Did you know that, like pizza, the phrase al fresco originated in Italy (translating to “in the cool air”)? It seems that fresh air and fresh pizza have always gone hand-in-hand, then.

From lowering your stress levels to boosting your energy levels, it really does pay to eat your pizza outdoors (even if you’re afraid of bugs and burn way too fast in the sun!).

Read on to sample the entire menu of al fresco dining benefits.

Hungry diners have been feasting outside since ancient Roman times, reaping the benefits of snacking en plein air long before we had the science to prove it. 

Originating in celebratory feasts for the wealthy, al fresco dining gained popularity in medieval times (we can neither confirm nor deny whether nobles were eating Ye Olde Papa Johns Pizza or not). Now, though, al fresco dining has become the saving grace for office-bound professionals on their lunch breaks. 

If you’re still eating your sandwich in front of your computer, here are five reasons why you might want to ditch the desktop lunch pizza in favour of a peaceful pizza picnic in your local park or green space.

We understand how tempting it is to put on your headphones and eat your lunch hunched over your phone. Low social battery and high hunger levels don’t often amount to a lunch hour full of chatting. 

Having a pizza picnic outside is the perfect way to counter this, though. Taking your lunch to a nearby green space (like a park or a public garden) allows you to share your space and be “sociable” comfortably. You don’t need to host a street party and share your hard-earned pizza with anyone; just enjoy the space, feel the community, and maybe even share a smile with a stranger. You’ll feel better for it.

After sitting at your desk all morning, you might understandably feel a bit like mush by lunchtime. Opting for lunch outside gives you a chance to reset, change your surroundings, and recharge in nature. 

As you eat, let your body relax and focus on the sights and sounds around you. This process is called mindfulness. Savour the taste of your food, focus on the present, and decompress.

Switch fluorescent lights for sunlight and give your body the Vitamin D it needs! When you eat outside, even just for a few minutes, you’re exposing your body to sunshine and valuable Vitamin D, which can help with:

• Energy production 
• Keeping your muscles and brain cells working
• Supporting immune health.

So, while you’re feeding yourself with your favourite food, eating outdoors is a great way to feed your body the good stuff too.

Lastly, eating al fresco has numerous mental well being-related benefits. Life is stressful and lunch breaks are short, so why not feed two birds with one scone and tackle stress while enjoying your lunch outdoors?

Eating outdoors has calming effects on the mind, helping to lower the levels of certain stress hormones, namely cortisol. Cortisol (or “the stress hormone”) is released to help prepare your body for fight or flight, but excessive cortisol levels can have a detrimental effect on your health. Al fresco dining has also been found to help reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and ease muscle tension.

If the weather’s good, why not spend your next lunch break in a shady spot with a slice of your favourite pizza from Papa Johns?

Easy to order, quick to collect (or get delivered), and deliciously simple to eat, our menu items make the perfect al fresco food.

Lift your mood and satisfy your cravings with our range of great-for-snacking sides, personal or small pizzas, and refreshing drinks. With our range of tasty lunch deals, your midday outdoor treat never tasted so good!