Researchers looked at what people in Sweden eat and discovered something interesting: the foods that are best for your health aren’t always the best for the environment, and vice versa. By studying real eating patterns, scientists found that some healthy foods require a lot of resources to produce, while some environmentally-friendly foods might not have all the nutrients your body needs. This research helps us understand that eating well while protecting Earth isn’t always straightforward, and we might need to make smart choices that balance both goals.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether foods that are good for your health are also good for the environment, or if there are trade-offs where you have to choose one or the other
  • Who participated: People living in Sweden whose actual food choices and eating patterns were analyzed to see what they really eat day-to-day
  • Key finding: Healthy diets and environmentally-friendly diets don’t always overlap perfectly—some nutritious foods have a bigger environmental footprint, while some planet-friendly foods might lack certain important nutrients
  • What it means for you: When choosing what to eat, you might need to think about both nutrition and environmental impact. Perfect balance isn’t always possible, so focus on making the best choices you can with the information available

The Research Details

Scientists collected information about what real people in Sweden actually eat—not what they think they should eat, but their genuine daily food choices. They then looked at two things: how nutritious each person’s diet was (checking for vitamins, minerals, and other healthy components) and how much environmental impact their food choices had (considering things like water use, greenhouse gases, and land needed to produce their food). By comparing these two measurements across many people, researchers could see patterns about whether eating healthier automatically means eating in a way that’s better for the environment.

This approach is valuable because it uses real-world eating data rather than theoretical diets. Researchers weren’t telling people what to eat; they were observing actual choices and analyzing them afterward. This gives a clearer picture of what people really face when trying to balance health and environmental concerns.

Understanding the relationship between personal health and environmental impact is crucial because many people want to do both—eat well AND help the planet. By studying actual eating patterns instead of imaginary perfect diets, researchers can give practical advice about real choices people make at the grocery store and dinner table. This helps us understand whether being healthy and being environmentally conscious are compatible goals or if they sometimes conflict.

This study examined real dietary data from actual people, which is stronger than asking people to remember what they ate from memory. The research was published in a respected nutrition journal, suggesting it went through expert review. However, because the study focused on Swedish eating patterns, the results might not apply exactly the same way to people in other countries with different food systems and available options.

What the Results Show

The research revealed that there isn’t a perfect overlap between healthy eating and environmentally-friendly eating. Some foods that are excellent for your health—like certain types of fish or imported fruits—require significant environmental resources to produce or transport. On the flip side, some foods that are gentler on the environment might not provide all the nutrients your body needs if eaten in large quantities.

The study found specific trade-offs: for example, plant-based proteins are generally better for the environment than animal proteins, but some people might need to eat more variety to get all the nutrients they need. Similarly, locally-grown foods are often better for the environment, but they might not always be the most nutrient-dense options available.

These findings suggest that eating well while protecting the environment requires thoughtful choices rather than following a single simple rule. People need to consider both factors and make decisions that work best for their individual situations.

The research also showed that different nutrients have different environmental costs. Some vitamins and minerals come from foods that are harder on the environment, while others come from more sustainable sources. Additionally, the study found that portion sizes matter—eating the right amount of food is important both for health and for reducing environmental waste.

Previous research has suggested that plant-based diets are generally better for the environment, and this study confirms that pattern. However, this research adds nuance by showing that the healthiest diet isn’t always the most environmentally-friendly one, and vice versa. It builds on earlier work by using real eating data rather than theoretical models, providing a more practical perspective on how people actually navigate these choices.

The study focused only on Swedish eating patterns, so results might differ in countries with different food systems, climates, and available foods. The research analyzed data at a specific point in time, so it doesn’t show how eating patterns might change over time. Additionally, the study didn’t account for all possible environmental factors—it focused on major ones like greenhouse gases and water use, but didn’t include every possible environmental consideration.

The Bottom Line

Try to eat a variety of foods that are both nutritious and have lower environmental impact when possible (moderate confidence). Include more plant-based proteins in your diet, as they generally offer good nutrition with less environmental cost (moderate-to-high confidence). Buy local and seasonal foods when available, as they typically require less transportation (moderate confidence). Don’t stress about achieving perfect balance—making thoughtful choices most of the time is more realistic and sustainable than trying to be perfect (high confidence).

Anyone interested in eating healthier should care about this research. People concerned about environmental impact will find it particularly relevant. Parents making food choices for their families might find the practical insights helpful. However, people with specific medical conditions or dietary restrictions should work with a healthcare provider, as their individual nutritional needs might require different choices than general recommendations.

You won’t see dramatic changes overnight. If you start making more balanced food choices, you might notice improved energy levels and digestion within a few weeks. Environmental benefits from individual dietary changes accumulate over months and years, and become most meaningful when many people make similar choices.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track both the nutritional content (protein, fiber, vitamins) and environmental impact (plant-based vs. animal-based, local vs. imported) of meals for one week to see your personal balance between health and environmental goals
  • Set a weekly goal to replace one animal-protein meal with a plant-based protein option, then track how you feel and note the environmental impact difference
  • Monthly, review your food choices to identify patterns—which meals are both nutritious and lower-impact, and which require trade-offs. Use this information to gradually shift toward more balanced choices over time

This research describes patterns in Swedish eating data and should not be considered personalized medical or nutritional advice. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, health status, activity level, and medical conditions. People with specific health concerns, food allergies, or dietary restrictions should consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. This study identifies associations and trade-offs but does not establish that any particular diet is right for every individual.