Spending Time in Nature Could Boost Eating Habits
While stepping away from screens and walking outside can boost your mood, connecting with nature could also help you develop healthier eating habits. A Drexel University study, published in the…
While stepping away from screens and walking outside can boost your mood, connecting with nature could also help you develop healthier eating habits.
A Drexel University study, published in the March 2026 issue of Social Science & Medicine, finds a compelling link between time spent in nature and healthier, more sustainable eating habits, including a higher intake of fruits and vegetables.
According to the research, participants who spent more time in nature — whether through incidental exposure to plants or intentional outdoor activities — reported healthier diets aligned with a planetary health diet that emphasizes plant-based choices.
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A U.S. News & World Report summary of the research noted that the study surveyed 300 U.S. adults and conducted in-depth interviews with 30 participants. The study categorized nature exposure as indirect (looking out a window), incidental (having plants nearby), and intentional (going to a park or forest). Intentional and incidental outdoor time correlated with better dietary quality.
Survey results show varied patterns of natural interaction, with more frequent incidental or intentional outdoor time linked to stronger, healthier eating.
“This line of research is helping us understand that nature isn't just a backdrop for healthy behaviors — it's an active ingredient in health,” said study co-author Brandy-Joe Milliron, an associate professor at Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Researchers suggest that stress reduction from nature exposure lowers emotional eating and promotes mindful, planet-conscious food choices.
“Our findings are some of the first to show that spending time in nature may promote healthier dietary behaviors,” said lead author Dahlia Stott, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. She added that getting outside is one of the easiest ways for people to improve their health without a gym membership.
Beyond this study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides more information on healthy eating.
