40 - Science You Can Use: The Matrix of Food, the Magic of Movement, and the Power of Nature
Can your daily food choices improve both your health and the planet’s? Can movement help your memory more than you realized? And is just sitting under a tree—without even moving—actually medicine for your mood?
In this “Science You Can Use” episode of 1,000 Waking Minutes, Dr. Wendy Bazilian shares three recent high-quality research studies that reveal how small, daily choices can deliver meaningful benefits. From the foods you eat to how you move and where you spend time, these studies offer a compelling look at how to live well in today’s world—with clarity, purpose, and grounded optimism.
No pressure, no perfection. Just timely, real-world takeaways backed by science. These aren’t just data points—they’re doorways to feeling more connected, resilient, and inspired in your waking minutes.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(4:31) Study 1: The Food Environment Matrix – How 30 foods rank for human and planetary health
(15:42) Study 2: Movement and Cognition – What more than 2,700 studies reveal about memory, focus, and low-intensity activity, including active video games
(22:48) Study 3: Nature and Mental Health – How tree-lined sidewalks and parks reduce anxiety and lift mood
(32:14) Tips to bring these ideas into your life this week
(34:25) Gratitude and where to find links, follow, and connect
CONNECT WITH WENDY:
Follow on Instagram: @1000WakingMinutes
Visit the website: wendybazilian.com
Email: 1KWM@wendybazilian.com
PLEASE SUPPORT:
If you’re enjoying 1,000 Waking Minutes, help us grow:
• Subscribe to get new episodes as soon as they drop
• Rate & Review the show—your feedback helps others find the podcast
• Join the conversation! Share your thoughts or questions by visiting wendybazilian.com or connecting on social media
Thank you for tuning in to 1,000 Waking Minutes and being part of this journey—together.
A huge thank you to our amazing collaborators including our production and marketing teams and Gabriela Escalante in particular. To the ultra-talented Beza for my theme music, my lifelong friend and artist Pearl Preis Photography and Design, to Danielle Ballantyne, Jen Nguyen, Joanna Powell, and of course, my family and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes.
HEALTH DISCLAIMER:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individual medical or health advice. Always consult with your trusted healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or medical treatment.
REFERENCES:
Study 1 – Food Choices That Shape the Future
A new “food environment matrix” compares the health and environmental impact of 30 food groups. Whole plant foods were among the most beneficial, while certain processed meats and sweetened beverages had the highest toll on health and the planet.
Takeaway: Eat more from the green zone. Plants are powerful—for you and the world.
Berardy A, Fresán U, Abbaspour N, Sabaté J. A matrix approach to visually communicate simultaneously the environmental and health impacts of foods. Front Nutr. 2025 Aug 5;12:1572297. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1572297. PMID: 40837428; PMCID: PMC12361189. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12361189/
Study 2 – Movement That Boosts Brain Power
A massive umbrella review shows that yoga, tai chi, and even interactive games can improve memory and cognitive function—even more so than intense workouts.
Takeaway: Low to moderate movement, especially when mentally engaging, supports brain health across all ages.Singh, B., Bennett, H., Miatke, A., Dumuid, D., Curtis, R., Ferguson, T.,
Brinsley, J., Szeto, K., Petersen, J. M., Gough, C., Eglitis, E., Simpson, C. E., Ekegren, C. L., Smith, A. E., Erickson, K. I., & Maher, C. (2025). Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: a systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 59(12), 866–876. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108589
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40049759/
Study 3 – Green Space as Medicine
Spending time in nature—even in cities—was shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase well-being. Surprisingly, even passive time (like sitting quietly on a park bench) had measurable benefits.
Takeaway: Just 10–15 minutes of “green time” makes a difference. No need to go far. Just go outside.
Li, Y., Mao, Y., Mandle, L., Rydström, A., Remme, R. P., Lan, X., Wu, T., Song, C., Lu, Y., Nadeau, K. C., Meyer‑Lindenberg, A., Daily, G. C., & Guerry, A. D. (2025). Acute mental health benefits of urban nature. Nature Cities, 2, 720–731. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44284-025-00286-y
Ji, J.S. Urban nature and mental health. Nat Cities 2, 683–684 (2025).