University of Memphis Initiates Nutritional Lunch Series with Hands-On Grilling Class Experience

Memphis students Sharpen Culinary Skills with New Grilling Workshop

September 7, 2025

The University of Memphis launched its fall semester nutrition program on September 5th, with an inaugural lunch class held at the Sports Complex. Participants dove into the fundamentals of grilling,culminating in the preparation of their own grilled pizzas.

This initiative is headed by Melissa Petersen, Assistant Director of Nutrition Programming and Operations at the R. Brad Martin Student Wellness Center. Petersen, who also instructs within the university’s Tiger Food Lab, emphasized the program’s intention: to empower students with practical cooking abilities they can utilize long after graduation.

“the idea is that most students, after leaving college, will have access to a grill before they acquire specialized kitchen appliances like a food processor,” Petersen explained. “Grilling is a remarkably healthy, cost-effective cooking method that offers endless possibilities for culinary creativity.”

The program will continue offering classes on select Fridays throughout the fall semester. Interested students can find registration details on the Campus Recreation website. Each session has a $15 fee to cover the cost of ingredients and includes a prepared lunch. Petersen expressed her hope that thes classes will provide a relaxed, non-intimidating environment for students to build their confidence in the kitchen.

“Frequently enough, all it takes is getting hands-on experience to become cozy,” Petersen stated. “The grill is a versatile cooking tool – it combines the functions of a stove and an oven, simplifying the cooking process.”

Why Grilling Skills Matter for College Students

According to data from the National Restaurant Association, over 60% of adults report cooking at home at least five times a week, a figure that has been steadily rising as 2020.Cooking at home offers meaningful cost savings compared to frequent dining out, a major consideration for students managing budgets.

Did You Know? Grilling can actually help retain more nutrients in food compared to boiling, as fewer nutrients leach into the water.

Cooking method	Cost	Health Benefits	Versatility
Grilling	Low	High (reduced fat, nutrient retention)	Very High
Frying	Moderate	Moderate (potential for added fats)	High
Boiling	Low	Moderate (nutrient loss possible)	Moderate

Pro Tip: Marinating meats before grilling not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize them and reduce the formation of potentially harmful compounds.

The Growing Importance of Culinary Literacy

beyond the immediate benefits for college students, this program highlights a broader trend: the increasing recognition of “culinary literacy” as an essential life skill. Knowing how to prepare healthy, affordable meals is linked to improved nutrition, financial well-being, and overall quality of life.

Many universities are now incorporating cooking classes or nutritional workshops into their wellness programs, recognizing that student success extends beyond academics. These programs contribute to a culture of health and well-being on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling and Nutrition

• What are the health benefits of grilling? Grilling can be a healthy cooking method as it requires little to no added fats and can definitely help retain nutrients.
• Is grilling more affordable than eating out? Absolutely. Grilling at home is significantly more cost-effective than dining at restaurants.
• What equipment do I need to start grilling? A grill is essential, but basic tools like tongs, a spatula, and a meat thermometer are highly recommended.
• How can I make grilling more sustainable? Choose sustainably sourced meats and produce, and consider using a charcoal grill powered by renewable bamboo charcoal.
• What are some easy grilling recipes for beginners? Grilled chicken, vegetables, and simple pizzas are great starting points.

What are your thoughts on university-led cooking programs? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!

How does the University of Memphis’ nutritional lunch series directly address concerns about student wellness and academic performance?

University of Memphis Initiates Nutritional Lunch Series with Hands-On Grilling Class Experiance

Fueling Minds & Bodies: A New Approach to Campus Wellness

The University of Memphis has launched an innovative nutritional lunch series, kicking off with a highly engaging, hands-on grilling class experience. This initiative aims to empower students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and skills to make healthier food choices, focusing on practical cooking techniques and the benefits of a balanced diet. The program directly addresses growing concerns about student wellness, healthy eating habits, and the impact of nutrition on academic performance.This series falls under broader campus health initiatives promoting preventative healthcare and lifestyle improvements.

The Grilling Class: Beyond Burgers and Hot Dogs

The inaugural event wasn’t just about throwing food on the grill; it was a complete workshop covering everything from selecting lean protein sources to crafting flavorful marinades and side dishes. Led by registered dietitians and culinary professionals, the class emphasized:

Lean Protein Choices: Participants learned about the nutritional differences between various proteins – chicken, fish, turkey, lean beef, and plant-based alternatives like tofu and tempeh – and how to incorporate them into a healthy grilling plan.

Marinade magic: The importance of marinades wasn’t just about flavor. Experts demonstrated how marinades can tenderize meat and reduce the formation of harmful compounds created during high-heat cooking. Recipes focused on low-sodium, sugar-conscious options.

Vegetable Variety: Grilling isn’t limited to meat! The class showcased the versatility of vegetables on the grill, highlighting techniques for perfectly grilled asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and even fruit.

Healthy Side Dishes: Complementing the grilled mains, participants prepared fast and easy side salads and whole-grain options, emphasizing portion control and balanced meals.

Grilling Safety: A crucial component of the workshop covered safe grilling practices, including proper grill maintenance, food handling, and temperature monitoring.

Nutritional Benefits of Grilling

Grilling, when done correctly, offers several nutritional advantages. ItS a relatively low-fat cooking method, as excess fat drips away during the process. However, it’s significant to be mindful of potential health concerns:

Reduced Fat Content: Grilling minimizes the need for added oils and fats, contributing to lower calorie intake.

Preservation of Nutrients: Compared to boiling, grilling can help retain more vitamins and minerals in food.

Minimizing Harmful compounds: Marinating meats and avoiding charring can considerably reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), potentially carcinogenic compounds.

Increased Fiber intake: Pairing grilled proteins with grilled vegetables and whole grains boosts fiber consumption, promoting digestive health and satiety.

Beyond the Grill: Upcoming Sessions in the Nutritional Lunch Series

The grilling class is just the beginning. The University of Memphis plans to host a series of workshops throughout the semester, each focusing on a different aspect of healthy eating and cooking. Planned topics include:

1. Mediterranean Diet Workshop: Exploring the principles of the Mediterranean diet and its benefits for heart health and overall well-being.
2. Plant-Based Cooking Class: Demonstrating delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes, catering to vegetarian and vegan diets.
3. smart Snacking Strategies: Providing guidance on healthy snacking options to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
4. Meal Prepping 101: Teaching participants how to efficiently plan and prepare meals in advance, saving time and promoting healthy eating habits.
5. Decoding Food Labels: Empowering individuals to understand food labels and make informed purchasing decisions.

Supporting Student Wellness: A Campus-Wide initiative

This nutritional lunch series aligns with the University of Memphis’ broader commitment to student wellness. resources available to students include:

Campus Recreation Center: Offering fitness classes, gym access, and wellness programs.

Student Health Services: Providing medical care,counseling services,and health education.

Registered Dietitian Consultations: Offering personalized nutrition counseling to students with specific dietary needs or health concerns.

Healthy Dining Options: Increasing the availability of healthy food choices in campus dining halls and cafes.

Practical Tips for Healthy grilling at Home

Want to replicate the grilling class experience at home? Here are a few practical tips:

choose Lean Cuts: opt for sirloin, flank steak, chicken breast, or fish.

Trim Visible Fat: Remove excess fat before grilling.

Marinate, Marinate, Marinate: Use low-sodium marinades to tenderize and flavor your food.

Control the Heat: Avoid high flames that can cause charring.

Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Load Up on Veggies: Grill a variety of colorful vegetables alongside your protein.

Pair with Whole Grains: Serve your grilled meal with quinoa,brown rice,or a whole-wheat roll.

Real-World Impact: Student Feedback

Initial feedback from the grilling class has been overwhelmingly positive. Students praised the hands-on approach, the practical tips, and the delicious recipes. Manny expressed a newfound confidence in their ability to prepare healthy meals at home. One student commented, “I always thought grilling was just about burgers, but I learned so much about healthy options and how to make grilling a part of a balanced diet.” The university plans to continue