Month: August 2023

Decluttering for Mental Health

Human hand watering flowers in brain. Blooming garden in head.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in your life. It could be physical or internal things; clutter can be found in all aspects of our lives. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming trying to organize things in our homes or mentally. Before diving into tips for decluttering, let’s look at the mental health benefits for decluttering your home and life.

Utah State University explains that decluttering can lead to mental health benefits. Follow the link below to find more information about the listed benefits.

Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering :

  • Boost your mood and help improve your physical health
  • Sharpen your focus
  • Energize you into productivity mode
  • Relieve anxiety

It may seem difficult to find a starting point when trying to declutter your space. It is important to start small. Michigan State University Extension recommends the following tips:

  • Begin small. If you try to redo everything at once, you will be overwhelmed and probably give up. Choose one place or area to begin in your home – one drawer, one room or one pile of mail.
  • Make a home for everything. When you begin, designate a place for each item that is adding to the clutter. Share information on where things belong with family members.
  • Purge regularly. “When in doubt, throw it out” – this could include outdated food, medicines, broken toys and out-grown or unused clothes. Recycle when you can and donate items that others may find useful.
  • Give your mind a thorough dusting and cleaning. When you purposefully choose to let go of things that are out of your control, you make room for improved relationships and less stress.

According to Utah State University Extension, some other tips that you may find beneficial is asking for help. Turning to your family and friends can make the task seem less daunting. Try beginning with a positive mindset. The following tips can be helpful in managing your clutter.

  • Ask a friend or family member to help you. If you find it difficult to start on your own, you can always invite others to either help you or just be there to keep you company. It can be difficult to ask, but most people are more than willing to help. Especially if you have a major project— the more help you have, the more you will feel that this project is accomplishable.
  • Always begin cleaning with a positive mind. There is no right way to declutter because we all have different needs. Put your mind into a state that will allow you to freely wander as you straighten up and organize. Practice a positive mind with deep breathing and positive thoughts towards yourself, what you’re about to do, and then what you accomplish.

Even if you don’t know where to start, begin by starting small in your decluttering journey. Over time you will learn what works for you and how to best organize for your life, wellbeing, and mental health.

Resources:

Beckwith, A., & Parkhurst, E. (2022, July 2). The mental health benefits of decluttering. USU. https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering

Gail Innis, M. S. U. E. (2021, March 9). Declutter your life and improve your health. MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/declutter_your_life_and_improve_your_health

Author: Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development, Union County

Reviewer: Jennifer Little, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hancock County

Celebrate Today with Herbs!

herbs

There is always something to celebrate.

According to holidayscalendar.com, August 29th  is “More Herbs, Less Salt Day”, something that should be observed all year long. Sometimes, as we strive to eat more healthfully, the emphasis is on all the things we are to avoid, such as fat, sodium, and sugar. In observance of this “holiday” which promotes the addition of herbs in place of salt, we are adding flavor to our foods while improving our dietary habits.

While salt has been around for thousands of years, as a necessary preservative, prior to refrigeration and modern food safety practices, it is now used more for flavor enhancement in many recipes and packaged foods. Unfortunately, a harmful side effect of consuming too much salt, or its sodium component, is high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, among other conditions. 

So, let’s celebrate today by looking at herbs, which can make our foods more delicious and nutritious without added salt! While herbs can be grown or purchased fresh, for convenience, they may also be dried and stored or purchased in a crumbled or ground state. Remember that the potency of flavor varies by the form, so the amount used in recipes will differ. Fresh to dry is usually about a 3 to 1 ratio. Approximate equivalents of various forms of herbs are:

1 tablespoon finely cut fresh = 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled = ¼ to 1/2 teaspoon ground/powder 

“Herb” is the term used to describe the leaves of plants that are generally low to the ground, while the term “spices” refers to seasonings made from bark, roots, buds, seeds, berries or fruit of plants and trees.  Both herbs and spices are used as flavor enhancements, which also add nutrients to a dish, like their whole plant counterparts. Many herbs used in cooking contain known vitamins and minerals as well as other phytonutrients that have been found to help protect the body from chronic disease, such as diabetes or cancer.

Some of the easiest herbs to incorporate into foods are basil and chives, due to their familiar tastes, as basil is found in many popular ethnic dishes and teams well with meats, tomato, rice and vegetables.  Chives, add flavor similar to their onion cousins and are welcome additions to salads, stews, vegetables, and savory sauces. Mint is also easy to incorporate in both savory and sweet dishes, including beverages. Simply crumble a few mint leaves into a pitcher of tea or lemonade or use to freshen your iced water. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Many popular recipe websites allow visitors to search for dishes using specific herbs. 

If you find you enjoy using herbs in the kitchen, you may consider growing your own.  Herbs are, generally, hearty plants, requiring little work, and many grow well in containers for year-round harvesting. OSU Extension has featured this topic on Extension Today  and has composed an online fact sheet “Selecting, Storing and Using Fresh Herbs” that includes specific ways to use various herbs in addition to how to select and store fresh herbs.

Sources:

Afdenkamp B.  Add Flavor with Herbs and Spices. Updated 2023. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. https://food.unl.edu/free-resources/newsletters/food-fun-young-children/add-flavor-herbs-and-spices

Riley J. MS, RD. Selecting, Storing and Using Fresh Herbs. Published July 26, 2021. Ohioline HYG-5520. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5520.

Lobb J and McDermott T. Herb Growing and Use. Extension Today, NBC4. https://extension.osu.edu/today/herb-growing-and-use.

Author: Jennifer Little, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hancock County

Reviewer: Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development, Union County

You’re Ready to Retire-Now What?

We spend decades working hard and saving, so our retirement years should be what you envision.  However, preparing financially is only one part of the puzzle when it comes to a happy and fulfilling life in retirement. We also need to plan for the emotional aspects of retirement as well. As we make this transition to retired life, there are several stages that we go through to reach harmony in our newly invented life.

Stage 1 is often referred to as the honeymoon stage or vacation stage. You are finally free from all the obligations and pressures that come with being employed. No more alarm clocks, meetings, or deadlines. You get to do whatever you want all day long. For most people, this is what they envision when they think of retired life. However, honeymoons don’t last forever, and many retirees find themselves moving out of this stage.

Stage 2 is often referred to as the disenchantment stage; when we feel lost and feel a deal of loss. In this stage many people report feeling restless, bored, unfulfilled, and even depressed. Studies show that this is due to a lack of purpose and/or the feeling of significant loss. In this stage, people This stage is also a time that people feel a series of losses that include the loss of routine, loss of their identity, loss of work relationships, loss of sense of purpose, and a loss of feelings of power. Recognizing these feelings is the first step to taking steps to move beyond this stage.

Stage 3 is called the reorientation stage. In this stage, individuals take time to evaluate priorities and work to clarify what can be done to regain a sense of purpose. It is also a time to try new things, find hobbies and rediscover or uncover passions. This stage might include some trial and error, but taking the time to truly evaluate what gives your purpose will allow for the transition into the final stage.

Stage 4 is referred to as the stability stage in retirement. After the initial excitement and the highs and lows of retirement have worn off, people start to find a new normal. This is the time that individuals get to reinvent themselves and settle into new routines that lead to feelings of accomplishment.

Just like planning for financial security in retirement, there should also be retirement for emotional security. The plan should include resources like meaningful activities, social engagements, and a sense of purpose. For more information how to make a smooth transition into retirement, please view our Healthy Aging Network Telecast on this topic.

Written by: Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Clark County

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County

References:

Chamberlin, J. (2014), Retiring Minds Want to Know, American Psychological Association, Vol 45, No. 1

Mitchell, T. (2021), The Retirement Process: A Psychological and Emotional Journey, The University of Washington Retirement Association, Retrieved from: https://www.washington.edu/uwra/terry-mitchell/

Moynes, R. (2017) Squeezing All the Juice Out of Retirement

Who’s on the Sideline?

Athletic Trainers and Sports Medical staff examine football player on the field
OSU Athletic Trainers and Sports Medicine staff

As fall sports are kicking off, knowing who is taking care of your child on the sideline is essential. While you probably know the coaches, have you met the Athletic Trainer? According to Nationwide Children’s, approximately three million youth are seen in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries, and another five million youth are seen by their primary care physician or at a sports medicine clinic. Athletic Trainers (AT) play a crucial role in your Child’s health. Did you know ATs are certified and licensed healthcare professionals collaborating with physicians?  ATs provide more than just water on the sideline; they are trained to prevent, treat, and rehab emergent, acute, and chronic injuries and medical conditions. ATs are trained to identify and treat concussions, heat stroke, diabetic emergencies, sickle cell crises, spin injuries, and sudden cardiac arrest.

In January of 2023, during a Monday night NFL football game, everyone saw the power of having Athletic Trainers on the sideline. Damar Hamlin experienced a sudden cardiac emergency, and the Buffalo Bills Athletic Training staff provided immediate emergency care, saving his life.

Athletic Trainer tapes student athletes thumb
Athletic Trainer tapes student athlete

Having an AT on the sidelines allows for immediate response to emergencies; their primary focus is the safety of the athletes. They are involved in daily monitoring of student-athletes, facilities, and daily athletic activities and procedures to prevent preventable injuries. Unfortunately, not every high school has access to ATs. The National Athletic Trainer Association estimates only 37% of high schools have full-time athletic training services. In Ohio, 46% of secondary schools have at least one full-time AT, and 19% of Ohio High Schools do not have any athletic training services. Younger youth sports do not typically have athletic training services, and often rely on coaches or parents in an emergency. Please advocate to the school board, administration, and athletic directors the importance of having AT on the sidelines of games and full-time.

References

Kid’s sports injuries: The numbers are impressive. (n.d.). Nationwide Children’s Hospital. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/kids-sports-injuries-the-numbers-are-impressive#:~:text=Approximately%20three%20million%20youth%20are,sports%20medicine%20clinic%20for%20injuries

The risks high school athletes face when there is a lack of athletic trainers. (2019, December). Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association. https://oata.org/articles/the_risks_hs_athletes_face_without_AT#:~:text=According%20to%20ATLAS%2C%20of%20the,athletic%20training%20services%20at%20all

Study finds that student athlete safety is not a priority in high schools across the United States. (2019, November 21). National Athletic Trainer Association. https://www.nata.org/press-release/112119/study-finds-student-athlete-safety-not-priority-high-schools-across-united

Who are athletic trainers? (n.d.). Athletic Trainers: What they do and where they work. https://www.atyourownrisk.org/who-are-athletic-trainers

Photo Credits:
Ohio State University Athletic Trainers with football player by Ohio State University Athletic Training Program
Athletic Trainer taping student athlete by Laura Halladay

Written by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County

Reviewed by: Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Clark County

Prioritizing the Work of the Family 2023 & Beyond

Work and family teaching resources from the 1970s: a "Safety in the Kitchen" guide

Photo shows work and family teaching resources from the 1970s. It always helps to “look backward to look forward”.

Earlier this summer I attended the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) 114th Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.  The four-day conference is a national exhibition convened by FCS professionals to explore the field of study focused on the science and the art of living and working well in our complex world. WOW! What an important profession.

I attended a session at the conference titled “From Home Economics to Home Equity – How Education Can Help Close the Chore Gap’ presented by Elizabeth Kinney, Senior Director Communications, Proctor & Gamble (P&G).  Her presentation included consumer research conducted by P&G Home Care brands during the pandemic that resulted in an educational initiative titled Home Eq[uity].  Elizabeth also provided copies of the book titled Fair Play by Eve Rodsky to further support our understanding of the topic. 

Now for the real purpose of this posting. How do you and your family prioritize the work of your family now and into the future?  As I read the book, I shared my learning and thoughts with my coworkers. The discussion started amongst two of us and has spread throughout the office and beyond into our families. 

I realized that this experiential learning might benefit other individuals and families as we all are challenged by changing family dynamics as we live and work in our complex world.

Let’s launch our own Live Healthy Live Well campaign to explore the Work of the Family and specifically your family.  Follow these steps-

  • Identify the daily tasks that are required to meet your needs and wants.
  • Identify who is completing these tasks currently.
  • Reflect back on the task list and who is completing the tasks.
  • Record what you discovered and your feelings about what you learned.
  • Identify what needs changed and what should stay the same.
  • Plan for sharing with other adult family members.
  • Identify what you have learned about the Work of Your Family.

It is time to share back through the Live Healthy Live Well blog what you have discovered about your family and the work they do. I look forward to reporting back the results of our local Live Healthy Live Well campaign to – Prioritize the Work of the Family now and into the future.

Written by: Margaret Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Clermont County

Reviewed by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Mahoning County

References:

  1. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences https://www.aafcs.org/home
  2. Home Equity  https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230124005045/en/From-Home-Ec-to-Home-Eq-uity-PGs-Dawn-Swiffer-brands-partner-with-Hello-Sunshines-Fair-Play-to-Help-Close-the-Chore-Gap-with-New-Curriculum
  3. Fair Play https://www.google.com/books/edition/Fair_Play/cV6IDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

From Home Economics to Family and Consumer Sciences

A family of four

Today, as Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Educators, often we are asked what is FCS?   FCS was originally called Home Economics, a study of how to manage a household and its resources efficiently and sustainably. In the 1990’s Home Economics was rebranded to Family and Consumers Sciences which includes  the comprehensive skills, research and knowledge that helps people make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.  FCS is the only profession that integrates knowledge from the basic disciplines of science, humanities, and the arts.  It also integrates math, reading, communication and organizational skills, and work readiness in each area of study. 

Today’s FCS professionals practice in multiple settings. Academic education in early childhood, elementary, secondary, and higher education.  Community education for adults and youth includes Extension programs, business and industry, government,  and health and human services who address the issues most important to our quality of life.

The value of FCS through education and technology includes the essential knowledge and skills to:

  • Lead better lives.
  • Build strong families.
  • Be work and community ready.
  • Make meaningful contributions to our communities.

Content areas of FCS include:

  • Education and training.
  • Culinary arts, hospitality, and tourism.
  • Food science and nutrition.
  • Health management and wellness.
  • Housing and interior design.
  • Human/child development and family relations.
  • Personal and family finance.
  • Textiles, apparel and retail.
  • Sustainable practices, consumerism, and leadership.

Live Healthy, Live Well Blog is written by a group of FCS professionals addressing the FCS mission of living and working well in our world today.  Our goal is to be effective and make a difference in people’s lives.  In October 2023, the Ohio Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is hosting their annual conference in Columbus, Ohio.  We invite you to learn more about Ohio FCS and join us for this conference.

Here is the link for more information:  https://www.oafcs.org/

 Written by:  Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Margaret Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Clermont County, jenkins.188@osu.edu

References:

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences https://www.aafcs.org/home

Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension Home | Family and Consumer Sciences (osu.edu)

USDA, National Institutes of Food and Agriculture Division of Family & Consumer Sciences | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (usda.gov)

The World of Early Intervention

Woman reading to children

The world of Early Intervention was not something that I was familiar with. When our pediatrician brought up concerns about a speech delay for our daughter, I quickly found myself navigating the services that can be provided for her and for us. It can be difficult as a parent to ask for help or to accept the fact that your child may not be thriving or be behind. However, the first three years of life are some of the most important years in terms of development. While it may be difficult as a parent or caregiver to acknowledge there may be an issue with their child, taking steps as early as possible can help in having positive outcomes for the child. Agencies that provide services for these young children are vital. These programs may go by different names depending on their state; for example, “Early On Michigan”, “West Virginia Zero to Three”, “Early Childhood Intervention” (Texas), and here in Ohio, “Ohio Early Intervention”.

What is EI? Early Intervention is a program through the state that helps children from birth to age three with an identified delay or disability. EI provides services and supports to help family members and caregivers enhance children’s learning and development through learning opportunities. EI covers needs for young children who have speech delays, physical challenges, behavioral challenges, autism diagnosis and more.

How do you know if your child needs services? While every child develops and learns at their own pace, there are some milestones and activities children should be doing around a certain age. There are a few reputable sources such as the CDC Milestone Tracker to see where you child is in development. Your child’s pediatrician is also a great person to talk with if you have concerns. Sometimes, you fill out paperwork including an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to assess the skills your child has at their age. This is just one indication of the strengths and challenges of your child.

What is the process? You, your pediatrician, or other professionals may make a referral. Once you get connected to Early Intervention you will be paired with a service coordinator. This person will help you to navigate the Early Intervention process. In Early Intervention the process may differ depending on the needs and goals of the child. However, in most cases you will have a meeting to assess your child, a meeting to identify your goals for your child, and visits from service providers such as speech therapists or occupational therapists to work with you and your child to help reach their goals.

If you suspect that your child has a delay or other need, please do not wait! The earlier a child receives services to help in their development, the better their outcome may be.  

Written by Katie Schlagheck, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Ottawa & Sandusky Counties

Reviewed by Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Franklin County

Sources:

Center on the Developing Child. Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/guide/what-is-early-childhood-development-a-guide-to-the-science/

Ohio Early Intervention. https://ohioearlyintervention.org/

Whole Grains from Around the World

When it comes to grain foods, we often hear the nutrition advice to “make half our grains whole grains”. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel, which includes the bran, germ, and endosperm. Refined grains, on the other hand, have undergone processing and no longer contain their bran or germ. This processing is done to give grains a finer texture and improve their shelf life, but unfortunately it also removes dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins. Many refined grains are enriched, meaning certain vitamins and minerals are added back; however, fiber is not added back to enriched grains. Therefore, it is recommended we choose whole grains as much as possible to get the nutritional benefits they provide.

Looking for whole grain options of your favorite grain foods like bread, crackers, cereal, and pasta is one way to make half your grains whole grains. Another way is to enjoy grains that are perhaps not as familiar. The Whole Grain Council provides a list of grains from A to Z and even features a different grain each month with a grain of the month calendar. How many grains on the list below have you tried? If your answer is “not many”, challenge yourself to try a new one this month, or even a new one each month throughout the year.

a skillet contained cooked whole grain couscous, chopped vegetables, raisins and feta cheese
Curried Couscous Salad
  • Amaranth
  • Barley
  • Buckwheat
  • Bulgur
  • Corn
  • Einkorn
  • Farro
  • Fonio
  • Freekah
  • Kamut
  • Kaniwa
  • Millet
  • Oats
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Rye
  • Sorghum
  • Spelt
  • Teff
  • Triticale
  • Wheat
  • Wild Rice

Whole grains are grown and consumed all over the world. When trying a new grain, you may wish to try a traditional dish from a different county or region to better appreciate the global flavors of whole grains. For example, you could try an Ethiopian Veggie Loaf made with Teff, Algerian Whole-Wheat Couscous with Red Beans and Vegetables, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Chickpeas, Curried Couscous Salad, Three Sisters Wild Rice Salad, Barley Hoppin’ John, Black Quinoa Asian Slaw or Italian Farro Soup – just to name a few ideas!

Do you have a favorite whole grain or a recipe that uses one of these grains? If so, please share it in the comment section below!

Written by Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Franklin County

Reviewed by Katie Schlagheck, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Ottawa & Sandusky Counites

Sources:

Oldways Whole Grains Council. https://wholegrainscouncil.org/

USDA MyPlate. Grains. https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/grains

Why Reading Is Good for You

Several years ago, I wrote a blog post for “Book Lovers Day”, which is coming up later this month. Since that time my co-workers and I have created a new virtual Book Club where we talk books with those who have signed up, while sharing information related to relationships, finances, food, mental health, and other wellness topics. One that we frequently have touched on is the benefits of reading. So why should you read? a variety of books on a bed

  • One of the most important reasons to read is because a brain that is challenged and stimulated stays mentally strong. Do this by reading, playing games, or puzzles.  
  • Reading can reduce stress. Studies show that reading reduces stress more than taking a walk, listening to music, playing video games, or drinking a cup of tea or coffee. The shocking thing is – you only need to read 6 minutes a day to achieve this stress reduction.
  • Reading encourages empathy. A number of research studies have supported that people who read fiction tend to better understand and share in the feelings of others. Through reading we can explore other cultures, professions, ethnicities, income levels, or time periods. Exposing children to a variety of books can help build more empathetic adults.
  • Children who read have improved language skills, imaginations, concentration, and creativity. Reading to or with your child or grandchild builds stronger relationships. For young children any interaction with a book is good – holding, page turning, even taking them on and off the shelf.
  • Reading is good for your community too. Readers are more likely to contribute to their community – volunteering more than twice as often than non-readers.

While you are reading be sure to check out different genres or even tropes within a genre. By doing this you can improve your vocabulary, develop a broader perspective, and may even renew your love of reading if you haven’t enjoyed a book lately. There are up to 30 or more different genres to choose from, but several of the most popular are: romance, mystery, fantasy, biography, self-help, and even inspirational.  The next time you grab a gook why not try a new genre, or maybe one you haven’t picked up in a while. Styles change over time. If you have vision problems or like to multitask – try an audio book. I have listened to over 50 books while driving, doing dishes or laundry this year. My library has a vast catalog of titles in several genres available.

Hopefully you can be like I am – using reading as your main method of stress relief. Share your favorite genre or author in the comments. I will happily respond with a few of my recent favorites.

Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.

Reviewer: Jenny Lobb, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County.

Health Reasons for Grilling

eba6cc1c-d7b6-4cca-8b41-e43713581b66
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

My two brothers, my son and I have a text thread that we share. It’s a connection that we all enjoy. One of the most frequent topics of connection is grilling and smoking food. We send pictures of what we are cooking, recipes, it keeps us close despite distance. Social connection is one reason to grill.

Often the grill is fired up for gatherings, holidays, or special occasions. Social Wellness is our ability to interact with others, which can be improved by shared time and food grilling.

Spending time outdoors in a green space has positive health benefits. Fresh air, sunshine, improved emotional health all result from spending time outdoors. On hot summer days cooking outside doesn’t heat the home up.

The nutritional value of most foods is maintained or even improved by grilling. Vitamins and minerals are leached out into the food if it is cooked at higher temperatures. Little to no fat needs to be added. Fat melts and drips off instead of reabsorbed meat, so it is not consumed like with most other cooking methods. Reduce the frequency of consuming traditional higher fat items like burgers, sausages, and hotdogs to maximize the reduction of saturated fat. Instead grill leaner cuts of meat, fish, skinless chicken, mushrooms, fruits, or vegetables. Less processed foods are consumed if food is grilled.

The flavor is the largest benefit for me. None of the other benefits in themselves might be enough to cook outdoors if it were not for taste. It just tastes better. There is science behind that statement. Smoke produced from grilling adds flavor, like another ingredient. The taste of certain woods is infused in the flavor profile. The Maillard reaction produces flavor and aroma during the cooking process, beginning when the surface temperature reaches 280- and 300-degrees Fahrenheit. Food with amino acids reacts to sugar molecules and breaks down to produce new flavor molecules, producing that nice brown crust, like baked bread.

Foods without protein will experience caramelization, like the Maillard reaction. Meat coated with rubs, marinades or sauces will caramelize, as will fruits like pineapple, bananas or apples when grilled.

Using a thermometer is recommended for cooking. When grilling always cook foods the minimum safe internal temperatures:
Measure with a meat thermometer or probe:
Poultry- 165 degrees F
Ground meat-160 degrees F
Steaks -145 degrees F (medium rare)
Fish- 145 degrees F
Sauces or leftovers 165- degrees F
Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Keep food out of “The Danger Zone” 40-140 degrees F.

Author: Ken Stewart, Ohio State University, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Monroe County

Reviewer: Lisa Barlage, Ohio State University, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ross County

Sources:

9 Dimensions of Wellness- American Nurse Today –
htps://wellness.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2021/05/9%20Dimensions%20of%20Wellness%20Digital.pdf#page=19
Top 10 Tips for Healthy Grilling, American Heart Association- htps://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/add-color/top-ten-􀆟ps-for-healthy-grilling-and-barbecuing/
New York Health-Health Benefits of Grilling Food-htps://nyhealth.com/news/health-benefits-of-grilling-food/
Science Direct-Miallard Reaction-https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/maillard-reaction

Mastering Food Safety on the Grill blog- Kendle, Christine, April 20, 2023-htps://livehealthyosu.com/2023/04/20/mastering-food-safety-on-the-grill/
How’s Your Environmental Wellness? – Stanton, Laura M., May 2, 2022- htps://livehealthyosu.com/2022/05/02/hows-your-environmental-wellness/
Waste Less Food- Lobb, Jenny , May 26, 2023 -htps://livehealthyosu.com/2023/05/26/waste-less-food/