The connections among interactions with nature, diet quality, and sustainable eating: Insights from a mixed methods study

This research explores the connections between nature interactions and dietary behaviors, focusing on diet quality and sustainable eating patterns. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, the study included 300 adults who self-reported their nature interactions and completed the Diet History Questionnaire II to assess diet quality via the Healthy Eating Index-2020 and sustainable dietary patterns using the EAT-Lancet Index. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 participants. The analysis revealed significant positive correlations between interactions with nature and diet quality (p < .001) as well as sustainable dietary patterns (p < .001).

Four thematic insights emerged regarding how nature interactions influence dietary intake: (1) engagement with nature promotes relaxation, facilitating healthier eating habits; (2) the pursuit of health encourages a connection to nature and positively affects dietary choices; (3) a profound connection to nature enhances the desire for nutritious foods, particularly fruits and vegetables; and (4) active participation in the food system fosters healthier choices for both individual and environmental health. The integrated findings highlight that mental state moderates these relationships and that connection to nature mediates them. These insights can inform nature-based interventions to enhance dietary behaviors for personal and planetary health. [NPID: Nature, dietary intake, eating patterns]

Year: 2026

Reference: Stott, D., Bruneau, M., Deutsch, J. M., Ippolito, R., Forde, D., Vitolins, M. Z., Nasser, J. A., & Milliron, B. (2026). The connections among interactions with nature, diet quality, and sustainable eating: Insights from a mixed methods study. Social Science & Medicine, 393, 119014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119014