hosts the weekly “Primary Care Medicine” show on SiriusXM Doctor Radio, interviewing expert guests and fielding listener calls and questions about hot topics in health and nutrition. She served as a clinical dietitian at the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and served as an Advisor to the Weill Cornell’s Women’s Nutrition Connection monthly newsletter for 10 years. Rachel received a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, graduating with honors.