Spending time outdoors could do more than lift your mood or ease stress. It may also change the way you think about food, encouraging a healthier relationship with eating and a greater awareness of what your body needs, according to new research examining the connection between nature and dietary behaviour.

The study, led by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in England and published in the journal Body Image, is the first to identify a link between contact with natural environments and intuitive eating. This approach encourages people to recognise their body’s natural hunger and fullness signals rather than rely on restrictive diets, calorie counting or rigid eating rules.

Researchers surveyed 500 adults across the UK, examining how frequently they interacted with nature and how much attention they paid to the natural world in everyday life. Participants reported how often they visited natural environments and how long they spent there. They also completed questionnaires assessing body image, self-compassion, feelings of connection with nature and intuitive eating habits.

The findings revealed a positive association between nature contact and intuitive eating. However, the strongest connections appeared to involve two psychological factors: body appreciation and self-compassion. Researchers believe these qualities may help explain why people who spend more time engaging with nature tend to develop a healthier relationship with food.

One possible explanation is that nature encourages people to feel more comfortable with their bodies. Rather than focusing on physical appearance or perceived imperfections, individuals may become more appreciative of what their bodies can do. This greater body appreciation could make them more attentive to hunger, fullness and other physical signals, helping them make food choices that better reflect their needs.

Self-compassion emerged as another important factor. People who engage more with nature may develop a kinder, less judgemental attitude towards themselves, potentially reducing the tendency to respond to stress or difficult emotions through impulsive eating. Instead of turning automatically to food for emotional comfort, they may become better equipped to recognise their body’s needs and respond accordingly.

Professor Viren Swami, lead author and Professor of Social Psychology at ARU, said the findings offer fresh insight into the wider benefits of spending time in natural surroundings. Previous research has linked nature exposure to reduced anxiety and depression, improved life satisfaction and better psychological wellbeing. The latest study suggests these benefits may extend to eating behaviour, potentially offering public health professionals another way to encourage healthier dietary habits.

However, the researchers caution that the findings are based on self-reported information and do not establish that nature exposure directly causes healthier eating. Further studies, including research involving participants from other countries, are needed to confirm the results. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that improving access to green spaces and encouraging people to engage more closely with nature could become a useful part of efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable eating habits.

More information: Viren Swami et al, The nature of eating intuitively: An examination of direct and indirect associations between nature contact and intuitive eating, Body Image. DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2026.102199

Journal information: Body Image Provided by Anglia Ruskin University