Key Takeaways
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A study of 500 UK adults found that regular contact with nature is positively linked to intuitive, healthy eating habits.
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Researchers identified body appreciation and self-compassion as key psychological pathways that protect against emotional and impulsive eating.
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The findings suggest that expanding access to natural environments could serve as an effective public health tool to encourage healthier lifestyles.
How time outdoors nurtures a positive relationship with food
Spending time outdoors in natural spaces has long been recognized for reducing stress and improving mental well-being, but new research reveals it may also foster a healthier relationship with food.
A study conducted by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK and published in the journal Body Image provides the first evidence that exposure to natural environments encourages intuitive eating—an approach that prioritizes listening to the body’s internal hunger signals over restrictive dieting regimens.
The study surveyed 500 UK adults to evaluate their frequency and depth of contact with nature, alongside indicators of body image, self-compassion, and eating habits. The results highlighted a significant positive relationship between nature exposure and intuitive eating practices.
Scientists identified two essential pathways driving this connection. First, time spent in green environments enhanced body appreciation, leading individuals to feel more comfortable in their bodies and responsive to physical needs. Second, nature contact promoted greater self-compassion, serving as a protective cushion against emotional or impulsive eating when confronting difficult feelings.
According to lead author Viren Swami, a professor of social psychology, the findings indicate that increasing community access to natural environments could provide public health initiatives with a powerful, accessible tool to cultivate sustainable, mindful eating behaviors.
