The Mind and Body Benefits of Eating Outside

One of the many ways to take advantage of Michigan’s beautiful summer weather is to eat outside.

Whether that means dining on a restaurant patio, enjoying a family meal in the backyard or planning a picnic with someone special, tapping into the physical and mental health benefits of eating outdoors should be on everyone’s summer agenda.

Eating outside curbs mindless eating

Mindless eating has a few different definitions. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) defines it as eating that occurs any time the brain is distracted, and the person is not aware of what or how much food they are consuming. Distracted eating is a major component of mindless eating. When someone is devoting attention to their phone, TV and other electronic devices, they are eating while distracted. Studies have linked daily overconsumption to weight gain.

Eating outdoors – and leaving the cell phone inside – allows individuals to focus on nature, human connection and conversation. Social connection is associated with increased happiness, better health and a longer life.

The food itself becomes the focus when eating outside, as well. The opposite of eating mindlessly is eating mindfully. This involves honoring the food to deepen the eating experience, as well as eating slowly and savoring small bites, all of which can become the main focus when eating outdoors, away from distractions.

Eating amid nature relieves stress

Spending time around nature can help energize your mind and body. Spending 120 minutes a week in nature can help you feel less stressed, anxious and fatigued, while also inspiring creativity, according to the American Heart Association. Other experts [SA1] [SA2] have linked exposure to green space with better sleep, lower blood pressure and reduced risk of chronic disease. Eating outside a few times a week can contribute toward that 120-minute threshold. Not to mention you’re more likely to take a post-meal stroll in beautiful surroundings and not take a nap, something that a vascular surgeon would say is great for your circulation and keeping good exercise habits.

Eating outside boosts vitamin D intake

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can stimulate vitamin D production, a nutrient that supports immune function and blood cell function. Vitamin D also promotes healthy bones by making it easier for the body to absorb important minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Spending five to 30 minutes in the sun a few times a week [SA3] can help our bodies avoid vitamin D deficiency.

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, and when eating outside this summer try to sit in the shade whenever possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Be sure to reapply every two hours.

Caring for your health now gives you the best chance at a healthy future meaning lower health care costs down the road and affordable insurance for all.

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips and information visit AHealthierMichigan.org.