Only about 12% of American adults meet the suggested intake of fruits, while just 10% meet recommended vegetable goals. And around 70% of Americans are obese or overweight.
Add to that the fact that most American adults spend 90% or more of their time indoors or in a car, and it clearly looks like it’s time to find a new way to help people upgrade their health and happiness.
So here's an idea: Spend more time in nature.
That's the conclusion of researchers from Drexel University who asked 300 adults about their diets and their relationship to nature. Was it indirect (seeing it out a window, but not being in it), incidental (having nature around you, such as houseplants), or intentional (going into a park or green spaces)?
What they found was that people who spent incidental or intentional time with nature ate significantly more fruits and vegetables than those who were nature deprived. They also felt less anxious and depressed.
In addition, research subjects said that being near nature made them want to be healthier (being outside is more enjoyable when you can move around comfortably), so they consciously upgraded their nutrition.
That helps maintain a healthy weight and avoid chronic diseases, and improves mood.
If you're struggling with nutritional deficits, chronic conditions, or mood issues, spending 30 minutes four times a week interacting with nature provides mental and physical benefits. But even 5-minute dips into nature can help, according to the American Psychological Association.