Contact with nature is associated with a healthier attitude towards food

It turned out that there is a connection between contact with nature and intuitive eating, and it works through two pathways. The first is through a more positive attitude towards one’s own body. The more time a person spends in nature, the more comfortable they feel in their body, the more they appreciate what it is capable of, and the better they respond to its needs, and, as a result, they eat more according to the body’s call rather than according to rules or under the influence of emotions.

The second pathway goes through self‑compassion — a kind and tolerant attitude towards oneself. Contact with nature enhances it, and this, according to the authors, acts as a buffer against impulsive food consumption during difficult thoughts and emotions. Instead of numbing stress with food, a person is more likely to listen to their body’s signals and choose food that better meets their physiological needs.

According to the lead author, these results are important because they show for the first time that contact with nature can shape eating habits. It is already known that being in a natural environment reduces anxiety and depression, increases life satisfaction and overall well‑being.

The authors honestly acknowledge the limitations, as the data are based on participants’ self‑reports, which means they only show associations, not cause‑and‑effect relationships. Furthermore, the study was conducted only in the UK, and further research in other countries is needed to confirm the pattern. Nevertheless, the initial results already suggest that access to nature and active engagement with it can support efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable diets.