Green views prompt healthier diets

IMAGINE a verdant forest glade or a tranquil pasture. Natural scenes typically conjure up positive emotions and a sense of well-being for most individuals, but could they also influence them to make healthier food choices?

The answer – according to our recently-published research in Nature’s journal Communications Psychology – is yes.

Our studies exposed people to natural or urban environments before asking them to make snack or lunch choices. We found that those who were asked to take a walk in a park or were exposed to natural scenes picked the healthier options from a menu.