We eat healthier when we see nature… another “Biophilic” effect!

Via 5 experiments Langlois and Chandon learned that “individuals exposed to the natural environment choose healthier foods when compared to those exposed to urban environments or a control condition. Nature’s effects are observed for various foods and beverages, across samples from three countries. . . . This appears to be a robust effect; it was witnessed in food consumption decisions that took place at a snack buffet after outdoor walks and in online studies of incentive-compatible consumption intentions for entire meals following exposure to natural and urban scenes. These effects also hold across a variety of foods/beverages, contexts, and nationalities. . . . Participants in the urban condition (with views of city streets) made unhealthy choices similar to those in the control condition (with a closed curtain window), where the environment was hidden from view. . . . experiencing nature increases the importance of health in driving food choices while decreasing preferences for reduced-calorie or indulgent foods.”
Maria Langlois and Pierre Chandon. 2024. “Experiencing Nature Leeds to Healthier Food Choices.” Communications Psychology, vol. 2, no. 24, https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-024-00072-x