Can Nature Therapy Inspire us to Eat More Sustainably?

Could spending more time in nature change the way we eat? This was the starting point when I reached out to Amy Steadman, an eco-psychologist who is the founder of Wellbeing in Nature and practitioner at Heckfield Place who sees all of her clients outside – boots on the ground.

Our conversation weaves through this idea that nature therapy is more than just a tool for mental wellbeing, but also can be the spark for a deeper connection to the environment, inspiring more thoughtful and sustainable food choices.

Can you share a bit about your journey - what led you to nature therapy?

I’m an eco-psychologist specialising in wellbeing psychology, also known as positive psychology; the scientific study of wellness and what it means to be happy and healthy. Within that, my focus is on the powerful link between nature and wellbeing.

My personal experiences outdoors made it clear how beneficial nature is for mental health. But it was the pandemic that truly solidified my approach. During lockdowns, I could only see clients outside. I quickly realised that a single outdoor session was often more effective than six traditional sessions in an office. That was a game-changer. Once I moved therapy outdoors, I never went back inside; and I’m a better therapist when I’m outside!

Why do you think that is?

Because I’m happier when I’m outdoors. And that affects everything.

There’s also something about walking side by side with someone that builds trust faster. In a traditional office setting, there’s direct eye contact, a feeling of formality, and often an implicit hierarchy - therapist and client, teacher and student. Walking side by side breaks that down.

There’s also physical synchronicity. The way someone moves, the pace they choose, and even what they choose to look at - all of these provide insights into their emotional state. Nature also provides rich metaphors. If someone struggles to express emotions directly, they might find it easier to connect those feelings to an object or scene in nature. That helps surface deeper thoughts and emotions in a way that feels safe and natural.

How does connecting with nature help people develop a deeper respect for natural resources and food?

There’s actual science behind this. Spending time outside strengthens our pro-environmental mindset and behaviours. I call it the “happy people, happy planet” cycle.

When you spend time in nature, you feel better. Over time, you associate that wellbeing with nature itself. That builds a deeper appreciation for the environment, and you begin to see protecting nature as protecting your own health and happiness. Humans are wired to act in self-interest, so when we realise that preserving the planet benefits us personally, we’re more motivated to make sustainable choices, and this includes what food we eat.

That makes sustainability feel like an immediate need, rather than something for future generations.

Exactly. When sustainability is framed as something we do for ourselves, it becomes a priority. If we destroy the natural world, we lose the very thing that keeps us mentally, physically, and nutritionally well. Protecting nature isn’t just a long-term goal - it’s an immediate necessity for our own survival and happiness.

How do we get more people outside?

Most of us spend about 93% of our lives indoors. That’s staggering. But the good news is that even small amounts of time outside make a difference.

Research suggests that just 20 minutes, three times a week in nature is enough to lower stress and improve well-being. It’s not about spending entire weekends in the wilderness - it’s about maximising small moments. Even city dwellers can find ways to connect with nature, whether it’s walking in a park, sitting under a tree, or simply looking up at the sky. Nature is more accessible than we think.

Do mindful eating and sustainability go hand in hand? Can nature therapy encourage both?

I think so, though I hadn’t considered it in that way before. There’s something called the biophilia hypothesis, which suggests that because humans have spent 99.9% of our evolution in nature, we’re still physiologically and psychologically adapted to it. That extends to what we eat - our bodies thrive on natural, unprocessed foods because that’s what we’ve evolved to consume.

When you spend time in nature and start feeling better, you naturally become more curious about how nature sustains you. That awareness can extend to food - where it comes from, how it’s grown, and how it affects our bodies. Farmers, for example, tend to have more diverse gut microbiomes because they’re constantly interacting with soil. There’s a real, physical connection between being in nature and how our bodies function.

Can spending time in nature inspire people to choose local, seasonal, or organic foods?

For some, yes. But I actually think it often works the other way around.

People who choose nature therapy are often already conscious about their food choices. They’re interested in sustainability, local sourcing, and seasonality before they start spending more time outside. That said, the biggest challenge for both eating sustainably and getting outside is time. People know these things are good for them, but they feel too busy to prioritise them.

Does foraging, gardening, or growing food play a role in your work?

I don’t grow my own food, though I’d love to. But I do use foraging in my therapy work - just not in the way you might expect.

I gather natural objects to use in sessions; sticks, stones, leaves, because holding something from nature fosters connection. Many people hesitate to touch things from the ground, but once they do, they begin to reframe their relationship with nature. That can extend to food. If you’re comfortable picking up a leaf or a stone, you’re more likely to accept that dirt on a vegetable isn’t dirty — it’s soil. That shift in perception is small but powerful.

Speaking to Amy solidified this idea for me that nature isn’t just a backdrop to our lives — it’s integral to our wellbeing and the way we nourish ourselves. The more we reconnect with nature, the more mindful we become about how we interact with the world around us, including the food we eat. By stepping outside, we naturally cultivate not only personal health but also a deeper respect for the planet that sustains us. So, when’s your next walk outside?

You can connect with Amy via her website or on Instagram.